Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a workpiece with a wire saw. A frame is provided with a pair of reel bobbins. A strand of wire unwound from one of the reel bobbins is spirally wound about a pair of cutting rollers and is simultaneously wound about the other reel bobbin while causing the cutting rollers to rotate. A workpiece contacts the wire to cut the workpiece. The pair of reel bobbins are supported in a manner that their axes are vertical. The apparatus controls the tension in the wire and the speed of the wire. Also, excessive loosening of the wire is prevented with a brake device.