Metalworking Machines - Metal Saws (Hot)

Hot metal saws can be dangerous if not used properly.

• Read the owner's manual carefully.
• Make sure you understand instructions and are properly trained before operating a hot metal saw.

Hot metal saws, often referred to as cut-off saws or chop saws, use an abrasive cut-off wheel. The machine may operate dry or wet, at low or high speed, and in either manual or automatic mode.

Refer to the OSH Answers on Metalworking Machines - General for safety tips.

• Wear appropriate CSA-certified personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection and footwear as necessary.
• Wear approved respiratory protection when necessary.
• Handle and store wheels as directed by the manufacturer.
• Inspect all wheels for possible damage before mounting.
• Use the proper blade for the material being cut.
• Check machine speed against the maximum safe operating speed marked on the wheel.
• Make sure that mounting flanges are equal and have the correct diameter (at least 1/4 of the wheel diameter).
• Use mounting blotters when they are supplied with wheels.
• Clamp the work firmly in place when using non-reinforced cut-off wheels.

• Use a properly designed safety guard covering at least one-half of the grinding wheel.
• Allow mounted wheels to run at operating speed, with guards in place, for one minute before cutting.
• Bring the wheel into contact with the work without bumping on impact.
• Turn off the coolant before stopping the wheel to avoid an out-of-balance condition.
• Keep the working surface clean of scraps, tools and materials.
• Keep the floor around the saw clean and free of oil and grease.
• Make sure that the saw has a start/stop or emergency button within easy reach of the operator.

Pleaserefer to the OSH Answers on Abrasive Wheels for additional information.

• Do not use a cracked wheel or one that has been dropped or damaged.
• Do not force a wheel onto the machine or alter the size of the mounting hole. If the wheel does not fit the machine properly, get one that will.
• Do not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
• Do not use mounting flanges whose bearing surfaces are not equal, clean, flat and free of burrs.
• Do not tighten the mounting nut excessively.
• Do not grind on the side of the wheel.
• Do not start the machine until the wheel guard is in place. 
• Do not bypass any safety guards.
• Do not stand directly in front of the cut-off wheel when starting a machine.
• Do not jam, bend or pinch the wheel.
• Do not force cutting such that the motor slows.
• Do not cut without proper ventilation.