Masonry Magazine October 2003 Page. 25
Size and power alone won't solve all your needs.
Durability has been requisite for power saws since they first came on the market in the late 1950s.
More to Consider than Size and Power
THERE ARE A LOT of hand-held cut-off saws on the market that are available in a wide assortment of sizes, power sources and ratings, but size and power alone won't solve all your needs. While it is essential that the cut-off saw perform the work at hand, it is also important to consider those factors that will greatly impact the associated maintenance costs and service life of the product.
"First and foremost, users of hand-held cut-off saws should avoid the urge to service their saws in the field," says Leif Persson, Technical Manager at Partner Industrial. "Cut-off saws should be serviced preventively by mechanics in the shop at intervals dictated by hours of usage and type of material cut. Even air filter changes should be performed at appropriate periods in the shop."
Air Filtration - The Critical Factor
WHEN PURCHASING a hand-held cut-off saw, the air filtration system is one of its most important design features to consider. When filters become clogged and are not replaced as specified, a cut-off saw will begin to lose power.
Many brands include a felt or foam pre-filter, and a paper secondary filter. Persson recommends a multi-stage filtration system, consisting of a specially designed flywheel that blows dust away from the motor, a high-capacity oil-soaked foam primary filter and secondary paper filter. Holding up to 10 times its weight in dust, the oiled foam filter requires changing at fewer intervals than other filters, thereby ensuring peak power in the field as well as lower maintenance costs. The frequent changes of paper filters adds up; if you have to change a $15 paper filter once a week, you could save up to $75 per month by purchasing a model with an oiled foam primary filter.
Carburetors that Compensate
SINCE A CLOGGED filtration system will choke off the air supply, it is important to ensure that your gasoline-powered saws have a "compensating carburetor," which will adjust the fuel flow downward (lean) when less air is available.
"This means that engine power is retained, and you do not need to adjust the carburetor manually or replace the filter in order to continue cutting, although cutting power will be somewhat reduced," explains Persson.
Keep a Clean Starter Assembly
IN GASOLINE-POWERED SAWS, a dirty starter assembly can cause failure in the field. When starter recoil springs get dirty, they lose tension and sometimes break. If spring tension becomes overstressed due to improper installation, the spring can also break. Here again, service should be performed by qualified mechanics in the shop, since pull-cords and springs are difficult to install correctly in the field. The best remedy is a cut-off saw featuring a heavy-duty starter cord and sealed starter assembly, which can provide practically maintenance-free operation for many months.
Hand-Held Saws, continued on page 26
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CIRCLE 301 ON READER SERVICE CARD
AMERICUTTER BRICK AND BLOCK SAWS WITH ELECTRIC MOTORS
American Brick Saw Company, Inc. proudly introduces its new line of 14" Americutter brick and 20" Americutter block saws powered by Baldor electric motors.
14" Americutter brick saw available with 1.5 horsepower, 2.0 horsepower, and 3.0 horsepower motors. All 14" Americutter brick saws use a 14" blade with a l'artor
20 Americutter block saw available with 3.0 hoгзеромет, 5.0 horsepowers, and 7.5 horse power. All 20 Americutter block saws use a 20 blade with a 1" abor
American Brick Saw Company also offers a 14" brick and 20" block saw powered by Honda gasoline motors.
All Americutter Brick and Block Saws feature direct drive design to provide increased horsepower to the blade Sealed arbor shaft eliminates grease maintenance Blade to saw table alignment never needs adjustment Belt replacement and adjustment is simple
Also available, a full range of diamond blades and related products for all masonry, stone, and brick cutting requirements.
American Brick Saw Company, Inc.
825 Seegers Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone (800) 989-9593 FAX: (847) 390-0060
www.americanbricksaw.com
CIRCLE 141 ON READER SERVICE CARD
October 2003
Masonry 23