After you find and purchase your ideal tube notcher, learning how to properly and safely utilize it should be your first priority. This tool is designed to create “fish mouth” notches in metal tubes, which are commonly used in the automotive industry and a number of other applications. Due to the saw bits utilized in the design of this tool being strong enough and sharp enough to cut through metal, it is imperative you follow proper procedures during every single use.
When cut into notches, the edges left behind in the metal are extremely sharp, capable of causing serious damage to unprotected human tissue. Therefore, a pair of heavy gloves should always be worn when operating the equipment. You should also always grind or file those sharp edges down before welding the notched tube. Finally, never wear loose jewelry, tie any long hair up and out of the way, and avoid wearing loose clothing.
Operation
Once you find the perfect tube notcher, you must decide whether you want to mount the notcher into a drill press or use it for benchtop and hand drill applications. If the former, the foot must always be securely attached to your table, and the shaft should be centered immediately below your chuck. From there, insert the tri-flat section of shaft within the chuck, making sure the chuck is in contact at all points with the shaft flat.
If you choose the latter, securely mount the base of your tool onto a reliable and stable benchtop. From there, clamp it tightly in an appropriately sized mounted vice for added safety and easy use.
Notching
Just before you make your first cut in the tubing, remove your locking pin and securely tighten the saw to the arbor carrier. If using a drill press, be sure to set your speed between 250 and 500 RPMs, as you should keep the variable speed low with hand drilling. Take your time and be careful of your surroundings and actions as you continue with your operation.
