A.S. Enterprises was established in 1971 and initiated foam manufacturing in 1989. Known for its cutting and processing machines for flexible polyurethane foam, there are various cutting and foaming machines available for vertical cutting and horizontal cutting, both. The basic circular cutting machine from ASE is included in the horizontal cutting machines as it provides a reliable means of cutting flexible PU foam blocks. These are fully automatic machines and cut the foam blocks into desired thicknesses ranging from thin sheets as low as 3 mm to mattresses (100 to 200 mm). The circular saw machine features a welded steel construction and includes a table that is made with standard steel sections. It revolves around rollers and the cutting unit moves vertically, up and down, on two pillars.

What is a Circular Saw Machine?

A circular cutting machine is a powerful cutting tool that requires low maintenance and is used to cut flexible polyurethane foam blocks. It is available in different sizes and requires various safety measures to use for beginners. The machine consists of a blade knife that runs on four PU-coated balanced wheels, mounted on top of alignable bearing hubs. The blade is 30 mm wide and moves between a pre-tensioned knife guides that helps in keeping the blade in position during the cutting process. It runs by an electric motor that drives the rotary table. The automatic cutting process drives the slitting section to lower to the preset thickness after each revolution and the cutting is then executed by an endless band saw blade. Circular saws can be used for multiple purposes like cutting metal, foam, plastic, or ceramic.

Parts of a Circular Saw

The most important parts of a circular saw machine are:

  • Power trigger that will start the blade.
  • The handle will help you in holding the circular saw in place.
  • A trigger lock switch is a safety switch that does not allow the blade to start even after pressing the trigger.
  • The front grip helps in guiding the blade with your other hand as it cuts the block in line.
  • The blade guard covers the blade when the machine is not operating. It is a retracting guard and can be lifted using the tab on the side.
  • The shoe is made of metal and is placed on top of the cutting material.
  • The depth lock knob helps in the adjustment of the depth of the blade.
  • A bevel adjusting knob helps in loosening the cutting machine between the shoe and the blade.

The teeth of the blade of this machine deliver different cuts depending on the measurement like higher teeth inches mean a smoother cut and lower teeth inches mean a rough cut that may require sanding as well.

Type of Circular Saw Cuts

A basic circular cutting machine makes two types of straight cuts: a rip cut and a crosscut. A crosscut is a cut made against the grain of the wooden material, for example, when you trim a wooden board to a particular size. A rip cut, unlike the crosscut, is made to go alongside the grain of the wooden material. For example, when you trim a 4 ft. x 8 ft. wooden plywood to 3ft. x 7 ft., rip cuts help in covering longer ranges. A saw guide is essential for making any straight cut as it helps you to be certain that you are cutting the material straight.

You do not need to be intimidated by the thought of cutting lines using a circular cutting machine if you follow enough safety measures. It’ll be a breeze to use the machine and may serve as a utilitarian tool in your tool collection as well.