Knowing how to safely operate metal cutting tools and wood cutting tools can save you time and money in your shop. Not only will you know how to protect yourself, but you also learn how to get the most value from your cutting supplies. To put it plainly, safe operation of industrial cutting tools is the most cost-efficient operation.

You can receive cutting tools and supplies education and training from a variety of resources. Many high schools offer vocational training that includes operation of wood cutting tools and metal cutting tools as part of the basic shop curriculum. You can also find technical classes to train you to use glass cutting tools and stone cutting tools. Whatever training you receive it should include the following:

1. Safe operation of cutting tools.

2. Problem solving techniques to keep the machinery operational.

3. Selecting the right cutting supplies for the task.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn basic information about industrial cutting tools

Whether you take refresher course or a class introduce yourself to cutting tool production practices, this knowledge base is necessary for any job you might get that involves the use of industrial cutting tools. You can receive this training at a community college or technical school, or your can find the information online. If you choose the online option, you need to provide your own cutting tools to do the laboratory exercises.

I recommend: Take the cutting tools and supplies education and training available online from Tooling University. Follow the lessons on cutting tools on the interactive CD “Cutting Tool Essentials” provided by TechDirections.

Participate in on-the-job cutting tools and supplies education and training

If you have a job in a shop, participate in every professional training opportunity possible, even if it's on machinery you don't normally use as part of your job. Also become knowledgeable about cutting supplies and work on ways to reduce the amount of waste you create the job.

I recommend: Horizon Solutions offers professional training for the operators of its industrial cutting tools. Horizon works with staff on-site to show methods that get the most out of cutting tools and supplies. You can find online facts to use for self-training on an industrial cutting machine, as well as proper industrial cutting supplies, from Melin Tool Company.

Find cutting tools training for specialty machines

Lathes require special training to operate, as do groove cutting tools. Not only do these machines take special training, you also need a considerable amount of practice on the machines to make the finished product perfect.

I recommend: Centroid offers a number of training videos for specialty cutting tools, such as lathe cutting tools. You can find information about lathe cutting tools from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There is also information on how to choose the proper metal cutting supplies within the online lessons.

Cutting tools and supplies include machines and accessories that cut metal, glass, stone, wood and other raw industrial materials. By looking online, you can find many types of cutting supplies to meet your business needs.

Cutting tool manufacturers have differing quality standards and usually focus on specific industries. To choose the best industrial cutting tools and supplies, look at product specifications as well as the manufacturer's capabilities and certifications. Know the basic types of tools needed for the materials you cut in your industry.

1. High-precision machining centers that work hair-thin tolerances are edging out metal cutting tools like simple grinders.

2. Glass cutting tools for industrial use should have long-lasting, smooth-functioning tungsten carbide wheels.

3. Stone cutting tools can be simple blade-driven power tools up to complex three-axis laser cutters for large jobs.

4. Wood cutting tools for industrial use are generally made of tungsten carbide.

5. Other materials, such as ceramic tile, plastics, composites, textiles and foam need specialty cutting tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the kind of metal cutting tools you need

Metal cutting tasks generally require either hand-held tools or more complex industrial machines, depending on the nature of the task.

I recommend: MSC Industrial Supply Company offers an online catalog of hundreds of hand-held cutting tools. Saar-Hartmetall USA, LLC sells high-speed steel and carbide cutting tools and supplies.

Seek the best glass cutting tools for your business

Glass cutting tools can be manual stained-glass cutters that craftspeople use, CNC glass cutting machines or precise lasers for glass tubing.

I recommend: For hand-held tools, look at AllStainedGlass.com. CMS Group offers CNC machines for engraving, edging and beveling glass. NLC Laser, LLC makes lasers to cut glass tubing for the medical, pharmaceutical and industrial fields.

Look for stone cutting tools to fit your needs

You may need smaller hand-held tools if you are a stone-working artisan or large tools if you need to cut a high volume of stone.

I recommend: Trow & Holden Company has a selection of stone cutting implements for sculpting both hard and soft stone. Master Wholesale, Inc. offers a variety of stone slab saws.

Shape wood with wood cutting tools

Wood cutting tools range from hand-held axes to large machines. Tools come in many forms so you can shape wood to precise specifications.

I recommend: W. Moore Profiles, Ltd. has wood cutting tools for shaping, trimming, beveling and more. Custom Cutting Tools, Inc. has wood flooring and paneling cutting tools to shape wood the way you want it.

Buy specialty cutting tools

Specialty cutting tools can include diamond cutting tools, abrasive cutting tools, carbide cutting tools and inserts, specialty tile cutting tools and industrial cutting tools for specified uses.

I recommend: New England Tool carries custom carbide cutting tools. Stark Industrial, Inc. offers cutting tools for almost every industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose cutting tools and supplies for the material you cut most often. If you cut more than one type of material, consider buying an industrial cutting machine with all-in-one capabilities.