Chop Saw - Quick, Easy Cuts
Also known as a motorized miter or drop saw, a chop saw is a tool that can cut a very fast and precise crosscut.
They are normally used for framing and molding and are usually small and rather portable.
These tools, like many other power tools around the workshop, require practice and knowledge in order to be used safely and effectively.
With this tool, the powered saw blade is brought down in a quick, precise drop that cuts the piece, which is held along a vertical piece of metal known as a fence.
The fence holds the work piece at a 90 degree angle, though other angles are possible.
The blade is dropped down (typically along a pre-drawn line) and the piece is cut to the exact measurements.
A chop saw can come with some specialized attachments that can improve its functionality.
One of these, known as a compound, allows the blade's angle to be set relative to the horizontal plane, usually in a range between negative and positive 50 degrees.
Another attachment, called a slide, lets the blade be moved in a long parallel cut relative to the work piece.
Recent technology has allowed the use of lasers to guide the blade more precisely, and other attachments clean up dust (which is notoriously difficult to get rid of around a drop saw).
As with any sharp tool in the workshop, care must be taken to operate the blade safely and effectively.
Personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye goggles should be worn at all times.
Though sometimes uncomfortable, this not only can help against accidents but long term health issues such as dust getting into the respiratory system.
All the safety instructions of the chop saw should be obeyed at all times.
Short cuts may lead to nasty cuts.
In terms of effectiveness, many people forget that the blade itself has a diameter.
Some of the wood is lost while making a cut.
This may not be significant to most people, but it can throw off precise cuts.
Therefore, when making a cut it is advisable to cut on the side outside of the desired length of the work piece.
Also, sharpening the blade on a regular basis is recommended, as the wood can have a dulling effect on the blade itself.
Given the right amount of knowledge, a chop saw will make several tasks in the workshop a snap.
Its quick cutting action will be heaven for those who have had to manually saw a piece of wood for several minutes or even hours depending upon the thickness of the wood and the sharpness of the blade.
They are normally used for framing and molding and are usually small and rather portable.
These tools, like many other power tools around the workshop, require practice and knowledge in order to be used safely and effectively.
With this tool, the powered saw blade is brought down in a quick, precise drop that cuts the piece, which is held along a vertical piece of metal known as a fence.
The fence holds the work piece at a 90 degree angle, though other angles are possible.
The blade is dropped down (typically along a pre-drawn line) and the piece is cut to the exact measurements.
A chop saw can come with some specialized attachments that can improve its functionality.
One of these, known as a compound, allows the blade's angle to be set relative to the horizontal plane, usually in a range between negative and positive 50 degrees.
Another attachment, called a slide, lets the blade be moved in a long parallel cut relative to the work piece.
Recent technology has allowed the use of lasers to guide the blade more precisely, and other attachments clean up dust (which is notoriously difficult to get rid of around a drop saw).
As with any sharp tool in the workshop, care must be taken to operate the blade safely and effectively.
Personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye goggles should be worn at all times.
Though sometimes uncomfortable, this not only can help against accidents but long term health issues such as dust getting into the respiratory system.
All the safety instructions of the chop saw should be obeyed at all times.
Short cuts may lead to nasty cuts.
In terms of effectiveness, many people forget that the blade itself has a diameter.
Some of the wood is lost while making a cut.
This may not be significant to most people, but it can throw off precise cuts.
Therefore, when making a cut it is advisable to cut on the side outside of the desired length of the work piece.
Also, sharpening the blade on a regular basis is recommended, as the wood can have a dulling effect on the blade itself.
Given the right amount of knowledge, a chop saw will make several tasks in the workshop a snap.
Its quick cutting action will be heaven for those who have had to manually saw a piece of wood for several minutes or even hours depending upon the thickness of the wood and the sharpness of the blade.
Source...