Abrasive cutting machine, vulcanite

The high quality of construction work can be explained not only by the professionalism of the performers, but also by the correct choice of tools . Professional construction teams who are involved in the construction of a large number of objects are forced to approach the selection of working devices with special care. They should not only be reliable, but also be easy to use and have all the functions necessary for the builder.

Among such tools, assembly cutting saws stand out. In order for them to become indispensable assistants to the builder, you must first learn about their purpose and capabilities.

Design Features

All industrial processes related to metal processing are inevitably associated with its cutting.
To cut rolled metal quickly and efficiently, use an abrasive cutting machine. Vulcanite is used for processing workpieces made of various types of metal. At an affordable price, it has a number of design features that provide advantages during operation.

One of the features that an abrasive cutting machine has is that it can cut workpieces at an adjustable angle. The cutting angle is set not only directly at the place where the workpiece is installed, but also by rotating the cutting disk itself. This is especially convenient in cases where the size of the workpiece does not allow it to be rotated without difficulty or the room allocated for metal processing is too cramped. The rotation angle is 45 in one direction from the central axis and 45 in the other. For this purpose, a model is used in which a pendulum mechanism and a rotating head are installed. This system allows you to control the cutting angle without changing the position of the workpiece.

The bed that the abrasive cutting machine has is strong and rigid, since a large load can be placed on it during operation. The blanks are attached to the table in one of two ways:

Foot method - this allows you to do cutting much faster, since fixing before cutting takes less time.
The traditional method is using a clamp or vice. This method of fixation is slower, but when working with small workpieces it is much more convenient.

Vulcanite works by using electricity. Depending on the needs of the buyer, various modifications can be equipped with engines with power from 2.2 to 5.5 kilowatts. The belt drive ensures the transmission of force from the motor to the cutting shaft. The number of belts at different capacities can range from two to four.

The abrasive cutting machine is started and stopped using a control unit equipped with “START” and “STOP” buttons. Rolled metal is cut using a cutting wheel. Its diameter is 400 millimeters.

Dimensions allow you to carry out cutting even in small spaces, and if necessary, move it to a convenient place. Dimensions are 710 by 910 by 145 millimeters, and the total weight is only 75 kilograms.

Indispensable in a variety of industries that have one or another relation to metal processing. Factories and workshops cannot do without cutting rolled metal. Can be used both in closed areas and in open spaces.

How to choose

What cutting machine do you use?

Single-diskDouble-disk

When choosing a tool for your country garage or even for a small business, you should pay attention to compact household models, albeit of adequate quality. Large factory equipment is usually purchased by enterprises of the relevant profile not in accordance with personal preferences, but in accordance with GOSTs and technical requirements for the processing of relevant materials.

Although such equipment may be feasible to purchase from a financial point of view, it is pointless without an equipped workshop and large volumes of work. Therefore, further we will talk about household and semi-professional pendulum-type cutting machines.

The choice of a mounting or miter saw model should be made by paying attention to the characteristics of the device:

Power . Characteristics of an electric motor that can overcome the resistance of the material, as well as work with large-diameter disks. Its value is directly dependent on the thickness of the products being cut, as well as their hardness and viscosity.
Spindle speed . There is an unspoken rule: the harder the material, the higher the disk rotation speed should be. However, this is only a general formulation. In practice, cutting wood beams with an abrasive cutting wheel, even at low speeds, will lead to charring of the cellulose fibers. Therefore, special toothed discs are used for wood and plastic. It is best when the device has speed control, but this option can only be found on expensive professional equipment.
Cutting disc diameter . The larger it is, the thicker the workpiece can be placed under the pendulum. Of course, a solid diameter entails proportional weighting of the entire structure. Most household and semi-professional models are designed for circles with a diameter of 400 mm. There are even more industrial designs.
Dimensions and weight . If you plan to use it mobile (for example, at a construction site or when finishing premises), then it is better to choose a lighter and smaller machine. Stationary use practically does not limit the size in any way, since the tool is screwed to a strong, stationary base.
Safety . In industrial models, this is a fixed metal casing and a plexiglass screen. High-quality household machines contain a special movable shield, which is pressed with a special lever and slides up when the support is tilted. Expensive devices have built-in automatic shutdown when the disk is locked.
Adjustments . A good crosscut requires two basic adjustments: tilting the disk up to 45 degrees and rotating the working platform with a stop or vice. The combination of these angular corrections allows you to obtain any geometry of a smoothly sawn end.
Additional amenities . In professional devices, everything is done for operator convenience and clean operation. For example, a hole for connecting an assembly bag or a construction vacuum cleaner.

Device

The design is stationary. It has a rigid metal base and is installed on a platform that provides stability on the floor. Some parts of the housing can be removed in order to, if necessary, gain access to repair and maintenance of various equipment components. The clamping device is equipped with a foot drive, which allows you to quickly and reliably fix the workpiece. If necessary, the foot drive can easily be replaced with a classic screw-type vice. Metal cutting is done using a hard cutting disc.

Best Miter Saws

Metabo KS 216 M Lasercut

Tabletop, single-speed miter saw in a durable die-cast aluminum housing . It differs from its counterparts in its suitability for cutting wood in domestic conditions and private workshops.

The saw head rotates freely, and tilting to the left will open up an additional angular range for cutting.

The disc is made of hard alloys, which defines it as a durable product that is resistant to intense loads.

The nozzle can be changed without dismantling the casing due to the spindle locking. The table extensions slide out smoothly and the high supports move to the sides.

This ensures safe use of the tool and the ability to cut long panels or slats.

Characteristics:

power - 1.35 kW;
cutting height - 6 cm, width - 12 cm;
disc diameter - 21.6 cm, mounting hole - 3 cm;
tilt angle - 47°, rotation angle - 47°;
support dimensions - 15.5x73.5 cm;
rotation speed - 5,000 rpm, at rated. load - 3,450 rpm;
cutting speed - 57 m/s;
dimensions - 46.5x28.5x47.5 cm;
weight - 9.4 kg.

Advantages:

high-quality cutting;
reliable assembly;
possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner;
fixing the turntable;
convenient and safe operation.

Flaws:

angles are poorly adjusted;
no soft start function.

DeWALT DW713

Tabletop, single-speed miter saw with a powerful and reliable motor, which in turn shows unsurpassed cutting speed, torque.

Equipped with a modern pendulum mechanism that ensures smooth and precise operation at any angle. To set the required facing angles, 11 grooves and a cam lock are provided.

Additional support for the workpiece is provided by a sliding stop, and extension is provided by a high-precision aluminum platform.

To perform work with high precision, you should use a precision scale with a reliable locking mechanism.

Characteristics:

power - 1.6 kW, output - 1 kW;
cutting height - 8.9 cm, width - 16.2 cm;
disc diameter - 25.4 cm, mounting hole - 3 cm;
tilt angle - 48°, rotation angle - 50°;
rotation speed - 5,000 rpm;
complete with saw blade, wrench, dust bag;
dimensions - 48.5x42.5x60 cm;
weight -13.6 kg.

Advantages:

high accuracy of facing at any angle;
smooth engine brake;
safe and comfortable use;
efficient removal of sawdust;
reliable design.

Flaws:

no vertical scale;
no soft start.

Metabo KGS 216 M

Table miter saw with broach for working with wood and metal . Excellent resistance to mechanical stress and intensive use.

Precision adjustment of angles occurs quickly through fixation points. The table extensions slide out smoothly, allowing you to install long workpieces.

Left-tilt saw head opens up additional angular range for trimming.

Comfortable operation is ensured by a built-in laser and LED flashlight, movable high stops, a clamp for fixing workpieces, a limiter, intuitive control, and a spindle lock for easy replacement of the attachment.

Characteristics:

power - 1.5 kW;
cutting height - 6.5 cm, width - 30.5 cm;
disc diameter - 21.6 cm, mounting hole - 3 cm;
tilt angle - 47°, rotation angle - 47°;
rotation speed - 5,000 rpm, at rated load - 3,750 rpm;
cutting speed - 57 m/s;
dimensions - 76x34x47.5 cm;
weight - 13.5 kg.

Advantages:

clean and smooth cut;
high build quality;
sufficient power;
dust collector;
good equipment.

Flaws:

small deviations of the laser, cut, bed;
no soft start function.

Makita LH1040

Universal, tabletop miter saw for wood, plastic, light metal . It is a combination of a cantilever trim and a small sawing table.

Despite its size, it easily performs the functions of a full-fledged sawing machine.

When facing, the workpiece is mounted on a table with a rotating ruler . If processing of long products is required, then additional stops should be installed - U-shaped brackets.

The model is absolutely safe for the operator, as it is equipped with many functions . It is smooth starting and braking of the engine, spindle locking for quick saw blade replacement, and a special dust collector to protect the respiratory tract.

Characteristics:

power - 1.65 kW;
cutting height - 9.3 cm, width - 13 cm;
disc diameter - 26 cm, mounting hole - 3 cm;
tilt angle - 45°, rotation angle - 52°;
rotation speed - 4,800 rpm;
complete with saw blade, dust collector, adjusting triangle, socket wrench, limiter plate;
dimensions - 53x53.5x47.6 cm;
weight - 13.7 kg.

Advantages:

compactness;
adjustable upper and lower tables;
perfect cut at any angle;
stable protection systems;
double insulation;
transparent protective covers;
easy parameter adjustment.

Flaws:

build quality.

Makita LS1040

Single-speed, tabletop miter saw for working with wood, plastic and metal . The multifunctional tool is suitable for bevel, inclined, and combined sawing of wooden workpieces.

To work with other types of materials, you need to purchase the appropriate saw blades.

The nozzle can take different positions due to effective rotating mechanisms.

Convenience and safety of operation are enhanced by additional options - smooth engine braking, blocking against accidental start-up, shaft fixation, double insulation.

Characteristics:

power - 1.65 kW;
cutting height - 9.3 cm, width - 9.5 cm;
disc diameter - 26 cm, mounting hole - 3 cm;
tilt angle - 45°, rotation angle - 52°;
rotation speed - 4,600 rpm;
complete with disk, guide, clamp, saw unit;
dimensions - 53x53.2x47.6 cm;
weight - 11 kg.

Advantages:

good cutting quality at any angle;
engine braking system;
organized dust removal;
adjustable vertical vice;
structural rigidity;
spindle lock.

Flaws:

low quality assembly.

Choice

In order to choose an abrasive cutting machine in a suitable modification, it is extremely important to know which characteristics need to be given the most attention. One of the most important selection criteria is power. Power determines how fast the disk can operate, and therefore performance. It is also important to take into account what size workpieces you will need to work with. Equally important are the metals that need to be processed. This determines which disk is suitable for the job.

Among the most popular models of vulcanite is STEC-5. This is a fairly mobile structure that can be moved around the workshop or site quickly and easily. STEK-5 is also distinguished by high power, which allows you to speed up the production process. It is easy and convenient to work with, and cutting is done quickly and efficiently.

With the right choice of blade, you can cut not only metal, but also other materials:

Various types of steel.
Other ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
A natural stone.
Ceramics.
Polyvinyl chloride.

If a significant load on the device is not planned, you can choose simpler and less powerful models, STEC-2 or STEC-3. They are suitable for moderate loads. The STEC series is distinguished by a high level of operator safety. Operator contact with the disc is prevented by a special protective metal casing. The working tool can be changed quickly and easily thanks to the convenient fastening.

What types of hacksaws exist for metal?

Today you can count a dozen or two modifications of hacksaws for cutting metal. First of all, this type of saw can be classified according to the length of the blade:

Classic (300 mm)
Shortened (150 mm)

At the same time, the industry offers blades with a length of 200 and 400 (mm). They are not widely used, but they are still produced in small batches.

Saws with a blade length of 150 (mm) are considered short Additionally, there are 200 (mm) blades, which can also be classified as short. Hacksaws with short blades have a fairly narrow specialization. These saws are usually used in confined spaces .

Saws with a blade of 300 (mm) are considered the standard . This length of blade is enough to saw with high productivity , while maintaining safety measures.

Experts note that good blades made from high-quality tool steel for short saws are practically not produced today. Their place was taken by cheap analogues based on ordinary carbon steel. Gears made of such metal “become bald before our eyes” if workpieces made of durable steel grades are processed.

The shortage of high-quality blades for short saws is due to the fact that hacksaws of shortened length are confidently going out of use today. Short hacksaws are being replaced by jigsaws, small grinders and reciprocating saws.

How to choose a hacksaw for metal.

Scope of application

The abrasive cutting machine is used to carry out several types of metal processing:

When cutting large workpieces into smaller ones.
Removing excess from finished metal products.
Cut the metal blanks to the required node.

It is important to remember that when working at high power, vulcanite must be attached to the floor. For this purpose, special holes are made on the legs to allow fixation using anchors. Otherwise, it may vibrate excessively and pose a hazard to the operator and other personnel, and the cut will not be made with the required accuracy.

Classification of hacksaws by handle type

Metal saws can be equipped with different types of handles:

Pistol type
Straight

the convenience of working with the saw and the ease of manipulating the saw blade depend on the type of handle grip . It is generally accepted that a pistol grip provides a comfortable grip. And the straight type handle makes it possible to more accurately guide the saw blade.

If the master is faced with the task of processing workpieces with increased precision, then it is best, of course, to take a saw with a straight handle. If there are any special requirements for the processing accuracy of the workpiece, then it is best to take a saw with a traditional pistol handle.

Operating rules

Before you start working, it is important to familiarize yourself with the operating rules and safety precautions. So, the room should have:

High-quality lighting, both natural and artificial.
Exhaust hood or at least good ventilation to remove abrasive metal dust generated during work.
Controlling the absence of flammable and combustible substances that could flare up when struck by a spark.
Reliable clamp for securing workpieces during work.

Any work can be carried out only after it has completely stopped and turned off. This is especially true for the blade for cutting workpieces - changing it while the power is on can be extremely dangerous. In addition, it is necessary to provide reliable protection against moisture entering the engine and damage to its parts by corrosion.

Important! Under no circumstances should you install unsuitable discs. Before installation, you must know the exact size of the disk and determine its suitability for the materials being cut.

The field for placing the disc must have a rigid base and a durable surface. It is important that during operation the vibration that occurs does not cause deformation of structural elements. In addition, it is necessary to comply with standard requirements for the load level in the network, the presence of grounding and residual current devices.

Useful tips

The disk type of drive that has an abrasive cutting machine requires a special approach to work, and the following rules will help reduce the cost of consumables:

Long pieces need to be cut at the edge. If you start cutting between the support points, this may cause the blade to jam and break.
You can start cutting metal only after waiting for the disk to spin up to the maximum number of revolutions.
It is important to regulate the pressure on the disc. If the speed decreases, it is necessary to slightly reduce the degree of pressure. If there is no resistance, the pressure increases.
Cutting does not begin abruptly, but gradually. A sharp beating of the disk against the edge of the workpiece causes its premature wear.
When cutting heavy material, it is necessary to slow down the work, periodically bringing the workpiece to the disk, touching it and moving further.
The corners are cut in two separate passes. Each line is cut separately; do not rotate the workpiece 90 degrees to achieve the desired result. The same rule should be followed when cutting a profile.

It is better to take short breaks while working to maintain accuracy of vision and not get tired ahead of time.

Let us add that our abrasive cutting machine is characterized by a high degree of reliability. It also has a very reasonable price, which allows you to buy vulcanite at a profit for the buyer.

Classification of saws by type of holder

Hacksaws use several types of holder:

Tensioners (2 support points)
Without web tension

The tension of the saw blade makes the teeth more rigid, which in turn provides the saw with high reliability and durability. Of course, there are some metalworking tasks that do not require tension from the saw.

Tension blade hacksaws are the vast majority of metal saws. In such hacksaws, the blade is attached between the ends of a staple-like holder. Saws of this type are equipped with a mechanism for fine adjustment of saw blade tension.

Hacksaws with a tension-free blade have a noticeably limited area of application. In such saws, the blade is simply inserted into the handle, and a thrust roller or support bracket is provided approximately in the center of the blade.

In saws without tension on the blade, the cutting part from the center to the end opposite the handle simply dangles freely. This is done so that the thin teeth can pass freely into hard-to-reach places. Yes, the reliability of such saws is low, but in return, hacksaws without tension on the blade provide the ability to cut in cracks and gaps .

What else do you need to know about the types of hacksaws for metal?