How to Cut Steel With a Machine

Steel shims are often used as bushing machines. You can find steel bushings on lawnmowers, cars, woodworking machines or just about any other kind of machine. When these bushings wear out they can be difficult to find, because they are often unique to the machine that they came from. You can cut new ones in a few minutes with a metal cutting band saw. This is a common machine in every metal workshop and can also be found in cabinet shops or even home shops. Use this machine to cut steel accurately.

Steel cutting band saw

Instructions

- 1
  Grab the large handle on the front of the machine and lift the hood. Reach down on the right side and lift a small lever so that it points straight up. This is the hydraulic switch that will lock the hood in the upright position.
- 2
  Turn the large wheel on the front of the machine counterclockwise. It's the only large wheel on the front of the machine. As you turn the wheel, watch a small bracket open up inside the machine. When the bracket opens up big enough for your steel to fit into it, stop turning the wheel.
- 3
  Place the steel in the bracket with one end overhanging the blade slot. The blade slot is on the right side. It will cut the steel off at any length depending on where you put the steel. For example, for a 1/2-inch bushing, allow the steel to extend past the wheel slot 1/2 inch. Turn the wheel to close and tighten the bracket to hold the steel securely.
- 4
  Turn on the machine. Reach down and push the hydraulic lever down. The hood will begin to slowly descend. The blade is in the hood. Don't touch it. Wait for the hood to close completely. It will cut the steel and the machine will automatically shut off.
- 5
  Raise the hood to access the cut-off piece and remove the steel blank.

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