Should I use cutting fluid with a bandsaw?
A. If you use your bandsaw to cut metal, then a good cutting fluid (with extreme pressure additives) is vital to prolong the lifespan of the blade. There are very few metals which do not require cutting fluid and it should be used with virtually all steel and steel alloy products. It is necessary to choose between a water soluble fluid or a neat cutting fluid, particularly when bi-metal blades are being used. It is generally more economical to use water soluble fluid where the materials being cut fall into the low carbon, low alloy, general purpose category. Better results will be achieved with neat cutting oil where high carbon, high alloy and stainless steels are being cut. Sufficient fluid should be used to ensure the work piece is kept cool and to flush swarf from the blades teeth. Insufficient fluid will allow the work piece to warm up and allow swarf to cling to the blade causing choking and the teeth to strip.
