CUTOFF SAW (aka METAL CHOP SAW)
What this tool is primarily used for:

The Metal Chop Saw is used for cutting metal in similar fashion to the wood shop Miter Saw. The Metal Chop Saw can cut pipe or flat stock perpendicular to the saw base and is only used to make straight or angled cuts. A masonry cutoff wheel can be used cut masonry on this saw
 

ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE WHEN USING THIS MACHINE

SAFETY FOR THIS MACHINE:

  • DO NOT operate while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication
  • SECURE any loose fitting jewelry or clothing, tie back long hair
  • ALWAYS KNOW what type of metal you are cutting
  • DO NOT FORCE the saw to cut through material
  • ALWAYS USE VISE. Do not EVER attempt to hold a piece of metal and use this saw
  • INSPECT the cutting wheel for cracks or flaws before use. If a crack of flaw is evident, the wheel must be discarded
  • DO NOT CUT wood or plastic with this saw
  • AVOID bouncing the wheel or giving it rough treatment when in use. If this occurs during operation, stop the tool and inspect the wheel for damage
  • REFER to instruction manual for further information (see Studio Technician)

Personal Protection Equipment while working with the Chop Saw

Head/Face or Eye

Clothing
Hands
Feet
 Ear
Respirator

REQUIRED

leather welding jacket

and

long pants

RECOMMENDED

leather welding gloves

REQUIRED

leather top shoes

or

boots

REQUIRED

ear plugs

or

ear muffs

REQUIRED

N95

NO tennis shoes, open toed shoes, or shoes with nylon

generates very high decibels when cutting
 

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING THIS MACHINE:

  • Angles are best clamped and cut with both legs resting against the saw base
  • A spacer block slightly narrower than the work space can be used to increase wheel utilization
  • Long workpieces must be supported by a block or material support stand so it will be level with top of base. The cutoff end should be free (not supported)
  • The vise has a quick travel feature. To release the vise when it is clamped tightly, turn the crank counterclockwise one or two times to remove clamping pressure
  • For accurate angle cutting, first use a protractor or adjustable angle to set adjustable fence
  • Maximum cutting capacity for various materials:
    • Tube/Pipe - 5" diameter
    • Square - 4 3/4"
    • Rectangle - 4 1/2" height and 6 1/5" width
    • Angle (cut with both legs face down) 5 5/8" length of each leg
         
         
         
         
         
 
Last modified July 25, 2007