Beginner’s Guide to Manual Metal Cutting Tools

Introduction to Metal Cutting

Metals are cut into pieces of different sizes and shapes according to the end use. Metal Cutting is essentially a process where special tools are used to chip or cut layers of metal out of a larger workpiece.

The resultant chip or layer should satisfy the predefined specification criteria like shape, dimensions and thickness.

Since metals are generally hard and extremely tough to cut through, metal cutting involves multiple processes and different tools. Since the inherent tensile property and strength of each metal is different, each metal requires suitable devices, processes and tools to get it into the desired shape.

Manual Cutting Tools

Manual cutting tools conitnue to be the best option for cutting smaller pieces of metal. Manual cutting tools includes smaller instruments that can be operated using the hand.

For example, manual cutting tools tend to come in particularly handy when cutting smaller pieces of metal in order to make small-sized holes for inserting bolts, rivets and screws etc.

Manual Metal Cutting Tools

Metal Hacksaw

This implement is similar in structure to a wooden saw except that it is constructed out of hardened steel to help it cut through tough metal surfaces. A hacksaw typically appears to be an inverted ‘U’ shape and is equipped with teeth that run along its outer edge.

Wood, plastic or metal are fixed on one end to help hold the hacksaw in place. The blade is usually detachable by means of small pegs that help tighten or loosen the blade as required. Hacksaw blades typically measure about 10 to 12 inches in length although you can find smaller, 6 inch models for cutting smaller metals.

The number of metal teeth can also vary across different types of hacksaws although the number falls between 14 to about 32 TPI (Teeth per Inch).

Chisels

Chisels are useful for chipping off extra or unwanted pieces of metal. Chisels are used in the metal cutting industry for both ‘cold’ or ‘hot’ cutting processes. A cold chisel is used to hack off waste bits of metal.

Cold chisels are used for a wide range of metal cutting tasks hat include cutting rivets, thin metal sheets, square-shaped corners and keyholes among several others.

Most models if cold chisels are burnt to a hard brown by using strong steel and flame-tempering technology to improve its cutting ability.

Diamond shaped chisels are used to cut out sharp corners and narrow grooves in metals while hot chisels (the chisel is heated to make it softer) can be used to help it cut through the metal.

Round headed chisels are used to cut indentations in metal surfaces. Chisels are particularly suited to chipping metals that are softer than themselves.

Chisels must work in tandem with the right hammer. An over-sized chisel will tend to absorb the blow from a lighter hammer and will unable to do any useful cutting.

Industrial shears

These are specially made from carbonated steel and can be used to cut through metals such as steel, stainless steel as well as aluminum.

Metal cutting shears typically resemble a pair of scissors and come in varying sizes. They can range from smaller, portable, manual models to huge, floor-mounted or bench -mounted versions. Bigger models of metal shears are operated pneumatically or electrically.

Despite the use of advanced and automated machinery in the metal cutting industry, manual cutting tools continue to be an integral part of the metal cutting manufacturing process.

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