rotary saw

A rotary saw, spiral cut saw, RotoZip or cut out tool is a type of mechanically powered saw used for making accurate cuts without the need for a pilot hole in wallboard, plywood, or another thin, solid material.

The Rotozip Tool Corp was a company started by Bob Kopras, an American drywall installer who pioneered this type of saw. Rotozip was later acquired by Bosch Tool Corp. in 2003.{{cite web|title=Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Announces Acquisition of RotoZip Tool Corporation|url=https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/robert-bosch-tool-corporation-announces-acquisition-of-rotozip-tool-corporation/12102/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Pro Tool Reviews}}

This type of tool was originally developed for making cut-outs in drywall but it was later discovered that myriad other materials could easily be cut using the tool.{{cite web|title=RotoZip Tool Corp|url=https://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/how-to/power-tools/rotozips|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Ultimate Handyman}}

The design is similar to a small wood router but usually features only one handle for single-handed operation. Bits look similar to a twist drill or end mill; some cut on the upward twist, and some cut downwards. The cutting edge on the flutes actually slices (either upwards or downwards) through the material which means that they can cut in any direction.{{cite web|title=RotoZip Spiral Saws|url=https://www.bobvila.com/articles/rotozip-spiral-saws/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Bob Vila}}

Types of Rotary Saws

Rotary saws come in various types and configurations, each designed for specific tasks and materials. Some common types include:

**Standard Rotary Saws**: Typically used for drywall and light materials.
**Heavy-Duty Rotary Saws**: Designed for tougher materials such as tiles, metals, and plastics.{{cite web|title=Best Rotary Tools 2021: Grind, Sand, Hone, and Polish|url=https://toolguyd.com/best-rotary-tools/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=ToolGuyd}}
**Corded and Cordless Versions**: Corded rotary saws offer continuous power, while cordless versions provide portability and convenience.{{cite web|title=Corded vs. Cordless Tools: Which Should You Buy?|url=https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/corded-vs-cordless-tools/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Family Handyman}}

Applications

Rotary saws are versatile tools used in various applications, including:

**Construction and Renovation**: For cutting drywall, plywood, and other construction materials.{{cite web|title=Rotozip Spiral Saws|url=https://www.bobvila.com/articles/rotozip-spiral-saws/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Bob Vila}}
**Electrical and Plumbing**: To create openings for electrical outlets, switches, and plumbing fixtures.{{cite web|title=Top Tools Electricians Use|url=https://www.thespruce.com/top-tools-electricians-use-1152923|access-date=2024-07-26|website=The Spruce}}
**Hobby and Craft**: Used in model making, woodworking, and other craft projects.{{cite web|title=Best Rotary Tools 2021: Grind, Sand, Hone, and Polish|url=https://toolguyd.com/best-rotary-tools/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=ToolGuyd}}
**Automotive**: Employed in auto body repair and modification tasks.{{cite web|title=Automotive Tools & Equipment|url=https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_automotive|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Northern Tool}}

Operation and Safety

Using a rotary saw requires specific operational steps and safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure efficient cutting:

**Setup**: Secure the material to be cut and select the appropriate bit for the material.{{cite web|title=How to Use a Rotozip|url=https://www.hunker.com/13401343/how-to-use-a-rotozip|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Hunker|date=12 March 2010 }}
**Cutting Technique**: Hold the tool firmly, switch it on, and guide it along the desired cutting path.{{cite web|title=Rotozip Spiral Saws|url=https://www.bobvila.com/articles/rotozip-spiral-saws/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Bob Vila}}
**Safety Gear**: Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to protect against debris and dust.{{cite web|title=Safety Tips: Dust Masks & Respirators|url=https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/safety-tips-dust-masks-respirators|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Lowe's}}
**Maintenance**: Regularly check and replace worn-out bits, and clean the tool to maintain its performance.{{cite web|title=Tool Maintenance Tips|url=https://www.protoolreviews.com/tool-maintenance-tips/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Pro Tool Reviews}}

Medical and Emergency Use

A rotary reciprocating saw is a type of saw that spins a cutting implement around a rotary axis, instead of thrusting it along a linear axis. The first use of such devices was in medicine, where cutting through bone warranted the need for a saw with minimal stroke length, and a cutting action that could be implemented through depth cut rather than a follow-through cut.{{cite journal|title=History of Surgical Instruments|date=2009 |pmc=2684600 |last1=Salcido-Neyoy |first1=M. E. |last2=Sierra-Santoyo |first2=A. |last3=Beltrán-Ramírez |first3=O. |last4=Macías-Pérez |first4=J. R. |last5=Villa-Treviño |first5=S. |journal=World Journal of Gastroenterology |volume=15 |issue=19 |pages=2345–2350 |doi=10.3748/wjg.15.2345 |doi-access=free |pmid=19452576 }} The timber industry now also uses this type of action to cut in the same manner.{{cite web|title=Innovative Cutting Techniques in the Timber Industry|url=https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1997/bergm97a.pdf|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Forest Products Laboratory}} A particular manufacturer has a hand-held version for making difficult cuts, which would not be possible with other implements.{{cite web|title=Handheld Rotary Saws|url=https://www.tooltally.com/best-handheld-rotary-saw/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Tool Tally}}

Firefighters also use rotary saws to cut holes through walls to access certain areas quickly to fight fires and rescue civilians.{{cite web|title=Firefighters Use Rotary Saws for Rescue Operations|url=https://www.fireengineering.com/apparatus-equipment/rotary-saw-firefighter-rescue-operations/|access-date=2024-07-26|website=Fire Engineering}}

References

Category:Saws

ca:Serra radial

es:Sierra de brazo radial