Variable angle cutting deck for metal cutting chop saws

摘要

An improved chop saw cutting deck is moveably attached to a chop saw base with a hinge mechanism. The axis of the hinge mechanism is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the chop saw's cutting wheel, thereby allowing a change to the angle of inclination between the cutting wheel and materials placed on the cutting deck. For certain material profiles, this alternate inclination angle presents a smaller material surface area to the cutting wheel, and translates to cooler, faster, and more efficient abrasive cutting action. The cutting deck is supported in its inclined position by a deck support means, and may be reconfigured back to a horizontal orientation for effective cutting of various other material profiles. In addition, the preferred location of the hinge axis provides a consistent, lateral line of elevation across the cutting deck, thereby assuring continuous contact of elongated materials with supplemental material supports, such as sawhorses, throughout the cutting deck's range of motion.