How to Make Storage Box For Power Saw Blades

How to Make Storage Box For Power Saw Blades

As we are all aware, portable power saws are probably one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment used in the fire service today.

Not only must the power saw be properly maintained, but the blades also must be inspected, maintained and stored to ensure safe operation. The blades can best be stored in a separate wooden box that is easily made according to instructions later in this article.

There are two types of abrasive blades used with portable power saws in the fire service. One is the aluminum-oxide blade for cutting metals. The other is the silicone-carbide blade for cutting concrete and other masonry materials.

Read the label

Fire fighters and rescue personnel must be able to distinguish between the two types of abrasive saw blades. The best way to do this is to read the label. If the label is damaged or missing, the saw blade should be replaced as the label not only identifies the type of blade and its uses, but it also acts as a spacer.

Both carbide tip saw blades and abrasive saw blades must be inspected for wear and damage on a regular basis and after each use.

Carbide tip blades should be repaired or replaced when:

1. Two or more carbide tips are missing.
2. When the carbide tips are worn down to the circumference of the blade.
3. When the blade shows signs of rust.

Abrasive blades should be replaced when:

1. The blade is chipped or cracked.
2. The blade is worn down to 8 inches or less in diameter.
3. The manufacturer’s label is damaged or missing.
4. The blade shows any indication it has absorbed or been in contact with petroleum products or their vapors.

Need for proper storage

Abrasive blades present a dangerous problem if stored improperly. These blades, if stored within the same container as the saw or refueling supplies, have a tendency to absorb petroleum products such as gas, oil and their vapors. The blades then become weakened and hazardous to use.

When saturated blades are subjected to high rpms, binding, or frictional heat while cutting, they may disintegrate or explode, causing serious injuries to the operator and bystanders. Therefore, it is important for the operator, backup man and anyone near the saw during its operation to be protected by full turnout gear, including helmet, gloves and eye protection. Only the saw operator and personnel essential to the operation should be in the immediate working area. All others must be kept at a safe distance.

Prolongs blade life

Abrasive blades must be kept in their own container to prevent contamination from petroleum products and vapors. An inexpensive wooden storage box will help prolong the service life of your blades. Just about every fire department or rescue squad has a handyman who can construct this wooden storage box.

Most of the wood needed can probably be found on a scrap pile of a nearby construction site or purchased. A pair of hinges, some type of latch and a handle can be purchased at a hardware store.

The box should be made only large enough to hold your saw blades. The size of your box will be determined by the size and number of blades to be stored.

The box is constructed of 3/4-inch plywood and 1-inch pine boards (3/4inch thick finished). To determine the size of your box, measure the diameter of a saw blade and add 2 inches. If your saw blade is 12 inches in diameter, add 2 inches for a total of 14 inches. The size of your box will be 14 X 14 inches. This box will enable you to store three abrasive blades.

Making the box

The storage box can be made as follows:

Step 1—Cut three 14 X 14 pieces of 3/4-inch plywood. One piece will be the bottom, one will be the center, and the other will be the door. If you need to store more than three blades, make the center thicker than 3/4 inch.

Step 2—Locate the central point of the center piece of plywood. Lay an abrasive blade on the plywood with the hole of the blade over the center mark on the plywood. Inscribe a circle around the blade that is 1/2 inch larger than the blade. Cut out the circle with a saber saw. Also cut a thumb hole at each corner.

Step 3—Attach the center to the bottom with glue and finishing nails.

Step 4—Cut four l-inch pine boards 2 1/4 inches wide to make the sides of the box. Attach the sides to the bottom and center plywood piece with glue and finishing nails. Set one edge of the side pieces flush with the bottom edge. This will allow the sides to extend above the center piece of plywood to receive the door. You may want to miter the corners of the side pieces for appearance.

Step 5—Place the door on the center piece and between the sides. (You may need to trim the door for a good fit.) Attach a pair of hinges to one side of the door and the latch to the opposite side. Attach the handle to the top of the box. The handle can be used to hang the box in an apparatus compartment, to carry the box by hand and to attach a line for hauling the box to a roof or upper floor of a building.

Step 6—Open the door of the box and lay a saw blade inside. Center the blade in the box and cut a piece of 3/4-inch wooden dowel 3/4 inch long. Drill a hole through the center of the dowel with a 3/16-inch bit. Attach the dowel to the bottom of the box through the center of the blade, using a 1 1/4-inch wood screw. This prevents the blades from sliding around inside the box and puts the weight of the blade on its metal center instead of its edge.

Wrapping abrasive blades in plastic before placing them in the storage box will help to protect them even more.

Remember, your saws must be ready for use on a moment’s notice. The saw and blades, like all equipment, must be properly maintained in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Poorly maintained equipment only adds to the danger of their operation.