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A Cut-Off Saw is a versatile cutting tool
that can be used to cut a number of resilient materials. The saw can
easily slice through both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and is often
used to cut metal drywall studs, specialty wheels, and angle iron.
Other materials that can be cut with this saw include brick, masonry,
roofing tile, steel, and even stone. This saw can be used by skilled
professionals such as carpenters, masons and plumbers, as well as lay
persons with equal ease.
Features and working of a cut-off saw
The cut-off saw is composed of a Circular saw
mounted on a rigid stand above a usually rectangular base. The cutting
action is carried out through the rotational motion of the blade when
it is brought in contact with the material to be cut. The movement of
the blade is powered by a motor using around 15 amps to generate an
output of approximately 3800 revolutions per minute (rpm). The motor is
designed for a greater overload bearing capacity, ensuring consistent
performance. The direction of the cut is governed by the guide plate
that generally has a range of movement of 45 degrees on either side,
with 3 selectable positions depending on the size of the material to be
cut. Cutting precision is enhanced with an adjustable depth stop that
can be set once for all subsequent cuts. A wide steel base provides a
stable platform to cut longer materials. To prevent marring to the
surface on which the saw is placed and also to absorb the vibrations
that may be caused when sawing, the base may have rubberized stands. To
combine sturdiness with a lighter weight, some saws have a die cast
aluminum base.
Rigid stock retention is possible with a fast
release vice, a facility that increases efficiency by allowing multiple
cut-off tasks. The tool free adjustable wrench allows the user to
perform precise angular cuts without using a wrench. The cutting wheel
is approximately 14 inches in diameter and the wheel arbor size is
around 1 inch. Some saws have a diamond tipped blade. The maximum
cutting capacities are approximately 4-1/2 inches at both 45 and 90
degrees. The length of the cut-off saw is around 12 inches, width 12
inches, and height 17 inches. The weight is around 36 to 40 pounds.
Heavy duty cut-off saws use powerful engines
having a displacement of around 73.5 cc. These saws are designed
differently from the conventional cut-off saws and do not have a base.
An engine decompression valve enables soft and smooth starting. They
have a sealed multi-staged air filter system, with a sealed recoil
starter to prevent dust from entering the tool and damaging the
internal components. These saws generally incorporate a belt drive with
an external tension indicator. The cutting depth is approximately 4 to
5 inches.
What to look for in a cut-off saw
A D-shape handle on the saw provides a firm
and stable grip for the user. Additionally, a soft coating increases
the comfort Level of the user and reduces fatigue during sawing for
long durations. Considering the sharpness of the blade, sudden starting
of the tool could result in disastrous consequences. A lock-off button
prevents accidental activation of the tool. Another safety feature is
the incorporation of a spark diversion facility to prevent any sparks
from flying towards the user. A shaft lock enables easy and quick blade
changes.
An AC/DC switch allows the tool to be
connected to alternate power sources. Most of the moving parts of the
tool are rendered with ball bearings to minimize wear and tear due to
friction and also increase the operation smoothness. A vacuum powered
dust collection system clears the visibility of the work area for the
user along the cutting line. Dual dust protection is enabled with
reinforced armature windings that prevent abrasive dust from damaging
the motor. Double insulation provides greater safety and sustained
performance.
Most cut-off saws are required to meet the
requirements laid down by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), a US
federal government body that controls the environmental impact of
machines such as power tools. Another body that governs the performance
of cut-off saws is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA). Some reputed manufacturers of cut-off saws include DeWalt,
Makita, McCulloch, and TD Industrial.
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