Did you know that people first used diamonds to cut tough materials almost five thousand years ago? Although historians claim that diamonds were used for cutting in Ancient Egypt, the first diamond wire saw tool was made in the 1950s in Europe.
From there, DIY enthusiasts and professionals used diamond wire saws for various applications, such as pipe cutting. We are focusing on that in this article and will share expert tips on improving pipe-cutting accuracy. Take a look at these tips and check how you can make more accurate cuts than ever.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1. Make Sure Your Saw Is Up to the Task
- Chapter 2. Position the saw Properly for Horizontal or Vertical Cuts
- Chapter 3. Maintain Optimal Wire Tension
- Chapter 4. Adjust the Arm Clamps If Necessary
- Chapter 5. Make Sure It Is Properly Connected to the Power Supply
- Chapter 6. Always Employ the Required Safety Measures
- Chapter 7. Make Sure Your Saw Is Well-Maintained
- Final Thoughts
Chapter 1. Make Sure Your Saw Is Up to the Task
You will first want to ensure that your diamond wire saw is up to the task. When picking a suitable saw, these are the factors to consider:
- Are you planning to use the tool at a subsea level? If the answer is yes, you also need to consider water depth. The saw should be able to perform optimally at that depth as that is a pre-requirement for accurate cutting.
- What items do you plan to cut? First, consider the materials. Although diamonds are usually designed for hard materials, it is wise to confirm their suitability before you start the cutting process.
- Do you know how to handle the tool? You need to learn how the tool works and ensure you know how to operate it. If you want to ensure optimal accuracy, you must know the basics of using the tool.
Not using a saw suitable for the task is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It can lead to material and tool damage and inaccurate cuts. If you want to cut a pipe accurately, you need a tool that fits the material, cutting environment, and size of the item.
Chapter 2. Position the saw Properly for Horizontal or Vertical Cuts
If you want to learn how to position the diamond wire saw properly, you need to know the basics of the tool’s design. First of all, you will notice the hoist rings on the tool’s sides, allowing you to perform vertical and horizontal lifts. You will also notice slings with different leg lengths, and you can also use them to adjust the tool any way you want.
Now, if you would like to perform vertical cuts with your diamond wire saw, you should grab the sling with two parts and attach it to the two hoist rings closest to the tool’s motor. The wire and the saw must remain in a straight position, which will help with the cutting accuracy.
A diamond wire saw also allows you to cut horizontally. In this case, you want to grab the four slings and connect them to the hoist rings. In this case, you want to keep the wire, and the saw horizontal. Ensuring they remain flat increases the chance of cutting the pipe accurately.
Chapter 3. Maintain Optimal Wire Tension
The main benefit of maintaining optimal wire tension is achieving the desired accuracy and ensuring everything goes smoothly. The first thing you should do is locate the two idler wheels between which the wire will move. Since the space between the wheels is limited, you must ensure at least two inches of space available for the back-and-forth movement. That will give you enough space to maneuver and ensure you can perform all the desired actions easily.
The wire can be too tight or loose, and you don’t want either of those things to happen. In those situations, you should use the flywheel to adjust the wire. If you use a hydraulic diamond wire saw, monitor the hydraulic pressure, as it might need adjusting during the process.
Chapter 4. Adjust the Arm Clamps If Necessary
When determining the specific requirements for your upcoming project, it is important to check out the diameter of the pipe. You might need to cut pipes of various sizes, and adjustable arms allow you to do that with the same tool.
Let’s say that you need to cut a pipe with a small diameter first. You want to adjust the arms so they can grasp the pipe properly and keep it tight during the process. That is why it is wise to go with a diamond wire saw with an automatic clamping system. These tools will identify the ideal force to apply during the cutting process. That means the saw will always remain properly connected to the pipe, guaranteeing an accurate cut.
Once you need to move on to a large pipe, use the adjustable arms again and reposition them to the new desired position. If you notice something wrong once you start cutting, you can readjust the arms at any moment. However, it would be ideal for getting everything right the first time as that will secure the most accurate cut.
Chapter 5. Make Sure It Is Properly Connected to the Power Supply
Your diamond wire saw will need to have a power supply. In some cases, you will use a hydraulic tool, while other units are electric-powered. Either way, it is essential to maintain an optimal connection with the power supply during the process.
First, you must ensure all cables and other connections are properly connected. Once you confirm that, it is essential that you have enough maneuvering space not to compromise the power supply. You don’t want to risk knocking down a hydraulic pump or tripping over the electricity cable and turning the unit off.
Once you start working, you must focus on the process without interruptions. If you need to take a break and leave the tool to reconnect any components, that might compromise the accuracy.
It is wise to double-check all the connections, such as the ones between hydraulic hoses and circuits. If necessary, try the tool on a workpiece you don’t need. Once you confirm everything works properly, you can cut the desired material.
Chapter 6. Always Employ the Required Safety Measures
When working with power tools like diamond wire saws, you can never be too sure. That is why it is important to take safety seriously. Only operate the equipment safely when you confirm that you can focus on the actual process. And that is a guarantee that you will take the accuracy in pipe cutting to the maximum level.
First, you want to check all the components and machines before you start. That involves ensuring all the connections are right and everything works properly. Can the saw cut the desired material, and did you align everything correctly? By ensuring this, you keep your safety optimal, ensure that nothing will go wrong, and compromise accurate cutting.
You should always wear protective equipment, including protective gloves for your hand, a helmet for the head, and goggles for your eyes. If necessary, consider the body protection gear, too. If you are working at a job site, you need to double-check the regulations of that specific location. Perhaps you must wear a high-visibility vest so people can easily notice you. Once you take all safety measures, focusing on doing the job right and making an accurate cut will be a piece of cake.
Chapter 7. Make Sure Your Saw Is Well-Maintained
A diamond wire saw is a specific tool that requires regular and adequate maintenance. You can only promote accuracy and maintain it at the highest level by keeping it in optimal shape.
First, check if all the cables are in optimal shape, which can affect your safety. Next, inspect the guide wheel and the flywheel of your tool. If broken or damaged, replace them because they might cause accelerated wear and tear to your tool. You should also ensure that your diamond saw is clean since that will secure optimal performance and accuracy. It is crucial to clean the tool after using it since you want to avoid any corrosion and other issues.
Final Thoughts
Many factors can affect accuracy when cutting pipes with a diamond wire saw. It is crucial to position the tool properly and ensure that you use the right tool for the task.
If you are looking for high-quality diamond tools, look no further than NCCuttingTools. The company has over 20 years of production experience and is ready to provide durable, long-lasting saws at affordable prices. Don’t hesitate to contact them for all your diamond tool needs; the company will do its best to meet and exceed your expectations.
