Wire saw

A wire saw is a powered saw that uses a metal wire or cable for cutting. There are two types of wire saw machines: continuous (or endless or loop) and oscillating (or reciprocating). Sometimes the wire itself is referred to as a "blade".

Wire saws are similar in principle to band saws or reciprocating saws, but they use abrasion to cut rather than saw teeth. Depending on the application, diamond material may or may not be used as an abrasive. The wire can have one strand or many strands braided together (cable). A single-strand saw can be roughened to be abrasive, abrasive compounds can be bonded to the cable, or diamond-impregnated beads (and spacers) can be threaded on the cable. Wire saws are often cooled and lubricated by water or oil.