Evaluating Cutting Efficiency
Is the blade cutting efficiently? The best way to determine this is to observe the chips formed by the cutting blade.
If the chip formation is powdery, then the feed is much too light, or the blade is dull.
If the chips formed are curled, but colored – blue or straw colored from heat generated during the cut – then the feed rate is too high.
If the chips are slightly curled and are not colored by heat – the blade is sufficiently sharp and is cutting at its most efficient rate.
Work Setup
Referring to Figure 8:
1.Set the feed rate control knob (C) to zero.
2.With the lifting handle (A) raise the saw head (B).
3.Turn the vise handwheel (D) counterclock- wise enough to free the moveable vise jaw (E). Then pull the moveable vise jaw away from the fixed vise jaw (H).
4.Place the workpiece (F) on the work table (G).
For long workpieces, provide support at the other end. If necessary, provide additional downward clamping to hold the workpiece securely on the worktable.
5.Clamp the workpiece (F) in the vise by first pushing the moveable vise jaw (E) against the workpiece. Then rotate the vise hand- wheel (D) clockwise to secure the work- piece.
Figure 8
Setting The Vise For Angle Cuts
Referring to Figure 9, the vise can be adjusted through a
1.Loosen the lock handle (E) that secures the fixed vise jaw (D).
2.Rotate the fixed vise jaw (D) to the desired angle, setting it to the scale on the back edge of the table.
For accurate cuts, use a variable protractor to set the position of the jaw, aligning one side of the protractor with the blade.
3.Tighten the lock handle (E).
4.Loosen the hex head bolt (A) on the moveable vise jaw (C).
5.Place the workpiece (B) between the vise jaws (C, D).
6.Set the moveable vise jaw (C), pressing it against the side of the workpiece (B) and fixed vise jaw (D).
7.Tighten the hex head bolt (A) on the moveable vise jaw to secure the jaw.
Figure 9
Setting the Vise for Square Cuts
The procedure for setting the vise for square cuts is identical to setting for angle cuts (above) except that a machinist’s square is used to set the angle of the fixed vise jaw (J, Fig. 10). Align one side of the square with the side of the slot (G, Fig. 10) in the table.
Figure 10
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