A better way to cut windings

So I bought a table saw a week ago. Finally got it all set up a few days ago and gave it a whirl. Processed 150 windings in short order. Or at least far quicker than the method I was using, which was to snug it in a vise, then run a 4 1/2” cutoff around it. Then I graduated to a 10” cutoff on a 9” grinder. (no guard. I don’t recommend it, though it worked fairly well).

Sometimes a better solution stares you in the face and you don’t realize it till someone else is doing it. So props to FreonJoe for turning me on to the idea of using a table saw.

So I did some browsing. Decided on a HF. On Mother’s Day they had a 25% off coupon, so I walked out with a 10” table saw for $103 and some change.



I set up some 2x4s, then bolted the saw down, set it over my bin and got to work. I zipped through the windings pretty quick. Best part is the blade still has plenty of life, even after 150. Just your run of the mill 10” cutoff found at Home Depot and others.

Another tip is using a seal puller to get the windings. Where I would spend what seemed like forever punching them through with screwdrivers, rod from printers, bolts, etc. Other than a few older/tough/varnished junk, I don't think I spent more than 60 to 90 seconds pulling windings since going to this method. So thanks to Joe for that tip as well.

I made a video of one. May want to turn sound down, or off. This took a bit longer than most. I was cutting most within 30 seconds. Then setting it off to the side and grab another. The mess I cut off gets pushed off into the bin.

So far I am happy with this saw. They tried to sell me the warranty, but if this dies after 90 days, that's $34 a month. I'm good with that.
Also, I am on the back side, pulling into the blade. Also wearing a full face shield, though if the blade were to shatter, I have my doubts the shield would withstand the impact. So the theory (and I could be wrong), if the blades goes, it throws most of it away from me. I stand to the side, to better see, and not be in the line of fire should it let go.

I would maybe try to come up with a contraption to hold the motor so you can stand on the other side of the machine . I was afraid you were going to slit your wrist around the .40 sec mark . Could just be from the angle of the camera but it appeared scarily close . Be safe and it looks to be a very fast process .

Seriously, you are going to lose your hand. I spent a large part of my life working with saws and have seen all too often the results of using one like that. Please change the way you are doing this.

I like the concept and would only add using a pair of R -11 vise grips to hold the motor, reducing the chance of cutting myself. Set correctly they would be secure, provide leverage, and move your hand 10 more inches from the blade. They would add about 5 seconds to the process because you would have to re clamp to cut the back side. Just a thought.

Decided to edit this post and add a picture of the vise grips I recommended. I am sure there is a variety of names for them depending on your location, vocation, etc.

That is scary.

I know this is Freonjoes method and Im sure you will do just fine. If I broke them down this would be the way I did it as well but its a little to noisy for my steathy approach.

As for sawing my hand off, there is potential, but being an abrasive blade (and I have had contact a time or two), it's not as much of a concern as if it were a blade with teeth.

I had to stop this horror flick at 34 seconds. Next time you do this have someone standing by with the phone and have them dial 9-1 and wait.