Generally, cut off saws are simple, yet powerful cutting tools used in metal cutting. Power tools in the cut off saw category include two distinct types. The first is the miter saw that is traditionally used in woodworking. Miter saws can make precise angled cuts and bevel cuts. Another type is an abrasive saw, which is used for cutting hard materials like metal or ceramic.
Types of Cut Off Saws
- Miter Saws – A miter saw can be either manual or electric. The manual miter saw uses a metal guide and a miter box to allow it to make accurate miter cuts. Cutting off saws are occasionally used in picture framing or manual woodworking, but they have largely been replaced by power tools. Power miter saws, on the other hand, are power tools that make fast, precise cuts at the desired angle. They are mostly used in framing and molding applications. The most common blade sizes for miter saws range from eight to twelve inches. Miter saws are light and portable.
- Abrasive Saws – Cutting hard materials with an abrasive saw is a power tool. The cutting action is performed by an abrasive disc, similar to a thin grinding wheel. When cutting with an abrasive saw, regular shaped edges are not used. The cutting wheel and motor are mounted on a free arm attached to a fixed base plate attached to a vise or clamp. Construction sites have run more smoothly since the introduction of the cut-off saw. In addition to lightweight steel fabrication, these tools are also useful in workshops that use constant power cold saws due to their portability.
The safety of the worker is paramount when using power tools such as a cutoff saw. Below are a few tips to ensure safety when using a cut off saw.
Safety Tips for Cutting Off Saws
- While safety goggles may seem sufficient, a face shield is essential to prevent serious injuries.
- If the dust collection system is inefficient, you must wear a mask to protect your nose.
- Before mounting the cut-off wheel, ensure that there are no cracks or damages.
- You should never apply sideways force to the parting-off wheel. The thin cross-section of the parting-off wheels makes them prone to breaking.
- During the cutting process, sparks are generated. Avoid the fire hazard that chop saws pose by keeping flammable materials away from them.
- It is not advisable to use a cut-off the wheel to cut wood, plywood, plastic, etc., as it can cause the wheel to load-up and may result in the wheel breaking.
At Rentalex, we have a large selection of different types of cut off saws from which you can choose the one that is most suitable to your needs. Using these power tools also requires you to be concerned about safety, so follow the tips above and stay safe.
