Cold Saw

Last updated January 4, 2024

Attention

WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES *AND* EAR PROTECTION when using the machine.

Instructions

  1. Load your material into the clamp (whether it be box channel, wood, etc - if you’re not sure, just ASK!!)

  2. Right behind the wheel for clamp adjustment, there is a metal piece - put the pointy tip to the LEFT side

  3. Move the clamp closer to your part by hand, and turn the wheel to make it tight

    1. You know how to measure on piece you want to cut… if your marking is exactly on the desired length, you better take into account how thick the saw is

    2. So you need to feel like you are cutting off less than what you actually want to cut off - if you align the saw directly on top of the cut, you’re gonna end up with a length shorter than what you planned (I recommend having something like one-eighth extra gap for you to sand later - as you get better this is not necessary but just make sure you are not cutting less than your desired length)

    3. WITHOUT PRESSING ANYTHING ON THE HANDLE - JUST HOLD lower the saw to make sure that the blade is aligned with where you want to cut

Caution

Make sure your hand is not anywhere near the blade - also look out for other people please… just keep one hand on the handle to gently lower the blade down

  1. You will notice the blade protection opening up as you lower the saw. You can make contact with the material you want to cut just to make sure you adjusted the clamp right

  1. Put the pointy tip of the metal piece to the RIGHT side and make sure the clamp is secured in place

Caution

Caution: If the clamp is not tight enough, your material is very likely to fly out, which can be really dangerous. Please please please make sure your part is tightly secured before you cut!

  1. You are ready for the cut!

    1. Before you start, make sure you have ear protection and safety goggles on more time

  2. THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL: The unspoken rule is to yell “EARSSS!!!” before you begin the cut - loud enough that everyone can hear you

    1. Make sure everyone has a little bit of time to react to your sign. This is important because people will bust their eardrums; if many people are around you, notify them in advance of course!

  3. Grab the handle and press two buttons where your thumb and index (or middle) finger is located at - you will see the cold saw operating at a very fast speed

  4. Gently lower down the saw and steadily go through the material

    1. Speed is important - too fast: sharp and very loud sound, also messes up the blade; too slow: just not good

    2. Your cut should be about 2 seconds from when the saw makes a contact and it goes through the whole material - you will get better at this as you practice

  5. When you cut through the material, gently bring the handle up and let go of two buttons

    1. Wait until the saw COMPLETELY STOPS before you proceed - you don’t want to lose a finger

  6. Bring the metal piece back to the left side and turn the wheel / move the clamp manually and take your cut piece

    1. If the edges are too sharp or poorly cut, use the sander to make it smooth - this is why I said to have an extra one-eighth inch or so - you might need some room to sand it

  7. ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!!!!

Tip

If you want to use a mill for churros or shafts, you would want to find the length slightly bigger than your desired length so that you can mill off; if you can’t, you can use a cold saw prior to the mill so that you can have a shaft somewhere close to the mill length