Cut Prop

Posted-onBy lineBylineeric


This cut station is a simple prop that can be made for less than $100. The prop simulates cutting window security bars, allowing practice using the rotary saw at different heights and in different positions. As shown in the picture below, the prop was made from galvanized pipe fittings that are available at the local hardware store. Each “clamp” is made from a flange, two short sections of threaded pipe, a Tee, and an inline valve. Although ½” fittings may work it is suggested to use ¾” instead, giving you more flexibility in the material you use to cut. The assembly is then used to clamp rebar, or Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT.) Ideally the clamps would be screwed into the building at windows height. In these pictures, the clamps were simply screwed into a concrete light pole. Either way, it’s an effective prop that can be made relatively cheap in a less than an hour.

19 thoughts on “Cut Prop”

  1. Nate999 says:

    Wow, finally get to be first…

    Anyway, I like this idea. Cheap, simple, and to the point. I like the way they’re placed at different heights/angles. An easy way to get fun training on a budget.

  2. mike D says:

    good idea, will definatly help to become comfortable with saw handling techniques.

  3. A/CM says:

    Pretty neat set up. We use an upright 6×6 with holes drilled through it at multiple angles and places and then shove rebar through. I do like this “clamp” idea for multiple sizes of any scrap you can find.

  4. Sean says:

    Nice props, and excellent training! Got to experience similar props at this year’s OFD conference.

  5. Murph says:

    now thats some good thinking. makes for practical training too.

  6. Hook says:

    nice idea looks like I will be making the trip to home depot today to build this.

  7. forgotten says:

    Just dont for get to turn off the water when your finished using it. 🙂 Great, cheap and practical idea.
    Good stuff.

  9. LT62A says:

    Capt,
    Are you saying that because you can see the mark on the blade that shows the rotation or do you see the “starburst” behind the diamond showing rotation? Just checking.
    Fact is, I know that saw, used that saw and have changed blades on that saw. Be assured that the blade is going the correct way.
    Instead of finding fault, or trying to find fault in everything, just see it as a decent training prop.

  10. TruckChauffer says:

    Nice

    I didnt even notice that saw had a blade on it!

  11. FitSsikS says:

    Re blade direction:

    Capt, imagine those notched sections of blade taking ‘the load’ as they faced the other way.
    Much like the tail of a fish if you pushed him through the water……backwards.
    Rotating (or facing) the proper way they are dragged through the material.

    Here’s a blown up (not fake) pic:

    http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/funepics/direction.jpg

    Fits

  12. Bull says:

    Nice Prop.

    Not to get all caught up in the blade direction thing, but Capt. may be talking about the fact the saw is not set up “outboard”. Maybe?

    Either way it’s a really good idea. Just need to find a light pole I can use. Thanks.

  13. forgotten says:

    Bull;

    I am thinking about sinking a 8″ x 8″ x 8′ CCA in the ground with some quikrete to create this prop. As long as they don’t decide to practice on the CCA it should last for quite some time and you can put it where you want it.

  15. towers do it better says:

    Capt-

    Dont worry i thought the same thing when i first saw this picture. But this is how this saw is designed, and I’m sure had the blade been on WRONG the operator would have found out in a hurry. They dont last long an will more then likely cause injury. TRAINGING LESSON 101 know how to use the tools provided properly if you dont know ask before you look like a dumba$$.

  16. towers do it better says:

    This is a great training prop for the nation wide budget cuts going on. Also if you mount the hoizontal ones accordingly it can double as a hose tower on a nice summer day.(s)

  17. stone says:

    I’ll respond for CAPT. “oh…mmmk”

  18. pumpkin121 says:

    I like this one a lot better than the other cut simulator. This one introduces the firefighter to the actions that saw is going to counteract against the user. The other Simulator is kinda wasteful anyways.

  19. Tony W--KY says:

    We made one of these. Works great! We used a treated 4x dimensional post in place of the concrete. Very happy with it. My training officer and I are both big fans of this site.

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