First Cut has been at the forefront of blade technology since the first metal-cutting band saw was produced in 1960. After more than 65 years of successful service, First Cut is now the undisputed market leader in the supply of cutting consumables, and at the vanguard of the capital equipment industry…Read about First Cut’s strides and successes in the provision of the total cutting solution to industry as follows:
GSI women: champions of compressed gas safety training - Empowering women throughout industry February 2024
As a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and machines, First Cut has always prioritised safety - and nowhere more so than in the field of compressed gas...
First Cut's product offering: ensuring customers get quality and affordability January 2024
For many companies throughout industry, a tough economic climate in recent years has inevitably meant tightening their belts and looking for more cost-effective products and services. This is why First Cut, a leading distributor of cutting...
First Cut and Messer Cutting Systems: a sharp, cohesive and longstanding synergy January 2024
Teamwork works best when it is built on a solid foundation of trust. Such is the foundation of the partnership between First Cut and Messer Cutting Systems. With over 67 years of industry experience, First Cut is a leading South African provider of cutting...
Bigger and better Pinetown premises beneficial for First Cut and its customers December 2023
The Pinetown branch of First Cut, a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, has seen substantial benefits from its move into new premises. These include increased sales, significantly...
A Cut Above The Rest
- GSI and First Cut showcase S.A.T. welding system at Essen Welding and Cutting November 2023
The Essen Welding and Cutting show in Germany made a remarkable return in 2023 after a six-year hiatus, showcasing significant change in the industry, says Ian McCrystal, CEO of First Cut and Peter Rohlssen, MD of Gas Safety International (GSI). McCrystal and Rohlssen were in attendance, representing First Cut and subsidiary GSI at Messer Cutting Systems...
First with cutting-edge industrial products
-First Cut flies its flag at successful KITE 2023 show August 2023
Every two years, over 100 suppliers in the industrial sector gather under one roof to showcase their products, equipment and services to the local market in KwaZulu-Natal. This year’s KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) took place from 18-20 July, where providers were exposed to the region’s largest gathering of industrial companies all seeking out their solutions...
First with cutting-edge industrial products
-First Cut flies its flag at successful KITE 2023 show August 2023
Every two years, over 100 suppliers in the industrial sector gather under one roof to showcase their products, equipment and services to the local market in KwaZulu-Natal. This year’s KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) took place from 18-20 July, where providers were exposed to the region’s largest gathering of industrial companies all seeking out their solutions...
First with cutting-edge industrial products
-First Cut flies its flag at successful KITE 2023 show August 2023
Every two years, over 100 suppliers in the industrial sector gather under one roof to showcase their products, equipment and services to the local market in KwaZulu-Natal. This year’s KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) took place from 18-20 July, where providers were exposed to the region’s largest gathering of industrial companies all seeking out their solutions...
First Cut and Starrett: a ‘precision partnership’ built on consistent quality and service April 2023
First Cut, South Africa's foremost distributor of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, has had a strong partnership with Starrett for several decades. Starrett is a world-renowned manufacturer of industrial blades and metrology equipment, and First Cut is proud to be a long-standing distributor of Starrett products to a range of industries in South Africa including metal, timber, textile, meat, DIY, paper and plastic...
An ongoing success story starring First Cut and Special Steels March 2023
The relationship between First Cut, a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, and Special Steels, a supplier of specialised steels and industry expertise to the engineering and manufacturing sector locally, continues moving from strength to strength...
First Cut and GSI women making the cut in gas safety training cutting and welding sectors August 2022
While many may still think that the cutting, welding and grinding industry is an exclusively male domain, five women in pivotal roles at First Cut - a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment - and its sister company Gas Safety International (GSI) show unequivocally that this is a commonly-held misperception...
Compressed gas safety conference calls for improved safety and training, launches revolutionary leak-proof oxyfuel system
June 2022
The joint Safety Unites: Compressed Gas Safety Conference held today in Johannesburg, represented a collaboration by the Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) Group, First Cut, Gas Safety International (GSI) and Germanys Messer Cutting Systems: a powerful partnership between industry peers, uniting stakeholders across the compressed gas value chain, for the ultimate safety and benefit of all...
First Cut announces new developments and products with Messer Cutting Systems
April 2022
First Cut, a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment recently hosted a visit from the President and CEO Global of well-known German company Messer Cutting Systems John Emholz, in order to consolidate their existing relationship, and discuss strategic new possibilities...
New First Cut branch in Witbank brings total solutions to mining and engineering region
January 2022
The newest branch of First Cut, a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, has opened its doors in Witbank. Zelda Vorster, who took on the role of Regional Sales Manager for Mpumalanga some six months ago, is at the helm...
A polished performance for the automotive sector
December 2021
When it comes to world-class tube bending, First Cut - a leading manufacturer and supplier of cutting welding and grinding equipment - is streets ahead, thanks to its extensive range of tube bending machinery from the Italian-based BLM Group (BLM)...
Safety the guiding light as First Cut and GSI confirm merger of interests
November 2021
First Cut, a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, has entered into a merger of interests with respected industry stalwart Gas Safety International (GSI), which provides certified gas safety training and quality gas equipment to...
Female Fusion First Cuts First Women of welding
August 2021
Although traditionally a male-dominated profession, welding is increasingly becoming the domain of women, who are widely acknowledged for their skilled abilities in this field. From mining to maritime, fabrication and beyond, women are making headway in every aspect of the industry...
First Cut sharpens its total solutions offering with new welding division
June 2021
With more than 65 years of industry experience, First Cut is a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment. Since producing its first band saw blade in 1956, the company has grown its offering substantially over the years, meeting...
Brush up on your metal finishes - and budget - with the Timesavers 22RB rotary brush machine from First Cut April 2021
First Cut, the leading provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment in South Africa, has recently added the cost-effective and efficient Timesavers 22RB series 600mm-wide rotary brush machine to its portfolio. The 22RB from Dutch deburring and finishing...
OBITUARY: GARY WILLIS, SALES DIRECTOR, FIRST CUT:
April 2021
The management and staff of First Cut, together with local and international colleagues mourn the loss of First Cuts Sales Director Gary Willis, who passed away on Thursday evening 1st April, at the age of 51. Gary had fought an 18 month battle with cancer very bravely, remaining...
A cutting edge collaboration - Bringing SA industry the sharpest technology for over four decades
10 February 2021
Leading distributor of cutting consumables and capital equipment, South African company First Cut, has enjoyed a relationship spanning over four decades with Starrett, a renowned global manufacturer of industrial blades and metrology equipment. This cutting-edge collaboration and synergy...
First Cut brings French flair from Forezienne to the South African woodworking and timber industry
08 September 2020
Great business is often predicated on excellent relationships. This was the case, when some 20 years ago, leading local cutting consumables and capital equipment supplier First Cut began distributing the products of global French timber industry specialist Forezienne MFLS in South Africa...
Sharpening the SA supply chain with proudly local blades and welding electrodes manufacturing
15 May 2020
As South African industry returns to work in line with the precautionary measures and phased integration prescribed in level 4 of the current Covid-19 national lockdown, companies are carefully considering how to safely optimise performance, recover lost revenue and preserve jobs...
First Cuts Bremsaw acquisition a springboard to the Mpumalanga sawmilling and timber industry
12 February 2020
Mpumalanga, and its capital Mbombela, is the centre of South Africas sawmilling and timber industry. When the cutting equipment supplier and blade sharpener Bremsaw was up for sale, First Cut saw this as an ideal opportunity to further its presence in the Mpumalanga timber industry...
Triple the value with three new blades from Julia – cutting edge at its best! 22 November 2019
The Italian company, Julia Utensili SPA, has, since its inception, been involved in manufacturing high-speed steel blading, explains First Cut Director Gary Willis. However, in terms of tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) blades, the company has now increased its range...
BLM Group: turning your tube-bending and end-forming into a production pipeline
04 October 2019
Conventional production-line steel processing dictates that one part is made at a time. Parts are processed sequentially and eventually become part of a larger whole. However, it has been shown that this system, being sequential...
First Cut strikes a new arc with the local manufacture of Messer welding electrodes
30 August 2019
Recently First Cut, South Africas foremost distributor and manufacturer of cutting consumables and importer of leading-edge capital equipment for steel processing concluded an agreement with leading German company Messer Cutting Systems, to take over the existing South African agency...
First Cut cuts a vibrant new profile in Mpumalanga
20 August 2019
First Cut is developing an exciting new profile in the Lowveld at Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit). Their presence builds on the foundation of an existing company, Bremsaw, which is a well-known local saw doctor business...
First Cut as sharp as ever, with continued customer success and new agencies
05 July 2019
First Cut has, quite literally, been at the cutting edge of South African industry for the past 63 years. As a proudly South African blade manufacturer, supplier of cutting equipment consumables and importer of cutting...
Everising's fully automatic bandsaws are at the cutting edge of world steel processing technology
01 July 2019
In any manufacturing environment, the bandsaw is the production manager's best friend. Fully automated bandsaws can have a very significant effect on the productivity of fabrication businesses or steel merchants, for example...
First Cut's new Garboli and Comac agencies add greater polish and more bending versatility for profitable steel processing
05 June 2019
For more than six decades, First Cut has been a leading distributor and manufacturer of cutting consumables as well as representing world-class OEMs in the field of steel processing equipment...
Deep caption - Eclipse hacksaws love to get their teeth into metal!
24 May 2019
Represented in South Africa by First Cut, and with a proud history of hacksaw frame and blade manufacture stretching back nearly 100 years, Eclipse hacksaw blades and frames have become synonymous with engineering excellence and continuous product development...
First Cut and Messer - a heavy duty quality combination for state of the art steel fabrication
15 April 2019
For more than 60 years, First Cut has been South Africa's foremost distributor of capital equipment and related cutting consumables; and has an enviable portfolio of international principals which are world leaders in their particular fields...
Starrett and First Cut, cut out for a prosperous future thanks to shared ethos of quality and service excellence
20 February 2019
Starrett and their South African representative First Cut have enjoyed a remarkable 40-year-long partnership. The former, a world-renowned and leading manufacturer of industrial blades and metrology equipment and the latter, South Africa's foremost distributor of cutting consumables and capital equipment...
Finish first: Timesavers' new deburring and grinding equipment on show at Euroblech 2018
24 October 2018
Euroblech is arguably the worlds ultimate trade exhibition for all those involved in steel processing. This year, leading abrasive finishing solutions provider Timesavers is showcasing a number of new machines at Euroblech, including the popular 42 RB Series...
Starrett band saws from First Cut new levels of portable cutting convenience for both professional and DIY users
23 August 2018
For more than 125 years, manufacturers worldwide have depended on Starrett for quality tools and equipment, which have always been at the forefront of innovation.
Traditionally, steel-cutting band saws tended to be larger equipment items that were not particularly portable...
Wikus and First Cut: cutting steel and costs with superior band saw blade technology
03 August 2018
Since its founding in 1958 in Spangenberg in Germany, Wikus, a world-leading band saw blade manufacturer, has built up an enviable reputation for products which offer maximum precision combined with top quality and unmatched performance...
First Cut cuts steel processing costs with the BLM SC425 sawing machine
24 July 2018
Sawing is one of the fundamental activities in any manufacturing, steel processing or fabrication business. The more efficiently this can be carried out, the more profitable the business will invariably be.
Available locally from leading cutting consumables and capital equipment distributor First Cut, the BLM SC425 - a semi-automatic upstroke circular sawing machine - will bring higher levels of efficiency to any manufacturing or fabrication business..
Everisings upgraded E- and P-Series sawing machines: cut out to meet customers sawing requirements with faster cutting times and greater functionality
11 July 2018
To maintain its enviable reputation for excellence and sophistication in sawing, the Taiwan-based Everising Machine Company continuously strives to anticipate its customers requirements to provide timeous and effective solutions. What the company established recently was that many customers required machines capable of cutting the larger steel sections which are now being used more frequently in manufacturing today...
First Cut's stellar business growth drives major space optimisation for star-studded customer service 19 April 2018
In spite of the prevailing economic challenges industry has experienced in the past few years, First Cut has embarked upon a major expansion of its offices in Benrose, Johannesburg. First Cut was ready for growth in the business and required additional floor space to cope with the growth and increased activity the company has been experiencing.
First Cut and Julia's new Iron Lady circular saw blade - a steely cutting-edge solution for the lowest cost-per-cut 30 October 2017
At First Cut, customer service excellence is the underpinning operational ethos. As part of this, the company's consumables division recently hosted a technical visit by Luca Dreossi, Sales and Technical Support: Julia Utensili S.p.A., one of First Cut's European principals.
Taking the stress out of cutting: First Cut endorses the use of high-quality stretcher-levelled steel from Allied Steelrode for production cost-savings of up to 15 percent 24 August 2017
Change in one type of technology often dictates change in another. The changes to steel cutting technology in the past three decades have been very significant and, with the development of high-speed fibre lasers, are now influencing the quality of steel that the industry uses.
First Cut's solutions-driven business ethic creates cutting-edge solutions to enable productive use of recycled materials. 24 July 2017
First Cut, a leading South African distributor of cutting consumables and capital equipment, has been proud to be able to assist in promoting recycling in South Africa. Through a positive ‘can do’ attitude to service and excellent product quality - and in three notable examples - the company has significantly contributed to the drive for responsible recycling.
First Cut and NitraLife form a ‘clean cut’ partnership to provide on-site, on-demand nitrogen to the laser-cutting industry 13 July 2017
Nitrogen is all around us and makes up the majority of the air we breathe. But for the laser cutting and fabrication sectors, high-purity nitrogen is essential as it is used to clear molten metal from the point of cutting. An important factor in this process is that - as an alternative to oxygen - nitrogen prevents oxidisation of the cut, allowing for a so-called ‘cold’ cut which gives a clean finish to the cut edges. This obviates the need for time-consuming, expensive rework.
Explore the power of Industry 4.0 with First Cut's automated capital equipment options at Machine Tools Africa 04 May 2017
In the world of manufacturing, the term "Industry 4.0" describes a manufacturing process whereby "intelligent" machines are linked by an IT network to fully coordinate and optimise all production. Central to Industry 4.0 is a high level of automation: a concept which promises to drive manufacturing into a new age of efficiency.
The fastest first cut: First Cut and Spear and Jackson launch new Eclipse Predator reciprocating saw blades in South Africa 11 April 2017
In the highly competitive cutting and tooling sectors, customers rely on stringent quality, robustness and technically sound products which will not only last them a life-time; but will provide excellent accuracy, performance and return-on-investment. In a nutshell, the fastest first cut.
At the Cutting Edge of Industry 4.0: First Cut showcases automated cutting capability at Machine Tools Africa 2017 03 April 2017
The world of machine tools is changing rapidly, as fabrication and manufacturing businesses strive towards an automated vision of Industry 4.0. From 9 - 12 May, First Cut, a leading South African distributor of cutting consumables and capital equipment, will be proud to welcome customers and visitors to its stand at Machine Tools Africa 2017 (MTA).
First Cut's pallet blade: nailing the cut with speed and productivity for agricultural and many other sectors 05 December 2016
Pallets are widely used in agricultural environments, and it is inevitable that a fair number of these end up being damaged inadvertently. As pallets are typically not high-value items, repairs need to be done as quickly as possible by sawing off any damaged wood strips and replacing them.
Adding value, cutting costs: Qinisa Steel Solutions makes a quantum leap with the latest in fibre tube laser cutting technology 31 October 2016
In 2013, it became apparent that there was a need for a steel company which would be able to add value to project steel, in the interval between sourcing raw steel from the mills, and delivery of the ready-to-assemble product to the customer.
First Cut: A cut above the rest for 60 years - and a laser-sharp vision for the future 04 October 2016
60 seconds make up a minute and 60 minutes an hour. One might ask what 60 years would comprise. To First Cut, a leading South African manufacturer and distributor of capital equipment, cutting consumables and precision measuring tools to a broad range of industry sectors - from metal and fabrication to meat and maritime - 60 years represents far more than merely existing or the elapse of time.
First Cut – celebrating 60 years at the ‘cutting-edge’ of South African industry 15 September 2016
From a cool-drink can to an oil tanker, before something is manufactured or fabricated, each component needs to be cut from raw material. However, the speed, accuracy, precision and reliability with which that cutting is done all has a profound impact on a manufacturer’s ultimate profitability.
From one hour by hand to minutes by tube laser: revolutionary return-on-investment - First Cut supplies tube laser and high-speed fibre laser cutting machines to TWTLP 02 September 2016
While flat plate laser cutting has been in existence for a long time, new tube laser cutting technology is revolutionising the tube and pipe industry. This is according to Andrew Poole, Managing Director at First Cut, sole distributor and representative for BLM in South Africa. Poole notes that exciting possibilities are opening up for tube processing - resulting in a mind shift within the fabrication sector both locally and globally.
Thought leadership Press Release: Changing the ‘profile’ of industry: Laser fibre technology a game-changer in the tube and pipe sector 16 August 2016
From sports stadiums to airports, offices to factories – the way that steel structures are being manufactured is changing drastically as new design possibilities are opening up almost on a daily basis. The reason behind this step-change in steel fabrication lies in laser fibre cutting technology, which has developed exponentially in Europe over the last three to five years.
Bringing the new Timesavers Multi Directional Brush that uniformly deburrs and finishes edges of laser cut material 06 August 2016
First Cut, one of South Africa’s leading distributors of international capital equipment, together with the Dutch company Timesavers International B.V add even more value to the metal sector. Timesavers is a well-established manufacturer of grinding and polishing machines for the metal industry. They offer solutions in de-burring and edge-rounding and polishing of metals in general, mostly carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
Productivity and Profits ‘in the pipeline’: BLM’s versatile fibre laser technology makes tube fabrication faster and more cost-efficient 08 July 2016
First Cut, distributors of cutting consumables and capital equipment to the South African market, is very focused this year on introducing the benefits of innovative fibre laser technology and 3D laser cutting machines to the local tube industry. The BLM Group, an Italy-based leader in tube cutting and bending technologies, has for decades focused on optimising the tube fabrication process, and the company’s LT8.10 ‘laser tube’ machine brings versatility of metal cutting to a new level. This is according to Andrew Poole, Managing Director at First Cut.
First Cut (Pty) Ltd, for more than sixty years a leading supplier of capital equipment in Southern Africa, prides itself on its range of world class cutting machinery and consumables. One of First Cut’s suppliers, Starrett who have top class bandsaw blades, and have now introduced new blade technology to their armoury.
Reduce cost per cut – increase the efficiency of the cutting process 07 July 2016
Since 1960, Johannesburg-based First Cut has had a long and successful history in the supply of cutting consumables and blades, and thanks to its supply partnerships with some of the best-known international names in saw blades the company is now the leading supplier of cutting consumables in South Africa.
‘Cut out’ for Success – First Cut and Spear & Jackson’s long-standing partnership provides quality cutting consumables to industry 13 June 2016
In a fast-changing and technology-driven world, many people take comfort in returning to a well-recognised, established brand that promises consistent quality and reliability. In the cutting industry, both First Cut and Spear & Jackson represent those qualities, thanks to their mutual longevity in the business.
BLM Elect CNC Tube Bender is Two Machines in One 02 February 2016
Introducing the innovative Elect tube bending machine from BLM which functions as two machines in one. This capability can save secondary bending operations or even the need for a second bending machine. The Elect's multi-stack tool mounting facility allows multi radius and variable radius bending of the same tube to take place in a single setup. Bends with very little straight between them, even compound bends, can also be accommodated, along with tight bends that can have a radius less than the tube diameter.
LT5 the ultimate laser for processing smaller tube 11 March 2016
BLM GROUP is your partner for tube processing, from laser cutting to cold saw, bending and end-forming. Established over 50 years ago, the Group has vast experience in tube processing technology, with thousands of applications all over the world. The group consists of BLM SpA, which specialises CNC-bending machines, end-forming machines, measurement systems and related automation and handling systems. ADIGE SpA: Manufactures laser cutting systems and machines for disc-cutting tubes and solid pieces. ADIGE-SYS SpA, a manufacturer of laser-cutting systems for pipes and machines for cutting and end cutting of tubes and bars.
LC5: one choice, twice the opportunities 12 November 2015
The LC5 is a combined sheet and tube laser cutting system. Compactness, ergonomics, modularity and versatility: these are the keywords for understanding the potentials of a system which ensures non-stop efficient production for cutting sheets and tubes.
NUOVA C.M.M. Group Welding Automation- T-Master 12 November 2015
Providing customers with a competitive edge and accelerating their return-on-investment is key focus area for First Cut. This reputable and experienced distributor of international capital equipment and consumables has surrounded itself with suppliers who consider quality to be a top priority; amongst them is NUOVA C.M.M Group.
FIRST CUT – Bringing More Metal Processing Solutions to its Customers through 06 August 2015
First Cut, one of South Africa’s leading distributors of international capital equipment, together with the Dutch company Timesavers International B.V add even more value to the metal sector. Timesavers is a well-established manufacturer of grinding and polishing machines for the metal industry. They offer solutions in de-burring and edge-rounding and polishing of metals in general, mostly carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
First Cut offers high speed metal cutting E Series bandsaw machines 20 July 2015
Everising has launched a new bandsaw machine aimed at high speed cutting of metal. Distributed in South Africa by First Cut, a specialist cutting consumables and capital equipment company, these machines follow the Everising formula of cost-effective cutting efficiency.
First Cut offers high speed metal cutting bandsaw machine E530 12 June 2015
Everising has launched a new bandsaw machine aimed at high speed cutting of metal. Distributed in South Africa by First Cut, a specialist cutting consumables and capital equipment company, these machines follow the Everising formula of cost-effective cutting efficiency.
