Abstract: A band saw strip manipulator is arranged to receive a toothed metal strip for welding from a cut to length machine. The strip is moved into the band saw strip manipulator by powered rollers. The strip extends between a first edge detector at one side of the manipulator and a second edge detector at the opposite side of the manipulator. First and second end clamps are located to either side of a carriage mounted for vertical movement. When the strip has been approximately centrally located in the manipulator the carriage moves upwardly thereby pulling the strip upwardly until the edge detectors detect the ends of the strip. The first and second end clamps are then closed and pivoted about first and second guide rollers so that the two ends of the strip are located in close proximity for welding together.

Abstract: A method of automatically cutting a variable tooth pitch band saw blade from a bulk reel 40 of blade material 14 is achieved by using a cut to length machine 8. Blade material 14 from the bulk reel 40 is pulled on to a bed 42 of the machine 8. The blade material 14 is placed between rollers 50, which are powered and one of which is a metered roller 44 actuable to dispense a desired amount of the blade material. The cut to length machine 8 includes a cutting section 18 and an optical sensor 24, both connected to and controlled by a computer 46. The cutting section 18 comprises suitable cutting means, such as a mechanical cutter or laser cutter.