Underwater pile cutting apparatus and method of use

An apparatus for cutting wooden piles, comprising:

• a frame that is configured for engaging a pile;
• the frame having a plurality of attachment plates configured for attachment of lowering means to the frame such that the frame can be lowered into a body of water;
• a brace that is configured for engaging a pile;
• the brace having an attachment plate configured for attachment of lowering means to the brace such that the brace can be lowered into a body of water;
• means for connecting the frame to the brace;
• a cutting device mounted on the frame
• the cutting device being a pressure medium-actuated cylinder with a reciprocating cutting rod extending therefrom
• the cutting device having a pair of guide housings that are attached to the cutting device such that the housings are on opposite sides of the cylinder;
• each guide housing having a guide rod extending therefrom;
• the cutting device further having a cutting blade that is attached to the end of the cutting rod and the guide rods;
• the cutting rod being axially displaceable from a first position to a second position whereby the cutting device is mounted on the frame at an angle such that when the frame is placed on one side of a pile, the brace is placed on the opposite side of a pile, the brace and the frame are connected such that the apparatus is secured to the pile, the frame and the brace are resting on the bottom surface of a body of water, and the cutting device is actuated, the cutting rod is displaced from the first position to the second position, the cutting blade moves through the material surrounding the pile and cuts through the pile at a point below the bottom surface;
• and
• the cutting rod can then be reciprocated to the first position.