FAQ
RA Saws
1) Why is my saw cutting crooked (like a barber pole)?
May be excessive play in the slide block and/or rotator housing. It can also be caused from too many chips in the slide block and bolts are loosened to free up saw rotation. Typically a good and complete cleaning of all sliding/rotating components will solve this issue.
2) Why is my saw rotating very hard?
Typically, too many chips are jamming the rotator housing from the ability to rotate. Typically a good and complete cleaning of all sliding/rotating components will solve this issue.
3) Why won't my saw drop down at the end of the cut cycle?
Typically, too many chips are jamming the slide block from returning to the start position. Typically a good and complete cleaning of all sliding/rotating components will solve this issue.
4) Why won't the motor start when I flip the on/off switch?
Can be a non-swivel cord twisted until internally broken. Typically when this happens, the speed control board is damaged as well. Replace the cord (and potentially the speed board) with a genuine Orbitalum swivel cord.
5) I have a puddle of oil under the saw. Can I keep operating my RA?
Check the oil level indicator/site glass on the front of the slide block/gearbox. DO NOT operate the saw without the proper oil (# 790 041 030) at the correct level or serious and expensive damage will occur. In most cases, the seal behind the saw blade (# 790 041 207) is the source of the oil leak point.
6) The saw has a lot of play (slop) in the slide block and rotator housing. Can this be adjusted?
If cleaning will not cure "barber pole" cutting, many times the slide block and rotator housing can be re-machined or replaced to remove this play.
7) How long of a pipe can be cut with an RA without additional support?
Do not cut lengths more than 4 foot in length (drop off or mounted in saw vice) without additional support.
8) How can I tell my saw needs a new saw blade?
Typically, the saw will rotate harder and leave a larger burr as the blade wears out. Any blade that shows blue, purple or black color should be replaced.
9) How much blade lube do I really need to use?
When using Orbitalum Rocol or GF TOP, the blade only needs to be "wet" or shinny from a thin coating of lube. Typically, if residual lube is on the tube after cutting, then too much lube is being used. Additional lube will not make blades last longer.
10) Should I use any grease to lube the ways on the saw?
NEVER use any grease on any of the ways of your Orbitalum saw. Always use way oil or a light motor oil that will soak into the cast iron and continually lubricate the slide. Grease will attract chips that will stick to your saw and jam up the slides/ways.