[Resolved] DoAll Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw - Nov. 29

The DoAll Vertical Bandsaw in the Metal Shop is not working. It could be a minor electrical problem or a complete failure of the motor. :man_shrugging:

Ethan ordered a new rotary switch. Hopefully that is the issue. All the signs point to the switch being the culprit.

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I’ve verified the switch is the problem, but the first switch sent to us was defective. I ordered an alternative part, ETA Thursday, so I will likely have this back up Friday.

The DoAll is fully operational again, with a new power switch and a new blade.

The blade cuts very well when it is sharp, but we have been dulling these blades far too fast. Heat greatly accelerates tool wear, so I remind everyone that you must use cutting fluid when cutting steel on the DoAll. You should also use it for thicker plates of aluminum, roughly anything a half inch or thicker. With the hand spray bottles, it would be difficult to use too much cutting fluid. Too much is better than not enough.

Also, while the DoAll does require more effort to push a piece through than most machines, it still shouldn’t require significant exertion. This is not a rapid cutting machine; it should take some time to get through a piece. People are powering pieces rapidly through, which also dulls the blade excessively. Then people are exerting even more force to overcome the dull blade, which creates a downward spiral. Be patient and let the blade do the work. If you are really making no progress with a reasonable force, then report the dull blade to the stewards.

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