A cold saw is a popular power-cutting tool for cutting metals without generating extreme heat, sparks, dust, or discoloration. If you plan to try out a new sawing machine for your next project, a cold saw can be an excellent choice to fix most of your cutting issues. Metalworkers use this tool for both ferrous and nonferrous metals. In this article, we will explore what is a cold saw and help you to determine if the device is the one for your project or not.
How to Use a Cold Saw?
Step 1: Preparing the Machine and the Working Area without Starting the Saw
Before cutting with the saw, you must clean the working area and the machine well. You may only get accurate and precise cuts if the material and working area are perfectly clean.
Step 2: Adjusting and Securing the Material
As you move forward to the next step, you have to move the blade of the coldsaws to the score mark and adjust your workpiece accurately. Then, clamp that workpiece in the right place.
Step 3: Starting to Cut
Pull the handle of the saw down towards your bedroom, and then pull the trigger. Always avoid cutting your project with a dry blade. After starting to cut, gently give pressure on the saw’s handle. Ensure the pressure is not put forcefully, which may damage the blade and reduce the cutting speed. After completing the cut process, release the trigger and return the handle to the top.
Step 4: Cleaning
Finally, use a brush to clean up the working area and the machine. Repeat the cleaning process until you get the desired appearance of your working environment.
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Things to Consider while Buying a Cold Saw
Size
If you are searching for a saw to fit a larger floor unit, a compact saw as a cold saw will be an excellent option. Remember that the unit’s size impacts the saw’s blade, your working area, and many others. Therefore, knowing the specifications of the saw you purchase is essential, and you must ensure you understand the dimensions of your preferred location.
Automation
The cold saws have several levels of automation that you must consider while purchasing one for you. You will find variations in cold saws ranging from manual to automatic. Since there are different levels of automation, you must be aware of choosing the right one that best fits your workflow. Furthermore, it is also essential to think about the goals, budget, and production rates of the saw before buying.
Speed
Different materials require different cutting speeds. Understandably, all saws can’t provide the same speed you want for your materials. Based on the sizing and making, the saw may have varied speeds. Usually, the harder a material is, the faster cutting speed it requires. However, it is up to you what material you are using and what cutting speed of the tool you can handle.
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Advantages of Using a Cold Saw
A cold saw has a solid high-speed steel or tungsten carbide-tipped blade to remove material and transfer the generated heat to the chips. A great benefit of using this tool is the blade’s hardness which produces an excellent resistance to wear and heat. However, it is essential to note that the blade used in this saw can’t be used at a higher speed. Though the TCT blades of the cold saw are typically expensive, they are considerably hard, durable, and able to operate even at a high temperature. So, it is easy to work with the TCT blades as they can function faster than other blades and allow the user to finish the cutting work quickly.
Metal workers like to work with a cold saw for different purposes, as this tool can cut through the materials without causing extreme friction and heat. This tool prevents premature wearing of the material. You can repeatedly sharpen the blades used in the cold saws and use them for a prolonged period. The blade’s durability makes this tool a popular choice for users for cost-effectiveness. You can also get excellent finishes and cutting-quality materials.
The sharp blade and faster motions of the cold saws benefit the user by eliminating burrs. The high-quality blade of this tool doesn’t leave any sparks, dust, or discoloration. You can use cold saws to cut through both ferrous and nonferrous materials. The entire process can tolerate heavier and more extensive metals.
Disadvantages of Using a Cold Saw
Before choosing a cold saw to cut your metal, you must discover if there are disadvantages to the process. It is known that cold saws use a tungsten carbide-tipped (TCT) blade, which is very costly. Another significant drawback of having a cold saw is the heavy burrs production. This tool is not appropriate for materials with lengths under 0.125″.
The extreme hardness of the tool causes the blades, subject to shock and eventually damage to the teeth of the saw. Additionally, cold saws can cause kerf loss, resulting in higher costs and lost production. The experts don’t recommend using a cold saw for cutting through very hard metals, especially when the metal is harder than the saw.
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FAQs
Which one is better, a cold saw and a bandsaw?
Though a cold saw has a smaller capacity, it provides cleaner and more precise cuts than a bandsaw. This tool is also a better option for its extraordinary cutting speed. Metal fabricators use the cold saws for a decade for their unique cutting quality, precision, and accuracy.
How accurate can I get from a cold saw?
Very few saw machines can give as better pristine cuts as a cold-saw. Cold saws don’t need any finishing work. You can sharpen and reuse this tool multiple times. So, purchasing a cold saw is a cold-effective method. Plus, cold saws have a tighter tolerance for cutting than many other saws.
Why should I use coolant on a cold saw?
Cold saw coolant is a lubricant that helps the saw’s blade teeth to last for a long time. It also helps to keep the material from adhering to the sides of the cold saws.
In a Nutshell
You must have proper knowledge and understanding of your application and the saw’s specific parameters. The popularity of using a cold saw has increased in the last few decades of its constant technological advancements. It is imperative to choose this saw for fulfilling your high production requirements. You can only decide whether to use a cold saw if you understand different approaches to cutting other materials. This article has thoroughly discussed what is a cold saw and the pros and cons of using this tool.
