The SteelMax s9fr Metal Cutting Saw for Fire and Rescue Operations: Q&A

1. Q – Can I use the s9 SteelMax saw as it is delivered?
A – Yes, after reading the s9 operation manual, you can begin using the s9 SteelMax saw. It has been delivered complete with a mild steel cutting 9” blade installed, safety goggles and ear plugs, and a rubber bumper adapter. Just plug it in and it is ready to go.

2. Q – How much does the s9 SteelMax saw weigh?
A – The SteelMax weighs only 21 pounds and is equipped with a strong, ergonomically designed handle for safe and continuous operation. The s9 also has a sturdy carrying case to store when not in use.

3. Q - Is the s9 SteelMax saw UL approved in this country?
A – Yes, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has given this product its written approval and certification for use in both Canada and the United States of America.

4. Q - What is the rated amperage of the motor on this machine?
A – The s9 SteelMax is powered by a doubly insulated 15 amp motor that has been tested for several hours running for 20 minutes and at rest for 10 minutes. The s9FR saw is equipped with motor overload protection to prevent motor burnout due to excessive running time.

5. Q – Can this saw be used to plunge cut?
A – Yes, there is a rubber bumper adapter that opens the blade guard a few inches to enable the operator to plunge cut more readily. This accessory is shipped as part of the FR saw.

6. Q – How long will it take the s9 SteelMax to cut through different car posts?
A - The following are a few examples of the time and efficiency of using the s9 SteelMax saw:
   • 13 seconds to cut large A post
   • 14 seconds to cut B door post
   • 44 seconds to cut large C post
   • Under 3 minutes to cut 6 car posts to remove top section of car
   • 4 seconds to cut 2” tubing

7. Q – Can the s9 cut into windshields?
A – Yes, the s9 has been tested cutting a wide variety of steel materials and windshields to ensure that all parts of the vehicle can be handled with this saw.

8. Q – Is there a LED light sight guide to assist in making straight cuts if required?
A – Yes, the LED sight guide is built into the handle of the saw and is powered when the saw is plugged in by an on/off switch.

9. Q – Can this saw be used to V notch the hood of car in case of engine fires and the hood latch is not usable?
A – Yes, you can use this saw to easily V notch the hood to open the hood.

10. Q – What speed is the saw blade rotating at during the cutting operation?
A – The saw runs at 2700 RPM with specially designed hardened gears to enable it to cut through metal efficiently.

11. Q – Does this saw cut cleanly leaving no burrs on the pieces or vehicle being cut?
A - Yes, the cut is perfectly clean leaving almost a machined looking finish, leaving no jagged edges.

12. Q - Can the s9 SteelMax saw bevel?
A – The s9 SteelMax can be easily set to bevel in a matter of seconds up to 45 degrees - clearly marked on saw.

13. Q – Is there an adjustment for the depth of cut on the s9 SteelMax saw?
A – Yes, there is an adjustable lever that can vary the depth of cut depending on what the saw is being used to cut.

14. Q – How do you change a blade?
A – Unplug the power cord from the electrical source on the Fire or Rescue Vehicle. Then, remove the chip collector cover by loosening two threaded knobs. Using the wrench supplied with the saw mounted in the base plate, loosen the blade bolt and remove it while holding down the spindle lock located on top of the machine. Remove the blade. Install the new blade, tighten it, and then install the chip collector cover. This operation should take only a very few minutes. Blades, although they will function with carbide teeth missing, should be changed when the user observes several teeth have been knocked off during a prior cutting operation.

15. Q – Is the metal hot to touch when being cut?
A – No, the heat is transferred to the chips by (TCG) – triple chip grind - with the result that the metal is not subjected to high temperatures. The post material being cut can be picked up immediately after the cutting operation.

16. Q – Can the s9 SteelMax saw be used with extension cords of up to 100 feet in length?
A – Yes, if the cord is built with 12 AWG or heavier. Thinner cords could cause overheating of the motor and ultimately malfunction of the machine.

17. Q – How deep a cut can the SteelMax saw make?
A – The SteelMax saw can reach a depth of over 3-1/4” with no problems – for example, it will handle all types of car posts all in one pass.

18. Q – Is the SteelMax saw grounded as there is only a two-prong plug?
A – Yes, the motor has double insulation for continuous operation of the SteelMax saw and does not require a three-prong plug as approved by UL.

19. Q – Are there sparks generated during the cutting process?
A – Due to the chip control and containment feature designed into the saw, there are minimal sparks produced during the cutting process.

20. Q – Is the SteelMax saw similar to a Chop saw or Demolition saw that uses an abrasive wheel?
A - No, the SteelMax is a 9” circular saw that uses a unique 48 tooth carbide tipped metal saw blade and not an abrasive wheel.

21. Q – Do the metal ‘chips’ generated during cutting create a potential safety hazard?
A – No, the chip collector controls the chips and directs them safely into the chip collector or onto the ground.

22. Q – Are all carbide tipped saw blades the same?
A – No, the s9 SteelMax blades use only the highest grade of tungsten carbide in its tips from the highest quality tip suppliers in Europe. In addition, a special grade of steel is used on the steel blank. There are carbide tipped blades to cut mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and thin steel.

23. Q – How many spare parts should be purchased with the s9 SteelMax saw?
A – Other than having spare blades, you do not need anything. SteelMax has also supplied - free of charge - a spare set of motor brushes which only need to be replaced after long periods of service.

24. Q – Is there a video available on the operation and features of the s9 SteelMax saw for Fire and Rescue operations?
A - Yes, there is a 5 minute video available in both DVD format and a CD ROM version. There is also a complete Operating Manual shipped with every saw. SteelMax has its own website and can be located at www.steelmax.com.

25. Q - How do I register my SteelMax saw in case there are warranty issues?
A – There is a product registration card that needs to be filled in completely and mailed to RGM SteelMax that can be found in the carrying case of each saw.

26. Q - What is the warranty on the s9 SteelMax saw?
A – The SteelMax saw has been manufactured in an ISO 9001 certified plant and under normal conditions is guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for one (1) year. Saws will be replaced within 30days of identifying and defects. The saw blades do not carry any specific warranty.