Method of cutting target members using a cutting saw device

A wire saw apparatus comprising:

• a) a frame having first and second sections configured with a detachable connector to attach to a target that is to be cut, wherein after attachment the target supports the frame;
• b) a beam mounted to the first section and extending away from the first section and target;
• c) a moving frame having a sleeve, the sleeve being mounted on the beam and being movable along the beam with a single degree of freedom, the frame including a pair of arms disposed on opposing sides of the beam, an open end positioned near the detachable connector and a transverse bar that connects the arms opposite the open end;
• d) a motor operably connected to the beam which motor effects non-rotational movement of the moving frame along the beam;
• e) a plurality of roller guides on the moving portion of the frame including at least one roller guide mounted at the free end of each arm;
• f) a drive roller on the moving portion, the drive roller being rotatable by a second motor drive;
• g) a diamond wire wound upon the drive roller and guide rollers so that when the drive roller is rotated with the second motor drive, the diamond wire travels around the moving portion and from one roller to another roller.

A method of cutting an underwater target, comprising the steps of:

• a) lowering a cutting apparatus to a position that is next to an underwater target to be cut, the target having a longitudinal axis;
• b) attaching the cutting apparatus to the target;
• c) wherein in step “b” the cutting apparatus includes a frame that has first and second sections, the first section including a beam and detachable connector attached to the beam which detachable connector is configured to attach to the target, wherein when so attached the target supports the frame, and a moving portion having first and second moving ends, and mounting to the first section for movement relative to the first section limited to a single degree of freedom relative to the beam, the moving portion includes a pair of arms disposed on opposing sides of the beam and an open end at the first end of the moving portion and a transverse section that connects the arms opposite the open end and wherein a diamond wire is supported for travel upon the frame, the wire connected to a plurality of rollers including at least one powered drive roller that moves the wire;
• d) advancing the moving portion toward the target while the diamond wire is traveling upon the rollers;
• and
• e) wherein in step “d” a driver engages the beam, which engagement causes the advancement of the moving portion linearly in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the target.