Abstract: A cut-off machine includes a housing having a top surface with an elongated slot therethrough. A rotatable cutting disc is mounted within the housing for raising and lowering movement through the slot to cut workpieces supported on the top surface. Elevating means is selectively operable for moving the cutting disc in raising and lowering directions. Clamp means on the top surface clamps workpieces thereagainst for cutting by the disc. A cover moves between open and closed positions for selectively covering the clamp means and the top surface in outwardly-spaced relationship thereto. Slot blocking means beneath the top surface moves between blocking and unblocking positions for selectively blocking movement of the disc upwardly through the slot. Selective operation of control means for the elevating means is also dependent upon safety control means operated by all of the cover, clamp means and slot blocking means.