Every tool and die, precision machining, aerospace and injection mold making shop has at least on metal cut of saw that uses special band saw blades. This is because almost all components start out as part of a bar stock that must be sawed off in order to proceed to the next step. This procedure is more important than often realized. Because it is such a common and inexact operation, it is taken for granted. Many hours of machining could be saved by using a more precise sawing operation, simply because there is less stock to mill and square up.
Saws Tools
The typical scissor type machine is difficult to line up over the line to cut and thus most toolmakers act conservatively and leave more than enough stock. After all, it is much easier to take it off than put it back on! Band saws that use parallel posts to guide the blade have the advantage of facilitating accurate alignment of the saw over the workpiece. It is possible to cut very close to the finished dimension, while producing a straight cut.
Saws Tools
Accurate cuts save a lot of time is the machining to square up the component. This accuracy also makes the stock removal cutting much quicker. This in turn saves the carbide cutters or indexable inserts used. It follows that the high speed spindle experiences a lighter work load, which prolongs its service life.
Another savings is in the number of pieces that can be cut from a single bar of tool steel Metal, such as PX-5, NAK-80, D-2 and Beryllium Copper are rather expensive and any material saved is money saved. Some tool shops use carbide tipped cut off saws for this initial operation. This is very efficient, as long as the volume is rather low. Many mold making shops do not use that many core and cavity blocks, and this is a very good way to cut off the stock.
Larger shops benefit from a more automated cut off operation, with automatically fed bar stock, cut off machining, and on-off switching. Steel suppliers use these for their high volume of steel blocks sent to their customers.
The vertical band saw also is used a great deal in precision machine shops. Not so many years ago, almost all through pockets in mold bases were drilled in the four corners of the pocket, then band sawed to remove the bulk of the steel. Then the pockets were milled in a manual machine, such as a Bridgeport.
Thankfully, those days are long gone and now these same pockets are Wire EDM'd or cut on a CNC milling machine. There are many horizontal, universal and vertical CNC machines capable of cutting pockets in the mold bases.
The Metal Cut Off Saw And Band Saw Blades For Tool And Die Making
Saws Tools

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Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature
- Makita-built motor delivers 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood
- Compact, ergonomic design at only 6.9 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
- Designed with a large 2-1/4-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
- Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
- 3-year warranty on tool
Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview
Makita built, D35 high torque motor delivers maximum power for cutting 2x material at 45-degrees with 50-degrees capacity; compact design at only 13-5/8-inchlength and weighs only 6.9-pounds ( with battery, not included )for less operator fatigue; ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control; heavy-gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability; two-piece armature and field along with externally accessible brushes for serviceability and longer motor life.
Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications
The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS611Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees.
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BSS611Z Features | SPEED - 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping | EFFICIENCY - Large cutting capacity (2-1/4" at 90°) | COMFORT - Less weight with ergonomic grip | PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles | Battery and charger not included |
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Tool Specifications |  | Blade diameter | 6-1/2" | Arbor | 5-8" | No load speed | 3,700 RPM | Max. cutting depth | 90° (2-1/4") ,45° (1-9/16"), 50° (1-7/16") | Battery | 18V LXT Lithium-Ion | Overall length | 13-5/8" | Net weight | 6.9 lbs. (w/battery) |
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Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile PowerThe BSS611Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a heavy gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.
Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS611Z weighs just 6.9 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 13-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue.
Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS611Z is engineered for a range of cutting tasks, and is perfect for roofing, carpentry, remodeling, woodworking, and for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless circular saw. The BSS611Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the Box
Makita BSS611Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (tool only).
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