Page 96 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

CUTTING THINGS TO SIZE 65

A razor saw is used with thin woods and plastics. Its shape is like that of a
backsaw, but much smaller. You can find razor saws at the hobby store.

And for power tools, practical choices are:

Jigsaw for wood. You need one with adjustable speed unless you work only
with soft wood (not really recommended for robotics anyway).

Circular saws and table saws are useful for cutting long, straight cuts in wood
and metal. Be sure to use the proper blade, or else damage to the material
and/or blade could result.

A circular miter saw is useful when cutting aluminum channel and bar stock.
The alternative is a hacksaw, a miter block, and sweat. When cutting metal
be sure to use clamps to hold the material in the miter!

G There are plenty of other saw types not mentioned here, like the scroll saw, which can cut very
intricate shapes in wood and metal and some plastics. If you have a preference for one type of
tool over another, by all means use it.

REMEMBER SAFETY!
Of all the tools in the shop, saws are the most dangerous— yes, even handsaws. I need not
remind you to observe all safety precautions. NEVER remove a safety device or guard. Work
in a well- lit, unobstructed area. Some additional stern warnings for you:

• Use eye and ear protection when the saw is in operation.
• When using a table saw, feed the last 6″ or so of the material through the blade with a flat
stick. The woodworking guides show how to do this.
• Don’t wear loose clothing. This goes for long- sleeve shirts, ties, baggy pants, everything.
The loose material could get caught in the rotating parts of the saw.
• Keep the blade sharp, and always use the right blade for the job. Don’t try to cut ferrous
(contains iron) metal with a blade meant for thin wood paneling. For one thing, the teeth
could break off and fly right at you.

TIPS FOR SAWING
Here are some handy tips for sawing wood, metal, and plastic.

Wood Plastic Metal

General For hacksaw, bandsaw, or Set speed to no more than For motorized tools,
scroll saw, use medium 50 percent. reduce speed to
pitch (teeth per inch) blade. 25 percent.
For motorized tools, set
speed at highest.

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