Saws and saw blades review

Words: Jennifer MorrellIt seems advancements in technology never stop in the world of masonry, and the saws and saw blades segment of our industry is a great example of this technological growth. From lighter weight, ergonomic saws, to blades with unbelievably long lives, masons have a wealth of cutting-edge products from which to choose. Following is a review of some of the latest and greatest saws and saw blades available for your masonry jobsite arsenal.

Husqvarna K 760

Husqvarna Construction Products North America Inc.
Olathe, Kan.

The Husqvarna K 760 is the follow up to the company’s best-selling, all-around power cutter of the same name. Optimized engine performance, enhanced startability and ergonomics are just a few areas of improvement to boost efficiency and profitability. Compared to the previous model, the new power cutter has 15 percent reduced emissions and a <2.5m/s2 vibration rating. The low vibrations significantly reduce strain on the user. The K 760 is the perfect machine for cutting concrete and stone in landscaping, renovation or new construction projects. When used with Husqvarna’s Vari-Cut blade, bricks and other dense materials are cut with ease.

www.husqvarnacp.com

Bosch 1775E 5-inch Tuckpoint Grinder

Bosch
Mt. Prospect, Ill.

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Bosch 1775E 5-inch Tuckpoint Grinder
The Bosch 1775E five-inch Tuckpoint Grinder is designed specifically for removing brick mortar. Featuring a powerful 8.5-amp, 11,000-RPM motor and Constant-Response circuitry, this tool maintains constant speed under load for consistent, even performance. The 1775E’s specially designed guard system is perfect for tuckpointing applications with dust extraction, and the dust extraction port allows for easy clean-up with the included vacuum adaptor. Tool-less accessory access enables users to quickly change blades, and Service Minder brushes eliminate guesswork by stopping the tool when preventative maintenance is required. Variable depth adjustment allows professionals to adjust the tool’s spring-loaded guard to the desired depth, and the 1775E features a lock on/off switch for extended use applications.

www.boschtools.com

Electric Chainsaw

EDCO
Frederick, Md.

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Electric Chainsaw
The EDCO Electric Chainsaw is lightweight, company and easy to use. It is the ideal tool to cut small openings and adjust door and window openings in renovation and new construction work. The electric motor allows the user to safely work indoors. This is the first chainsaw equipped with a single-phase electric motor able to cut concrete, stone, masonry and more. The saw can operate in tight areas and was developed to minimize chain stretching. The cutting depth is up to 14 inches with standard bar, and the saw is suitable to cut small openings, deep pockets and finish corner cuts for wall saws. EDCO says the saw is compact and flexible, and is an excellent complement to a wall saw.

www.edcoinc.com

Super Premium, Universal Premium Diamond Blades

Hilti
Tulsa, Okla.

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Super Premium, Universal Premium Diamond Blades
The Hilti Super Premium and Universal Premium Diamond Blades take performance to the next level for all kinds of cutting applications in a variety of base materials. The Super Premium Blades feature Equidist technology. With Equidist, all diamonds in each segment are spaced accurately at regular intervals. This not only ensures consistent, high cutting performance during the entire life of the blade, but also makes the blade more suitable for universal use. SP Diamond Blades deliver exceptional performance in concrete, concrete block, brick and natural stone. They also provide up to 50 percent faster cutting speeds and up to 50 percent longer life than comparative super premium blades. The Universal Premium (UP) Blades are top value standard blades for cutting a variety of base materials such as concrete, masonry and asphalt. The Universal Premium (UP) Blades provide maximum versatility, while delivering a high balance of speed and life.

www.hilti.com

695GC Concrete & Masonry Chain Saw

ICS
Portland, Ore.

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695GC Concrete & Masonry Chain Saw
ICS, a concrete chain saw company and pioneer of Diamond Chain Technology, offers the 695GC Chain Saw for the masonry market. The 695GC combines the versatility and utility of ICS patented Sealpro Diamond Chain Technology, together with a powerful, user-friendly and reliable 94cc gas-powered saw. Perfect for the mason contractor, the 695GC offers up to 16-inch deep, narrow cutting and square corners with less effort than other methods. New product enhancements on this saw dramatically improve the user experience by dampening vibration and sound without sacrificing power and performance. The 695GC uses ICS exclusive SealPro chain. Developed and patented by ICS, SealPro uses micro o-rings to seal out the abrasive slurry created when cutting brick, making this chain idea for use in masonry applications.

www.icsbestway.com

iQ360 14-inch Dust Control Masonry Saw

iQ Power Tools
Moreno Valley, Calif.

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iQ360 14-inch Dust Control Masonry Saw
The iQ360 is the world’s first masonry saw with fully-integrated dust collection on a singular power source. It’s been independently tested to capture 99.5 percent of the dust, and will meet the new proposed OSHA rule on silica dust exposure (PEL of 50 μg/m3). This professional tool saves an average of 1.5 man hours per day in dust cleanup costs. It eliminates wet-cutting, slurry, stained finished products, freeze/thaw problems, mud hazards and contaminated soil. And it creates a cleaner, safer jobsite for contractors and employees. The iQ360 was designed, built and tested by third-generation masons with more than 20 years of experience as successful contractors — and dealing with dust. No more wet-cutting. No more dust, and it’s "Built With You in Mind."

www.iqpowertools.com

MM4 4-Stroke Power Cutter

Makita U.S.A.
La Mirada, Calif.

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MM4 4-Stroke Power Cutter
The Makita EK7651H is the world’s first four-stroke power cutter. Makita MM4 engine technology has several advantages over existing two-stroke engines for unmatched cutting performance and convenience. MM4 requires no two-stroke oil, which simplifies operation and prevents piston seizure due to improper mixing. MM4 also eliminates the need for separate mixed oil/fuel can. The EK7651H delivers easier starts with the automatic engine decompression valve, which is engineered into the cam gear to reduce pull start force by 40 percent. Another point of difference is the pressure-compensated carburetor with vented choke plate, which adjusts automatically to prevent flooding. For improved handling, the integrated aluminum wheel kit retracts when not in use to prevent unexpected movement at idle. Additional benefits include lower noise at 97.2 dB(A), smoother running for continuous operation, and lower fuel consumption at only .45 gallons per hour.

www.makitausa.com

KHE 3250 Rotary Hammer

Metabo Corp.
West Chester, Pa.

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KHE 3250 Rotary Hammer
Metabo Corp. has expanded its line of powerful rotary hammers to include the KHE 3250 1 1/8-inch SDS-Plus rotary hammer. With power and speed for fast drilling, the KHE 3250 is lightweight and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for overhead drilling. The tool is perfect for commercial concrete construction and HVAC contractors, electricians, plumbers, sprinkler fitters, pest control workers and acoustical technicians. Primarily used for setting anchors, this new rotary hammer also can be used for drilling holes for pest control treatments. The KHE 3250 SDS-Plus rotary hammer has a LongLife 7.2 A motor to provide 0 — 4,470 blows per minute at a force of 0 — 3.1 joules per blow and a no-load RPM of 0 - 1,150. Drilling capacity of the new rotary hammer is 1 1/8-inch in concrete using solid bits, 3 1/8-inch in brickwork using thin wall core bits, ½-inch in mild steel and 1 3/8-inch in softwood.

www.metabousa.com

M18 Fuel Cordless Grinder With Corded Power

Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee

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M18 Fuel Cordless Grinder With Corded Power
Milwaukee Tool introduces a cordless grinder that delivers true corded performance without the cord. Delivering up to 10X longer motor life and 2X more run time, the M18 FUEL Grinder is the only grinder on the market with the power to grind. In addition, the new cordless grinders feature the same metal housing and gearing system responsible for delivering the legendary performance and durability found only in the high-performance corded grinders until now. To further maximize durability, a removable Job Site Armor screen is in place to prevent debris contamination overtime. The new grinder was engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance in a slim compact structure, M18 FUEL products feature three Milwaukee-exclusive innovations — the POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence — that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability.

www.milwaukeetool.com

MK-2000 Wet/Dry Brick & Block Electric Saws

MK Diamond Products Inc.
Torrance, Calif.

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MK-2000 Wet/Dry Brick & Block Electric Saws
The MK-2000 Electric Series of masonry saws has been designed for high-production cutting. They are engineered to cut a variety of masonry types including, cinder block, slump stone block, wall brick, pavers, brick, concrete block and cylinders, roofing tile, marble, granite, decorative rock or almost any other non-ferrous material. They are available with a Baldor 1.5- or two-horsepower motor. The MK-2000 features an open-back design and allows for material up to 16 inches long to be cut. The pull-down handle on the cutting head prevents operator fatigue and increases visibility during all cutting operations. Jig-welded, reinforced steel construction, combined with sturdy die cast aluminum uprights, provides positive alignment. The MK-2000 is designed for use with a 14-inch diameter segmented wet or dry diamond blade with a .110- to .375-inch cutting width. The cutting head can be locked in the down position when cutting smaller pieces.

www.mkdiamond.com

TS 500i STIHL Cutquik Cut-Off Machine

STIHL Inc.
Virginia Beach, Va.

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TS 500i STIHL Cutquik Cut-Off Machine
Powerful, lightweight and well-balanced, the STIHL TS 500i has an electronically controlled fuel-injection system that increases power and performance by more than 15 percent, while remaining lightweight and well balanced. The fuel injection system makes starting easier and more reliable by eliminating the choke. Just set the switch to on, prime and pull. This 14-inch cut-off machine is designed for superior balance and handling during your toughest jobs. The STIHL TS 500i also features a high-efficiency engine with low exhaust emissions and optimal torque throughout its RPM range. Its Electronic Water Control allows for easy water flow adjustment, while cutting and its X2 air filtration system maintains an incredible 99.96 percent cleaning efficiency. The STIHL SB 80 is a premium diamond wheel that has earned its reputation based on its long life, smoothness and high cutting speed in a variety of materials, including bricks, pavers, precast landscape fixtures, stone, tile and cinder block.

www.stihlusa.com
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