While a fabrication shop might run an extensive cut list that utilizes a single type of material at one angle, that isn’t always the norm. When a saw operator has a cut list that includes round, square or structural profiles that require varying degrees of miter cuts throughout a shift, repositioning the workpiece for nearly every cut slows production and opens the door for errors.
The solution hasn’t always been something small to medium-sized shops can justify, as swiveling, Euro-style mitering heads tend to be sized and priced for larger operations and corresponding budgets. Decidedly, Grizzly Industrial recognized this gap and designed a solution.
A professional level
Mike Bergman, product manager at Grizzly Industrial, says the market offers relatively few mobile horizontal bandsaws with a Euro-style mitering head that swivels left and right. At least not one that fits the needs and limitations of smaller shops. The G0420 horizontal bandsaw was developed specifically for this audience.
“It brings professional capability and features to customers at a highly competitive price point,” Bergman says. He adds that small to medium-sized fab shops, maintenance departments and metalworking businesses that need a capable and accurate saw for everyday cutting and production work is the target audience for the G0420.
Offering a 7-in.-by-12-in. cutting capacity, Grizzly set out to offer professional-level cutting in a machine that allows operators to make miter cuts without repositioning the workpiece – something offered more frequently in higher end solutions. The saw cuts miters from 0 to 45 degrees in either direction and offers four blade speeds ranging from 98 to 328 ft. per min. Other features include an integrated coolant system, quick-locking vise and automatic shutoff at the end of each cut. The cast-iron frame dampens vibration, contributing to cleaner cuts and improved accuracy.
The saw also includes a hydraulic downfeed, which allows the operator to precisely control the rate at which the blade enters the workpiece.
“By matching the feed rate to the material being cut,” Bergman says, “the system helps prevent blade overloading, extends blade life and produces cleaner, more accurate cuts with a better surface finish.”
Fast features
Fabrication shops seek out saws that offer highly accurate cuts, and while they don’t want to trade that for production speed, they will certainly look for ways to hit production goals. Every minute spent setting up a machine or repositioning a workpiece is time not spent making parts. Reducing those interruptions throughout the day can make a noticeable impact.
Bergman points out that the G0420 is built with several features intended to keep work moving between cuts, including the quick-release vise, which reduces time spent on material loading and unloading. The adjustable depth stop simplifies repeat cuts, while the saw’s angle stop system allows operators to quickly set common miter angles without starting from scratch.
Once the cut is made, the part can travel down a built-in stainless steel chute, which collects finished parts and reduces time spent on cleanup. Taken together, these features minimize setup and changeover time, allowing personnel to spend more time cutting parts and less time preparing for the next cut.
Floor space is at a premium for many shops, which means equipment that can be repositioned has added value. The G0420 rides on locking swivel casters for maneuverability.
“This further distinguishes our saw from many competing models,” Bergman says. “Most competing saws use fixed wheels, making them more difficult to move around the shop.”
Friendly operation
Fab shops today struggle with labor shortages and a lack of operator experience. Skilled operators are invaluable, but because companies don’t have the luxury of staffing every machine with someone who qualifies as an “industry veteran,” sawing equipment needs to be straightforward and capable of delivering repeatable results. The G0420 was designed with that reality in mind.
“It’s easy to operate yet provides professional capabilities,” Bergman says. “The added features, such as the quick-release vise, angle and depth stop, make repeat cuts simple and reduce the learning curve for new operators. The saw delivers consistent results without requiring extensive bandsaw experience.”
Cutting miters can also be tricky for newcomers, especially when a workpiece needs to be moved between cuts. With the G0420, operators don’t have to reposition heavy workpieces. Bergman says removable bed extensions have been designed to make this a possibility.
The hydraulic downfeed, which was addressed earlier, also brings efficiencies to new operators. While experienced users often rely on instinct to determine the proper feed pressure, less-experienced ones can depend on the saw’s hydraulic downfeed to offer a controlled, consistent feed rate. The result is a smoother cut and less opportunity for user error.
Clean and cool
Among the biggest enemies of bandsaw performance is heat. A coolant system not only reduces heat generated during cutting but also flushes away chips from the cutting area. The G0420 has an integrated coolant system with a 1/8-hp coolant pump and 2.5-gal. reservoir, providing a continuous flow of coolant to reduce heat at the cutting zone.
“The integrated coolant system helps reduce heat, improve cut quality and extend blade life,” Bergman says. “Also, proper coolant system maintenance is one of the most important factors in maximizing performance and blade life.”
Bergman notes that the saw also features a wide base that helps capture chips and contain coolant, making cleanup and routine maintenance easier.
“The G0420 is the result of listening to the people who use our equipment every day,” he concludes. “By incorporating customer feedback into the design process, Grizzly has created a saw that meets the practical needs of modern fabrication shops while maintaining the quality and performance our customers trust.”
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