Masonry Magazine April 2006 Page. 34
SAWS AND BLADES
# Arbortech - AS160
A time-consuming, dusty and inaccurate job can now be transformed into an easy, fast, accurate, safe and virtually dust-free job.
Using a unique, patented orbital cutting motion, along with two forward-cutting blades that combine to perform both a hammering and slicing action, the Arbortech AS160 basically cuts by using a back-and-forth grinding motion of parallel diamond-coated blades. The form factor resembles a grinder, and the soft grips dampen vibration nicely. The AS160's forward-angled blades for general cutting allow for increased visibility and are designed to cut through bricks, mortar and soft stone without water injection.
The maker claims-and their demo backed them up - that a time-consuming, dusty and inaccurate job can now be transformed into an easy, fast, accurate, safe and virtually dust-free job. Using a variety of blade lengths and materials, the AS160 cuts deep or shallow (for repointing, for example). It cuts masonry materials dry, with significantly less breathable dust than disc cutters. And it can cut to a depth of 120mm (approximately 4-3/4 inches), while also having the ability to cut square corners without gouging the next course.
Weighing about 9-1/2 pounds, the saw sports a 900-watt motor, fully sealed bearings to prevent dust infiltration, and an adjustable belt drive. The AS160 also has a wide variety of blades to choose from, including a large "shoe" blade for general cutting, a narrow blade for plunge cuts, an even narrower blade for switch box opening cuts, and a shorter blade for repointing.
Finally, Arbortech has a warehouse in Utah for North American shipments, decreasing both time and shipping costs.
# Wet Cutting on a Whole New Level
ELECTRICITY isn't the only power source for saws, of course. A somewhat different approach is being taken by Atlas Copco Construction Tools, West Springfield, Mass.
Last year, Atlas Copco acquired Lifton, a Danish hydraulic tool company, and inherited their line of hydraulic cut-off saws, the LS 14 and LS 16. Now branded in the Atlas Copco line, the LS 14 and LS 16 saws will cut through a wide variety of masonry materials using a direct-drive design that provides consistent speed and torque, while reducing the maintenance experienced in comparable belt-driven saws. The saws feature an open-cutting face, an adjustable blade guard, and are well balanced for ease of use over long periods.
The power packs are available in several ratings to accommodate the varying oil flow and pressure requirements of the saws they power. The power packs can be positioned as much as 75 feet away from the action, so supplemental ventilation isn't necessary when working in confined areas. The power supplies have an on-demand, power-on system that automatically decreases the engine speed when the tool is disengaged.