3D Printed Coral Bandsaw

[3D Reefin']

Hello R2R members,

I was looking into purchasing a bandsaw for cutting up some frags. During my search, I noticed that several people where not satisfied with some design aspects of the current saws on the market. So I made a list of the design upgrades that I would like mine to have, and decided that I will attempt to print one. I'm in the early stages of the CAD drawing, but will update the thread as I make more progress. I'm on not sure if I want to run this type of frame for the saw yet.

Please feel free to make design suggestions on what you would like to see on a saw.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

What about a water line spraying over the blade from the top such as a wet saw for tile?

 

[3D Reefin']

I'll check and see how much space I have in the water reservoir for a pump. I'm planning on the blade being submerged in the water reservoir to clean and "lube" the blade.

 

[clm65]

Looking forward to your end product. Not that I need to cut frags (I've never cut a frag yet), but I love seeing people turn their creative ideas into reality.

 

[hyprc]

Yes, need a way to cool the blade and get fresh saltwater on it during the cut (the reservoir can be separate, gravity fed with airline or RO tubing). I think current models just drip feed a couple tiny sponges on either side of the blade. Also, easy to clean, way to drain/rinse off the water/debris quickly without having to disassemble

 

[biecacka]

Won’t the saltwater rust the blade?


corey

 

[dadnjesse]

Do you really need water to cut some frags, seems there would be minimal dust.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Do you really need water to cut some frags, seems there would be minimal dust.

It’s not for dust, it’s to keep the saw from shattering the skeleton. It also keeps the coral wet so it doesn’t cook from the heat

 

[hyprc]

Water is necessary. You don't keep the blade wet for long and flush with fresh when you're done. You'd want to flush between species anyways. All of @45ZoaGarden 's points are valid.

 

[3D Reefin']

Thanks for the input, I am going to ad a gravity fed dripper.

@biecacka I believe the blades are stainless steel. Hopefully along the lines of 316, that is a bit more corrosion resistant that the average 304 we encounter on a daily basis. After each use I'll rinse off the saltwater from the saw and the bandsaw

 

[3D Reefin']

Here are some update pics. Found some stainless bearings that may work in a saltwater application. Still under progress. Will be printing soon.

 

[hyprc]

Here are some update pics. Found some stainless bearings that may work in a saltwater application. Still under progress. Will be printing soon.

Nice work. Is there a little ramp to carry away water/debris under the slit? Looking forward to seeing the prints!

 

[reefiniteasy]

I know nothing of cutting corals yet, but this is very cool! I’m excited to see how your project turns out.

 

[3D Reefin']

Nice work. Is there a little ramp to carry away water/debris under the slit? Looking forward to seeing the prints!

I still have a lot of modeling to do. Guides, scrapers, water tray, etc are all on the list.

I also think I am going to change the spokes on the wheel. Not that big of a fan of the design.

 

[3D Reefin']

I know nothing of cutting corals yet, but this is very cool! I’m excited to see how your project turns out.

Thanks. Me too, hopefully it works well. haha

 

[siggy]

You going with a belt or direct drive motor? They make little brushes for band saw blades, one on each side.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

What are using for a tensioner for the blade?

 

[Xmoji]

I like this.

 

[Silver14SS]

Very cool! What are the approximate dimensions? What will you be using for the motor?

 

[3D Reefin']

You going with a belt or direct drive motor? They make little brushes for band saw blades, one on each side.

Direct drive, I like the idea of belt, but I don't think its suitable for this application. Do you have pic or source for these small brushes?