13 Cast Saw

Before using a cast saw

• PPE
  • Use ear protection
  • Use safety glasses
  • Close toe shoes should be worn in all lab areas.
• Mark the trimlines
• Stabilize the object being, e.g., in a vise or with the other hand

General Technique Tips

• To remove casts from patients:
  
  • Prep the pt: Show the patient on your own hand that the cast saw does not cut skin when applied properly.
  • Mark the location of the cutting strip and create hash marks so that you can put the cast back together.
  • Cut with the blade perpendicular to the cast surface.
  • Use your thumb on the cast as a brace for your hand and the saw to minimize the chance of cutting your patient! Cut down to the cutting strip until you feel the release of the saw cutting through to the other side.
• To remove materials (e.g., polypro or PETG) from a positive model
  
  • Stabilize the model in the pipe vice.
  • Use your thumb to stabilize the saw on the material and to minimize the chance of cutting yourself or marking your orthosis/prosthesis with the blade!
  • Use up/down movements rather than dragging the blade through the plastic. This minimizes the melted plastic from sticking to the blade.
  • Avoid cutting jagged edges (stress concentrations).
  • After use, the pneumatic cast saws should be placed in the center cabinets.