Chop Saw

Question: What is going on with the chair?

Cruz: Now we weld. This post will link to my previous post and future post in the process of us repairing the metal stool.

Question: So what are you learning at the moment?
Cruz: Right now I'm learning how to use the chop saw.

Question: What's the chop saw for?
Cruz: The chop saw's used to cut out strips of metal or pieces of metal out of a larger body of metal. We're practicing inn using this machine before we begin cutting out pieces for our chair.

Question: How does the machine work?
Cruz: Well, from what our teacher, Mr. Grosinger, explained, the blade of the saw spins clockwise at very fast speeds to be able to go through the metal object without shattering or pushing back. However, it is also necessary for the user to put enough force on the handle of the blade for it to go through smoothly.

Question: What do you need to be aware of when using the machine?
Cruz: Safety is key! We clean up the work area and make sure it is free of debris that way nothing interferes with the blade and the metal. We wear goggles to avoid shreds of metal from going into our eyes (ouch!).

Question: Are the sparks produced during the process dangerous?
Cruz: The sparks aren't necessarily dangerous, but gloves should be worn to avoid having hot spots on your hands. Also, the sparks are hot enough to ignite a flammable substance and create a disaster.

Question: After the saw, what's the next step?

Picture by Cruz Flores

Cruz: After cutting our pieces of metal, we began welding!

Question: Why weld two pieces of metal?
Cruz: Before we go straight to the chair and try to fix it in one go, Mr. Grosinger wants us to build on our skills and wants to make sure we can weld without a problem.

Question: Can you explain how welding works?
Cruz: I would love to, but group member Rami is detailing that process.

I will update our progress in repairing the chair and discovering more metal-working skills. Until then, check out the blogs of the other group members:
Rami Alhussein: http://ramialhusseinengineering.blogspot.com/
Kelly Coca: http://kellycocaengineering.blogspot.com/?m=1