Types of Cutoff Saws
- A power reciprocating saw is a type of cutoff saw, also called a hacksaw or sawzall. It has a blade that moves back and forth that cuts drywall, metal, tubing, plastic and wood. Builders, plumbers, carpenters and homeowners use the hand-held corded and cordless models. The variable speed options give the operator control over the blade repetitions from 1700 SPM (strokes per minute) to 2700 SPM.
Machine shops use stationary, table-mounted and heavy duty power hacksaws extensively to cut through hard metal and many models are hydraulically cooled and computer programed to cut out shapes automatically. - Band saws are stationary, power-driven cutoff saws with endless loop saw blades as narrow as 1/16-inch cutting width, half that of hacksaw and circular saw blades. The thinner blade and continuous cutting motion delivers a faster and smoother cut while using less power. These cutting machines are available in vertical and horizontal blade configurations depending on the cutting tasks intended.
They are in industrial machine shops and in well-equipped home workshops. Horizontal cut band saws are in machine shops to cut metal bars and sheets much like hacksaws, while vertical band saws more often cut wood in carpentry or home workshops. - Circular saws come in hand-held and fixed, table-mounted models. Builders, carpenters and home project amateurs use portable corded and cordless saws for cutting wood planks and plywood sheets. With special blades, circular saws can cut through cement, asphalt and brick. Industrial machine shops also use large table-mounted circular cutoff saws with large diameter abrasive and cold blades to cut all types of metal and tubing.
Portable circular saws come in two styles, "sidewinder," with the drive motor mounted perpendicular to the blade, and "worm-drive," with the motor mounted parallel to the blade. The worm-drive saws usually have more torque and are generally more expensive than their sidewinder counterparts. Both saws are made in right and left hand configurations. - Whether you use a hand-operated hack saw or a complex, hydraulically cooled, computerized band saw, your first consideration must always be safety. Keep the work area free of debris and don eye protection and a breathing mask when operating machinery. Close and lock home workshops when you're not present to protect children and others from harm. Cutoff saws of all types play an important roll in the home workshop, on the job site and in the industrial machine shop. Craftsmen and weekend amateurs, alike, could not complete their projects without the help of these essential tools.
