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| + | ====== How to use a Hacksaw ====== | ||
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| + | **Choose the Right TPI (Teeth Per Inch)** | ||
| + | 14 TPI (Coarse): For soft metals like aluminium, brass, copper, and thick plastics. | ||
| + | 18 TPI (Medium): For general mild steel, angle iron, and electrical conduit. | ||
| + | 24 to 32 TPI (Fine): For hard metals like tool steel, cast iron, thin-walled tubing, and sheet metal. | ||
| + | | ||
| + | The Golden Rule: You must have at least 3 teeth touching the metal at all times | ||
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| + | **Install the Blade Correctly** | ||
| + | Direction: The teeth must face forward (away from the handle). When you push the saw, it should cut; when you pull it back, it should glide. (Check the arrow printed on the blade!). | ||
| + | Tension: Tighten the wingnut until the blade makes a high-pitched " | ||
| + | | ||
| + | **Secure Your Workpiece** | ||
| + | Clamp the metal firmly in a bench vice. | ||
| + | Cut close to the vice: Keep the cut line within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the vice jaws. Clamp it tight! | ||
| + | | ||
| + | **Mark Your Cut Line** | ||
| + | Use a scriber or a sharp awl to scratch a line across the metal. (Pencil marks rub off on metal). | ||
| + | Use a try square to ensure the line is perfectly perpendicular if you need a straight cut. | ||
| + | Put a centre-punch mark right on the line to help the blade " | ||
| + | | ||
| + | **The Cutting Technique (The " | ||
| + | Hacksaws only cut on the forward push stroke. | ||
| + | Starting the cut: Place your thumb against the side of the blade to guide it. Use very short, gentle strokes pulling the saw backwards a few times to create a shallow groove (a " | ||
| + | The Stroke: Use long, full strokes—using the entire length of the blade. This clears swarf (metal shavings) from the teeth. | ||
| + | Pressure: Apply firm, heavy pressure ON THE FORWARD PUSH ONLY. On the backward pull, lighten the pressure completely so the teeth just glide back. | ||
| + | Speed: Aim for 40 to 50 strokes per minute. This is much slower than you think. If you go too fast, the teeth will heat up and go dull—even bi-metal blades have their limits. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Angle and " | ||
| + | Hold the saw at a 45-degree angle to the metal (not perfectly horizontal). This makes the blade cut a wider kerf and prevents it from binding. | ||
| + | When cutting large pipes or thick bars, rotate the blade slightly so it points diagonally towards he cut. This reduces the surface area the teeth have to cut at once. | ||
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| + | **Finishing the Cut** | ||
| + | As you get to the bottom of the cut, slow down and lighten your pressure. If you push hard at the very end, the metal will tear, leaving a sharp burr, and the saw will jump. | ||
| + | Hold the piece you are cutting off with your free hand so it doesn' | ||
| + | YouTube Video on how to use Hacksaw | ||
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