Chapter 7: Saws
Overview
It can be an art as much as a science to make little parts out of big parts. One of the first steps in making parts is cutting material with a saw.
The three basic saws commonly found in a machine shop are the vertical bandsaw, the horizontal bandsaw, and the chop or abrasive saw. The horizontal saw uses gravity to feed the blade through the part. Typical vertical saws require the part to be pushed into the blade. The abrasive saw holds the part in a vise while the blade is lowered onto the part to make the cut.
The goal of this chapter is to increase awareness of the variables involved with cutting material while ensuring that safe practices and procedures are followed. The topics covered in this chapter will assist students in making informed decisions when selecting a saw to prepare material for machining. Students will be able to directly apply the information in this chapter to produce a successful cut with the best saw for the job.
Objectives
- Explain proper safety procedures when using saws.
- Differentiate between basic types of saws and their purposes.
- Determine saw blade characteristics associated with different materials.
- Determine proper work holding when setting up a saw.
Key Terms
- Vertical band saw
- Horizontal band saw
- Three tooth rule
- Push stick
- Abrasive saw
- Pitch
- Kerf
- Blade width
- TPI
- Carbon steel
- Bi-metal
- Carbide
- Aluminum oxide
- Silicon carbide
- Diamond blade
