Free $2000 Chop Saw - But There's A Catch
What is a Guysmar Rail Cutter?
Introduction to the Item
- The speaker introduces an item received for free, expressing curiosity about its identity and weight.
- Clarifies that while it resembles a "stiltch," it is actually a "Guysmar" rail cutter, leading to confusion regarding its branding.
Description of the Rail Cutter
- The speaker notes the presence of an odd device labeled "Gismar," prompting questions about its function.
- Identifies the item as a rail cutter designed for cutting railroad rails but acknowledges missing parts essential for operation.
Functionality and Safety Features
- Explains that the rail cutter requires a safety switch connected by wire, indicating that it should not be operated without specific components.
- Discusses how the missing clamp part is crucial for securing the tool to ensure accurate cuts on railroad rails.
How Did I Acquire This Tool?
Background Story
- The speaker shares a personal story about acquiring the tool from a friend working at a large global construction company.
- Describes how construction companies use shipping containers to store tools and materials, which are often discarded after job completion.
Wastefulness in Construction Practices
- Highlights wasteful practices where usable equipment is thrown away or scrapped instead of being reused or repaired.
- Mentions that many tools become obsolete due to newer models being available, leading to their disposal rather than repair.
Repairing and Restoring the Guysmar Rail Cutter
Challenges in Restoration
- Discusses intentions to restore the rail cutter back to its original condition but notes significant missing parts like guards and clamps.
- Shares experiences with other tools acquired from his friend, including electric impact wrenches deemed outdated by current standards.
Sourcing Replacement Parts
- Explains efforts made to find replacement parts for restoration; mentions high costs associated with individual components like housings and covers.
- Reveals attempts to source parts from another model (TS700), only to discover compatibility issues with his own TS800 model.
Equipment Setup and Modifications
Initial Observations
- The speaker notes the time using a John Deere clock, indicating it's 2:00 PM.
Challenges with Equipment
- Discusses the impracticality of returning equipment and the need for a guard, expressing concern about spending $300 on stilts that may not fit.
Parts Acquisition
- Mentions purchasing used chopsaw parts from Fleetay for $200, including a blade and pulley for a TS800 model.
Disassembly Process
- Describes inspecting the equipment, noting loose bolts and missing nuts. Emphasizes the importance of releasing belt tension properly.
Material Evaluation
- Identifies heavy aluminum components that can be scrapped due to lack of use in cutting railroad rails.
Restoration Efforts
Water Line Considerations
- Explains modifications made to accommodate water lines for dust control during cuts, highlighting previous experiences with similar equipment.
Assembly Adjustments
- Details plans to install new parts while ensuring compatibility with existing structures. Mentions needing to order additional components from his brother Frell.
Temporary Fixes
- Plans to temporarily secure parts while awaiting proper fittings. Discusses utilizing spare parts from another saw owned by his brother Frell.
Clamping Techniques
Clamp Identification
- Introduces an Odoker clamp received as a gift, explaining its function and how it differs from other clamps available.
Reusable Components
- Highlights the advantage of having reusable clamps over permanent ones, allowing for easier adjustments in future repairs.
Final Adjustments
Heating Hose Technique
- Demonstrates using a heat gun to soften rubber hoses for better fitting onto connectors, emphasizing caution not to melt them during this process.
Securing Connections
- Successfully secures the hose connection after heating it up. Plans to further tighten connections and consider ordering new hoses if necessary.
Assembly and Preparation of a 16-Inch Saw
Tightening the Belt and Temporary Setup
- The speaker discusses tightening the belt on the saw, indicating that this setup is temporary until a cover is installed.
- Mentions having various blade sizes available (10, 14, and 16 inches), with a focus on finding a suitable blade for cutting stone or metal.
Adapting Blades for Compatibility
- The speaker highlights the availability of an adapter that allows different blades to fit onto various saws.
- Emphasizes the importance of remembering to transfer the adapter when changing blades to avoid compatibility issues.
Starting Challenges and Adjustments
- The speaker notes modifications made to the saw, including an addition at the bottom that protects against handle damage.
- Describes initial difficulties in starting the saw due to misunderstanding its choke mechanism; clarifies it has a separate choke rather than an integrated one.
Operational Insights and Cost Efficiency
- Reflecting on cost efficiency, mentions acquiring a $2,000 tool for approximately $300 after necessary adjustments are made.
- Encourages viewers to subscribe to their YouTube channel and promotes merchandise available in their web store.