Pneumatic cutters can be used in car repairs.
A cutting tool is a manual, pneumatic or electric device, typically designed to mount an emery or cutting wheel. They can be used in situations where it would be difficult to operate a saw or other cutting tool, as they are typically available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Small cutting tools can be held in one hand and operated with a lever-actuated button, while more powerful units may require two hands to operate. These larger units often have a second handle that mounts perpendicular to the main body of the tool to provide a greater measure of control. Cutting tools can be used to cut and sand a variety of different materials, depending on how the cutting wheel is equipped.
These tools are usually available in straight and angled versions. The former has the surface of the cutting wheel mounted perpendicular to the body of the tool. The latter has a spindle that is mounted so that the surface of the cutting wheel is parallel to the body of the tool. Angle versions are sometimes known as angle grinders and are often used for light to heavy grinding applications in addition to cutting.
Smaller cutting tools are typically suitable for cutting thin materials and are not made for heavy grinding applications. A small tool with a cut-off wheel can be used for light grinding, although this may cause the wheel to break. This can cause splinter injuries from the broken cutting wheel, so using an emery wheel can be much safer. Some cutting tools are designed to accept only cutting wheels, while others can mount a variety of different wheels.
Generally, different tools can mount a variety of cutting and grinding wheels. Many use an abrasive compound type wheel, similar to that used on an abrasive saw. A grinding wheel used with a cutting tool may be similar to a miniature grinding wheel used on a bench grinder. These types of cutting and grinding wheels can allow a cutting tool to easily cut through metal.
In relation to lathes, the term cutting tool is used for a completely different purpose. This cutting tool, also known as a cutter, is used to separate the workpiece from excess material mounted on the lathe. These are used on wood and metal. For woodworking, the cutting tool is usually a hand chisel with a very specific shape. The chisel is simply pressed into the wood where a cut is desired, while the lathe typically runs at half speed. Metal machining uses a similar process, although the cutting tool is usually mounted in a holder rather than handled.