A little care goes a long way in prolonging the life of the tool

A tool is one of the most important inputs in any manufacturing activity. The blade in case of bandsaws and other sawing machinery is literally a tool with the cutting edge. Any cost that one can 'Cut' on 'Cutting Tools' is a big bonus. Experience says that more often than not, the break-even cost of the machine is met by using the right tool. By the right tool, it is understood to mean the direct and the indirect cost as well.

The purchase department may have negotiated and procured the tool at rock-bottom price. This tool may not give optimum life in terms of Rupee value, resulting in frequent changes of tool. This involves loss of production, loss of motivation at the shop floor, poor finishing of the product and the invariable delays in meeting customers' orders.

Care has to be taken at every stage to ensure optimum life. The following tables is a compilation of what are the possible problems, possible causes and remedial measures in case of saw blades, which could most certainly improve productivity.

(Courtesy: Unique Saws & Machinery P Ltd, Indore. Contact: Ravindra Pujari, General Manager. Tel: 0731-4002281, 4073815. Mobile: 097555-99683. Email: ravi.pujari@uniquesaws.com)