Tech Tip-Better than a cast saw? -LAST clarification
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Tech Tip-Better than a cast saw? -LAST clarification
Text:
Due to a few e-mails I have received, I offer this one last Addendum......
MY life is easier with the sheet metal reciprocal saw. I WILL say that I have
a industrial source of compressed air, I have an in-line oiler on it (a few
bucks) and it works great. I use it on BK and AK plastic and laminated
sockets over plaster and foam blanks. I use a short blade and ease it in over
a curve or a flat area if necessary, and keep it on a shallow angle for
plaster (I use vermiculite combo). If you go in too steep it can bend the
blade, and then you just bend it back!
If its foam, it's no problem what-so-ever. Its faster than a cast saw and the
blades are cheaper and it can turn corners easier.
That said, some people are using right angle die grinders with a router blade
which is a great idea if you can adjust the bit so that only the thin portion
protrudes and not the beveled part.
Alan Finnieston at Biosculptor and PDI have been using this idea for a long
time because it's..... better than a cast saw! Contact them if that sounds
appealing to you.
Some people have tried the Roto Zip which may be harder to control but also
could be good in the right circumstances. Now the ThermoCarver from Medico
can carve the AFO or BK or AK blank, pull the plastic, and CUT the trim
lines! NO NEED FOR ANY SAW! Sounds good to me!
Of course there is always a situation where a cast saw works better, just
thought I would share what works for me.
By the way, I have an excellent Fein battery powered cast saw, almost brand
new-(maybe used ten times), with five battery packs (four un used), and
several blades. These blades are thinner than regular cast saw blades with
finer teeth and are great for laminates. Pel carries this fine saw in cord
and cordless versions. The blade orientation is (in my mind ) more ergonomic
but not what you are used to with conventional cast saws. Make me an offer!
Mark Benveniste CP
MY life is easier with the sheet metal reciprocal saw. I WILL say that I have
a industrial source of compressed air, I have an in-line oiler on it (a few
bucks) and it works great. I use it on BK and AK plastic and laminated
sockets over plaster and foam blanks. I use a short blade and ease it in over
a curve or a flat area if necessary, and keep it on a shallow angle for
plaster (I use vermiculite combo). If you go in too steep it can bend the
blade, and then you just bend it back!
If its foam, it's no problem what-so-ever. Its faster than a cast saw and the
blades are cheaper and it can turn corners easier.
That said, some people are using right angle die grinders with a router blade
which is a great idea if you can adjust the bit so that only the thin portion
protrudes and not the beveled part.
Alan Finnieston at Biosculptor and PDI have been using this idea for a long
time because it's..... better than a cast saw! Contact them if that sounds
appealing to you.
Some people have tried the Roto Zip which may be harder to control but also
could be good in the right circumstances. Now the ThermoCarver from Medico
can carve the AFO or BK or AK blank, pull the plastic, and CUT the trim
lines! NO NEED FOR ANY SAW! Sounds good to me!
Of course there is always a situation where a cast saw works better, just
thought I would share what works for me.
By the way, I have an excellent Fein battery powered cast saw, almost brand
new-(maybe used ten times), with five battery packs (four un used), and
several blades. These blades are thinner than regular cast saw blades with
finer teeth and are great for laminates. Pel carries this fine saw in cord
and cordless versions. The blade orientation is (in my mind ) more ergonomic
but not what you are used to with conventional cast saws. Make me an offer!
Mark Benveniste CP
Citation
“Tech Tip-Better than a cast saw? -LAST clarification,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/219900.
