Training Bulletin # 44: Rotary Saw

Question 1

What safety equipment should be used at all time with use of a rotary saw?

Answer 1

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Helmet

Question 2

What are the two hazards associated with the use of a rotary saw?

Answer 2

1. Blade continues to spin once throttle is released

2. Gyroscopic Effect

Question 3

Hot sparks from saw cutting could be thrown as far as _.

Answer 3

15 feet

Question 4

What can be used in conjunction with saw if sparks are a concern onscene?

Answer 4

Aluminized ceramic blanket ( Dimensions: 6’x8’)

Question 5

What are the two makes of rotary saws per TB #44?

Answer 5

• Partner K-1200 (14” blade)

- Homelite XL98 (12” blade)

Question 6

What are the three basic types of blades?

Answer 6

• Carbide tipped blades (wood)
• Abrasive wheels blades (masonry/metal)
• Diamond blades (concrete)

Question 7

What specifically can a tempered metal carbide tipped blade be used to cut?

Answer 7

• wood
• composition on roof
• lexan
• light sheet metals (door cladding, aluminum sheet)
• 12” and 14” blades

Question 8

What specifically can the masonry composition blade be used to cut?

Answer 8

• masonry
• back up blade for light metals
• identified with white or silver stripe
• 12” and 14” blades

Question 9

What specifically can a metal composition blade be used to cut?

Answer 9

• metals for forcible entry
• identified by green blotter label.
• 12” and 14” blades

Question 10

What specifically can a diamond blade be used to cut?

Answer 10

• reinforced concrete
• masonry
• mixed materials.
• 14” blade only

Question 11

Should a diamond blade be used to cut metals?

Answer 11

NO. Avoid doing so because metals reduce blade life.

Question 12

Diamond blades are expensive, fast cutting blades with a blend of hardened synthetic diamond material fastened to the outer edge. Arrows located near the hub indicate what?

Answer 12

Blade rotation

Question 13

What is the rule of thumb in regards to using diamond blades?

Answer 13

Shall be used for emergency operations ONLY.

Question 14

If a diamond blade is wanted for drilling purposes, who can we contact?

Answer 14

Battalion Headquarters. Each battalion will have one diamond blade for training purposes for entire battalion.

Question 15

For best results as a rescue saw, why is the blade and guard mounted in the outboard position?

Answer 15

Allows cuts to be made in close proximity to walls, floors, etc.

Question 16

The _ position is optimum for ventilation use.

Answer 16

Inboard

* This position reduces blade bind

Question 17

With the blade centered, the saw can be dragged through material, using the _ as a depth gauge and the lower portion of the _ as a pivot and skid.

Answer 17

• guard

- carrying handle

Question 18

To avoid belt damage due to binding, what action needs to be taken by user?

Answer 18

Release throttle and immediately remove blade from cutting surface.

Question 19

The rotary saw is excellent when used for cutting thick or heavy roof composition as found on _ or _ types of roof construction.

Answer 19

• flat

- older

Question 20

Judgement should be used prior to operating a rotary saw on any roof that is more than slightly pitched because of what?

Answer 20

• Reduced reach

- Gyroscopic Effect

Question 21

What is downside of using a rotary saw for ventilation?

Answer 21

Difficult to feel structural members when cutting.

Question 22

A _ can be used to bring each blade type to the cutting site, providing greater flexibility to the operator.

Answer 22

Portable carrier

Question 23

What are the spark plug clearances for Homelite and Partner Rotary Saws?

Answer 23

• Homelite: .025”

- Partner: .020”

Question 24

If the tank has not been refueled in the previous _ days drain fuel and refill with fresh _ mix.

Answer 24

• 30

- 50:1

Question 25

When do you send in a carbide tipped blade into Supply Maintenance for a replacement?

Answer 25

- Tip damage (missing tip) | - Sharpness (radius)

Question 26

Compressed air or solvents should not be used to clean _ filters. Instead tap filter gently on the palm of your hand.

Answer 26

paper

Question 27

Rotary saw shall be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Particular attention should be paid to cylinder and head fins if soiled with molten tar. Use only approved cleaning agents. _ shall NOT be used.

Answer 27

water

Question 28

Blades shall be measured and meet the following requirements for emergency use which are:

Answer 28

- Partner: Minimum 12" for 14" | - Homelite: Minimum 10" for 12"

Question 29

Abrasive blades shall NOT be forwarded for exchange unless the total blade diameter is _ inches or less.

Answer 29

9

Question 30

How should damaged blades be sent in?

Answer 30

With F-175 tag and the word "UNSAFE" marked on the blade.

Question 31

Abrasive blades must be rated for spindle speeds of _ rpm or higher and must be sandwiched between blade blotters to take up any irregularities in thickness.

Answer 31

5,000

Question 32

Procedure for flooded cylinder

Answer 32

1. Place saw on/off switch in "off" position 2. Turn saw on its side (exhaust side down) 3, Push in choke 4. Pull starter rope, 4-5 times, to clear cylinder of fuel. 5. Place switch to "on" position and use normal starting procedures.

Question 33

What is a sign the centrifugal clutch is bad?

Answer 33

The saw rpms increase proportionally with the throttle and the belt and blade do not.