OPERATION
7
6.1
SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO OTHER CUTTING METHODS
6.1.1
The U.S.SAWS Belly Saw is designed to provide a safe alterna-
tive to other cutting methods that can be difficult and dangerous because
of the subgrade location of pipes. The key factor that provides ease and
safer operation is that the tool is strapped to the pipe and is simply drawn
around the pipe creating a straight and efficient cutting process. Other
Key factors are that because of the use of air or hydraulic power sources
the tools can run in the wet conditions without failure. To provide the most
accurate and time efficient cutting follow the procedures below.
6.2
ENSURE AN ACCURATE CUT
6.2.1
The belly saw was originally designed to cut the bottom ¾ of a
pipe. Many operators have determined that the belly saw provides simple
and easy cutting of the entire pipe. In order to ensure an accurate cut
that finishes where the cut begins several procedures must be taken.
Once all job site safety conditions have been met pressurize the tools
lines. Ensure safety clips are used where required so lines do not discon-
nect accidentally. One should take care to make sure proper clearance
has been provided on all sides of the line being cut. If an object creates
interference during the cutting process there will be difficulty completing
the cut accurately. The pipe must also be cleaned of rust, dirt, and unusu-
ally rough surface obstructions.
6.3
WHILE OPERATING THE SAW
6.3.1
With the roller strap removed from the belly saw plunge cut the
tool in a free hand method. The tool will be pulled in the direction of the
handle that has the throttle/ control valve. For that reason we recom-
mend that the tool be plunged slightly off the 12 o’clock mark toward the
throttle handle side. This will help to ensure good visibility of the saw as
you complete the cut, near the 12 o’clock position of the pipe. It is also
should be noted that a line should be made from 10 to 2 O’clock over the
top of the pipe. While plunging the tool into the pipe reference this line
with the edge of the cutting guard- do not line up with the blade. Once the
strap is installed you will not be able to see anything directly in the path
of the blade or under the blade guard. As the cut is completed you will be
able to see the reference mark at the 10 o’clock position and can make
adjustments to the cut if you have tracked off course during the cut.
6.3.2
Once the plunge cut has been made and the tools alignment
is satisfactory the strap must be installed. It will also be time to add any
additional reference marks to the cutting surface to help aid in alignment
start/ stop locations, etc..
6.3.3
Pull belly saw in the direction of the throttle handle. This will
provide the straightest cut. If the tool is pushed from this handle the saw
will track of course even if light pressure is applied. Once you reach the
termination of the cut you can release the strap and remove the saw. If
the cut has not completed in perfect alignment this would be the opportu-
nity to adjust the cut in a freehand method. If the cut does align perfectly
use caution as pressure from ground shifting can cause the pipe to shift
without notice and with tremendous force. The weight of the cut pipe can
pull the saw out of an operator’s hands when the tool is strapped to that
pipe. This is why we recommend not completing the cut until the saw is
removed/ unstrapped from the pipe and a more visible finish cut is made.
6.3.4
In certain situations the rollers may interfere with the saw or on
thick types of pipe the saws strap may contact the pipe. This will hinder a
free moving tool during the cut. In these cases you may spread the roller
trucks apart for better coverage around the pipe.
6.0 OPERATIONS
Waterworks
Division
P: 866 987-7297 F: 813-621-7125
Visit us at www.ussaws.com
Pipe Size Depth of Cut* Number of Links
8
2.09
2 Long 1 Short
10
1.71
2 Long 1 Short
12
1.48
3 Long 1 Short
14
1.32
3 Long 1 Short
16
1.2
4 Long 1 Short
18
1.11
4 Long 1 Short
20
1.04
4 Long 1 Short
24
0.93
4 Long 1 Short
* Measured from outside diameter of pipe to tip of blade.
