Characteristics and features of the choice of pendulum saws

The saw is an irreplaceable assistant in solving some household tasks. Pendulum saws are used for cross-cutting wood, plastic or even metal. Our article will tell you about the characteristics and features of choosing this tool.

The pendulum saw has been used for a long time, earlier tools of this type were made with a belt drive, a water mill served as a motor, and later a steam unit. Today the power source is an electric or gas engine. The saw is mainly used on sawmills.

The fact that the saw is powered by a powerful motor makes it suitable for cutting thick and dense material. However, the thickness of the cut object is limited by the size of the blade. All circular saws have this limitation. The pendulum saw sometimes comes with a counterweight and is often used when cutting at right angles to the direction of the grain of the wood. Even if there is protection on the blade, such a tool is very dangerous.

The main characteristic to consider when choosing a pendulum saw is the type of motor used by the manufacturer. Units with two types of engine are on sale today:

• asynchronous;
• collector.

In the collector version, a distinctive feature is high power, however, carbon brushes are quickly erased. The asynchronous power unit runs longer and makes less noise, however, not all models of pendulum saws can be fitted with a motor.

The second equally important indicator is the cutting width. It can vary from model to model and depends on several factors:

• parameters of the disc, due to which the sawing is carried out;
• design features of the tool.

A wide cut can only be obtained by using a blade with the maximum allowable diameter. On all models, the cutting element moves exclusively vertically, so they are no different here. The more expensive models have a guide, which is simply necessary for beginners. Thanks to her, the cut is clear and even, in addition, the canvas easily moves not only forward, but also backward. When comparing tools with the same blade diameter, the cutting width will be significantly larger, especially in the case of a model with a guide.

If we talk about safety, then professionals advise to purchase a pendulum saw, in the design of which there is an electrodynamic brake, since it makes it possible to stop work at any second. The safety level of such equipment is much higher.

The efficiency of the saw depends on the stable rotation of the cutting blade. This is one of the reasons why it is worth looking at a model in the design of which additional rev support is provided. This function will be useful not only for beginners, but also for professionals, as it increases the productivity of the tool.

All electric pendulum saws can be divided according to the type of processed material into products:

• for metal;

• on wood;

• detachable (universal).

Power saws in the first category are capable of working with aluminum and other softer and harder materials. Some models are available with a carbide disc and even a turntable, making the task much easier. You can buy a product for cutting with a long feed. The tool for metal eliminates the thermal effect on this material, thus, mechanical cutting does not affect the composition of the alloy, therefore, the characteristics of the metal do not change.

The power of the pendulum saw and the type of disc that stands on it determines what kind of metal the tool can work with. Non-ferrous and ferrous metals can be processed. If we talk about the scope of application, then metal saws are used when cutting:

• corners;
• rods;
• fittings.

There are lower power pendulum saws on the market that are used to cut wood. Such units belong to one of the varieties of circular saws. They are used for trimming a bar or cutting a tree at right angles. During operation, such a tool swings like a pendulum, hence the name.

During work, the operator has the opportunity to follow the cutting line, which is very important if no preliminary marking has been applied. Among the disadvantages are the limited cutting width and the need to apply additional effort to the operator. The design uses cutting elements with a diameter of 50 to 65 cm.

Today, there are many popular manufacturers on the power tool market that offer high-quality and reliable pendulum saws (Makita, Hitachi, Enkor, DeWalt). Let's consider the most popular models.

• Saw Hitachi CC14SF can be safely attributed to the tools of a professional level. The model is used for cutting metal; for this, a very powerful engine is provided in the design. It is possible to install and replace the cutting disc using the spindle, which acts as a reliable means of fixation. The width and depth of the cut - 13 centimeters. The total weight of the structure is 18 kilograms, the cost of the model is 11,300 rubles.

• Model Matabo CS 23-355 works with almost any metal and can withstand heavy loads due to the presence of a powerful power unit and drive in the design. The cutting angle can be adjusted with a clamping device, the shield protects the user from sparks. The width and depth of the cut are 17.5 cm. The weight of the model is 17 kilograms, the cost is 12,700 rubles.

• Makita LC1230 Equipped with a hard-melting disc with a carbide edging on its surface. There is a dust collection filter that protects the inside of the tool. The depth and width of the cut are 11.5 cm, the weight of the saw is 19 kilograms, and its cost is 24 800 rubles.

Based on the fact that pendulum saws are not cheap, the buyer wants to immediately choose a quality tool that will not have to be returned for repair in the near future. Professionals give the following advice in this direction.

• First of all, it is worth determining why a pendulum saw is needed and for what purposes it will be used. If these are everyday tasks, then you can purchase an inexpensive tool with less functionality. For complex work, it is better not to spare money and take a professional unit.
• Pay attention to the level of security that the model offers (the presence of a protective casing).
• If the tool will be used by a woman or a person who is not very strong, then you should not choose a large unit. These saws are very heavy and require extra effort when working with them.
• Comfort and convenience should not be the last priority for the user, so ergonomics also play an important role.

There are certain safety precautions that the user must follow if he wants to protect himself. First of all, there should be no foreign objects in the workplace, and the operator should feel good. Slight dizziness or discomfort may affect safety while working.

People who have many years of experience with pendulum saws give their recommendations for the operation of this equipment.

• Clothes should fit snugly: no loose pants or down sleeves. Hair should not get in the way, and glasses should always be on the eyes to protect against accidental rebound of wood or metal splinters.
• Before starting to work with the saw, it is important to check the integrity of the wires and the body. It is strictly forbidden to use damaged equipment, especially if the disc does not fit well, fasteners are loose, or damage is visible on the wire.
• Work is carried out from the side on which the protective casing is located. This position will help protect against accidental disc ejection.
• In the workpieces that are supposed to be sawn, when it comes to wood, there should be no nails or other foreign objects.
• If there are cracks or chips on the wooden material, when the saw approaches, the speed of the unit's revolutions must be reduced.
• Do not use the pendulum saw with the safety guard removed, as at high RPM the ejected blade can cause serious injury to the operator.
• The replacement of the cutting element is carried out only when the unit is completely de-energized.

For an overview of a pendulum saw for metal, see the video below.