1030 – 02 – Sawing – Basic Cutting Operations

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Sawing is typically, one of the first operations in metal processing. Saws slice unnecessary parts off workpieces, creating usable stock. Sawing involves a blade with small teeth that will cut through the workpiece. Every time a tooth strikes the workpiece, it takes a small chip with it, eventually creating a cut and separating one part of the workpiece from the other.

Saws are organized into three different categories:

Band saws are flexible, unbroken blades that stay in contact with a workpiece while it cuts.

Hacksaws are straight saws cut back and forth, so that only one of the strokes cuts the material.

Circular saws are flat discs that, like band saws, remain in contact with the workpiece material as they cut.

Because it occurs so early in the process, it’s not necessary for saws to be as accurate as other parts of the manufacturing process. There are a range of accuracies when it comes to sawing, through; the sawing process can be as accurate as 0.05 inches (1.25 millimeters) down to 0.01 inches (0.25 millimeters). Once it’s sawed, workpieces can go through a number of much more accurate manufacturing processes, like drilling or milling.