MC CABLE CUTTER & PIGTAILER
Cable Cutting Tips
(revised 07/01/14)
Most steel-armored cable will cut as normal with the installed, “coarse” (60T) notching
blades!
However, some steel cable is harder and can have a tendency to be “sucked-in” by
the cut-off saw, especially the larger sizes. If you experience this or other problems with a
hard steel cable or
any
cable for that matter, first make sure the machine is adjusted
properly Refer to the documents “Operating Instructions”, “V-Block Adjustment” and/or
“Correct Notching Blade Rotation”. If none of those help you, then try one or all of the
following tips:
•
Cable should be fed from a reel or spool holder to avoid unnecessary twists.
•
Take your time making the cuts—LET THE BLADES DO THE WORK!
•
Use the set of fine-toothed (132T) notching blades that you should have received with
your machine. They are held to the underside of the V-block by a screw. Call us to order
a pair. (NOTE: these blades are intended for steel use only and tend to clog when used
on aluminum…)
•
Be sure that the notching blade cuts in the center of the cable. If it is off to the side it will
tend to grab and push the cable instead of cutting into it. Refer to the document “V-Block
Adjustment” for the complete adjustment procedure.
•
If your initial notching adjustment is too deep, the blades can grab. This is corrected by
adjusting the hold-down pads from a shallow cut to a deep cut increasing the depth of the
notching adjustments a little at a time.
•
When cutting, use a deliberate, smooth motion and wait for the saws to stop cutting
(“zinging”) before you raise the saws. Let the blades do their work!
•
Try installing the channel guide about an 1/8” to the right or left of the cut-off saw slot on
the V-block. This will usually be enough to hold the cable in place. This is especially
helpful when you get to the end of a spool and the cable is very curly. The carriage bolts
may also be moved to aid in cable guidance.
•
There are two holes in the hold down pads. Take 1-1/2” of bare #12 wire, (OR Update:
use steel 1/16” welding rod—more durable!), bend it like a staple to fit into the holes from
the bottom. Push up tight against the pads and bend the ends over to hold it tight. This
can be done to one or both pads as necessary. As it slips, the wire engages the groove
of the cable to help hold it in place. Remove the wire if you change to a cable that
doesn’t slip.
•
Bring the saw frame down to make your cut as usual, but before you raise it turn the
power switch OFF.
•
We have a “kit” which incorporates an additional spring-loaded hold-down for the right-
side drill frame and an adjustable plate which mounts on the left-side drill frame
underneath the cut-off saw motor or another spring-loaded hold-down can be used if you
bring the drill frame more outboard. Available by special order.
•
Please call us with any questions or concerns…
McCUTTER, Inc.
1930 N. Kingway Drive, Deltona, FL 32738
(407) 474-6400 fax (407) 575-3040
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Visit Our Website:
www.mccutter.com
