Bandsaw blades
Selecting band saw blades for meat and seafood. Having the correct blade specification for a specific cutting operation likewise requires the ideal band saw machine.
Saws for cutting meat are typically of all stainless steel construction with easy to clean features. The blades either have fine teeth with heat-treated tips, or have plain or scalloped knife edges.
To have high yield in cutting a specific food product, a good band saw machine with the correct blade specification is needed. Kerf size largely determines product waste in cutting. Kerf is the total of the blade thickness (blade’s gauge) plus the tooth set. The gauge is the blade’s thickness prior to tooth setting (blade’s rear end thickness). For example, a band saw blade with a 0.5 mm (.020”) gauge may have a 0.8 mm (.032”) Kerf.
Most commercial model band saws use a 16 mm (5/8″) wide blade with thickness of 0.5 mm (.020″) or 0.56 mm (.022″), and with 3 TP1 (Teeth Per Inch) for a high-speed saw. That is, at blade speed of 900+ metres per minute (3 000 feet per minute) or faster; and 4 TPI for regular blade speed.
A band saw with a small diameter wheel (250 mm or 10”, or less) needs a thinner blade like a 0.5 mm (.020”). It makes a sharper turn for the blade in the rotation path, which shortens the life of a thicker blade.
The blade’s length depends on the diameter of the wheels and its centre-line distance from each other. This length is defined by the band saw manufacturer, including its tolerance (the blade’s minimum and maximum length accepted).
Product waste accumulates in the gullet (the space between the teeth) during cutting. The 3 TPI’s larger gullet is then better than 4 TPI on high-speed saws. Most of the waste not “caught” by the gullet remains as “dust” on the cut product. Using a 4 TPI in a high-speed band saw will most likely leave more “dust”.
Hard tooth (heat treated) on a band saw blade increases the tooth’s sharpness life and allows cutting of harder products. The tooth set is needed to cut hard products such as bones, frozen foods, etc. The so-called scallop blade (“knife blade”), usually with 2 TPI, is for slicing fresh and boneless product, in which case no tooth set is needed.
A fine set, say, 1.2 mm (.005”) gives higher yield, but the operator will exert more effort in pushing the food against the blade during cutting. A coarse set, say, 2.35 mm (.009”) will require less effort, but, of course, will have more product waste. It is then easy to understand why the blade with a coarse set gives some band saw operators the impression this blade type is sharper.
The additional cutting effort will be reduced substantially if a high-speed band saw is utilised on a fine set blade. Higher labour productivity is then attained with higher product yield.
Although having a relatively shorter life, blades with thin gauge, such as 0.35 mm (.014”), with fine tooth set are best for having the best yield in costly meat products such as frozen non-shell sea foods, especially in portion cutting.
Thin blades move sideways wider, producing more product waste and, as they wobble at slow speed, have an accelerated shorter life. Therefore, thin gauge blades should be used only on a high-speed band saw with the correct narrow blade guides.
In addition to what has been stated, perhaps the most important feature of the band saw is to have a blade rotation with less lateral blade movement, even at the desired high blade speed. Band saw features that manage this specific benefit are well-balanced wheels, wheel alignment, blade tension and blade tracking system – a feature which usually makes a band saw’s performance above the ordinary.
Local suppliers include Caterweb, Renlaw, Bizerba, Mima Butchery Equipment, Crown National, Freddy Hirsch, and to name but a few.
RENLAW
Industrial toothed blades
Renlaw’s range of industrial toothed blades is manufactured from high quality toolsteels or food safe stainless steels to suit your specific needs.
We are able to customize the pitch, shape and spacing of your industrial toothed blades. We also have the scope to add whatever slots, holes, or mounting service you may need to secure our blades to your machine.
The applications are endless! We supply a vast array of industries with thoothed knives and blades for to be used for processes as diverse as you can imagine.
CATERWEB
Caterweb is a leading supplier of the latest and most esteemed brands of high-quality catering equipment and commercial refrigeration solutions, tailored specifically for the hospitality and food industry. Our reach spans across South Africa and into neighbouring countries, ensuring that businesses in the region have access to superior equipment.
We take pride in providing a wide array of products that cater to every aspect of the catering sector. With our competitive pricing and varied brand selection, customers can conveniently find everything they need in one location, offering a seamless “One-Stop Online” Catering Equipment Showroom experience.
In addition to our extensive online inventory, we invite customers to explore our fully stocked physical showroom. This allows potential buyers to engage with our products directly and receive personalized assistance tailored to their needs.
At Caterweb, we provide outstanding service to all our customers. We understand the importance of each order, which is why we treat every request with utmost urgency and care. Our commitment to timely delivery ensures that our customers receive their orders promptly, enabling them to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Caterweb is your trusted partner in catering solutions, committed to meeting the diverse needs of the hospitality and food industry. Whether you are searching for high-quality equipment or exceptional service, we are here to support your business every step of the way. With Caterweb, you can confidently equip your operations for success. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers and helping them thrive in a competitive marketplace.
MIMA BUTCHERY SUPPLIES
Since 1995 MIMA has been supplying butchers and meat lovers with all that is needed for the processing side.
Need casings? Spares? Spice? We can help.
We assisted many newcomers to the market in the choice of buying the correct equipment for their individual needs. Our large range of models and brand names ensure that your specific requirements are met.
Our after sales service made our clients come back. We promise that if we do not stock the spares that you are looking for – we will do our best to find it for you.
The MIMA brand has been added to our list of spices. ALLDAYS BILTONG, ALLDAYS BOEREWORS & ALLDAYS DRYWORS have become popular amongst those that thought it worth a try.
Looking for smalls like cutting boards, knives, scrapers, skewers etc.? We can help! We stock anything needed in the production process of meat.
Mima is a well-established business based in Pretoria, but we are more than willing to come to you!
