I want to make some 45 degree cuts in a piece of steel bar stock. The angle can be approximate, but I want the cut to be straight.
Does the band saw have any guide tools I can use for this?
Yes the vertical band saw in machine shop (The only one to be used with metal) has a straight edge that you could run a 45 degree block against to get you cut. They do not have a miter gauge (or the runner for one) that you may be asking about.
I would cut a piece of scrap wood to a right angle with a 45 degree slope on one of the three sides. Use that as a guide piece against the fence for your cut.
The stationary jaw on the horizontal band saw can be adjusted to 45º. Please adjust it back to 90º when you’re done.
I wouldn’t use the vertical band saw at all. If you do, I’d tilt the table to 45º rather than trying to cut 45º across the stock (and set it back to 90º afterwards).
The horizontal is the best tool for this.
Good point bryan, I was thinking of cutting some sheet stock (which is something I am doing) and overlooked that the OP was talking bar stock.