Masonry Magazine October 2012 Page. 24
SAWS AND SAW BLADES
But what caused the veneer boom? In the mid-1980s and early-1990s, Higgins recalls the company's increased demand for veneer. It was becoming evident that buildings made entirely with full brick were not economically viable on large structures. With the Northridge earthquake in 1994, the advantages of veneer versus solid brick structures became more apparent, and its appeal continued to increase.
Cost and safety considerations
VENEER'S structural advantage is not the only component that contributed to its popularity. It also is quite inexpensive and easy to install, making veneer popular among contractors. Plus, since it can be installed anytime after the structural foundation has been constructed, it creates opportunities for property owners to invest in a quick and thrifty renovation.
Despite all of the positive properties found in veneer, the process that the majority of the masonry industry employs of cutting bricks into shapes specifically for veneer is extremely time consuming and dangerous. It is done by a process that involves a large masonry saw, with at least an 18-inch blade, and the operator's unprotected hands. The operator uses nothing but
New Jig Saws From Bosch
The Bosch JS572E Top-Handle Jig Saw and JS572EB Barrel-Grip Jig Saw feature Bosch's patented Precision Control II system, with double-roller blade guides in a gold-colored guidance assembly to provide even more accuracy than the previous Precision Control system. Its additional, upper roller minimizes deflection, both above and below the lower roller, and its auto-centering function self-adjusts to help keep the blades firmly within the rollers, even during strenuous cuts.
Bright, switchable LEDs on the JS572E and JS572EB, together with a switchable dust blower, provide visibility. A tool-less blade change system allows for faster insertion of T-shank blades, and a blade ejection lever eliminates the need to touch a hot blade. The new saws both feature a tool-less die-cast magnesium footplate for fast and easy bevel cutting.
Bosch says that, with a 7.2 amp rating, both tools have the power needed for virtually any jig saw application encountered by carpenters, cabinet makers, kitchen installers, trade show builders, residential builders, mechanics and renovators.
A variable-speed dial allows users to select the desired operating speed, and the top-handle saw also features an accelerator trigger to allow adjustment from the saw's lowest speed to the operating speed as set on the dial. Bosch Constant Response circuitry maintains the desired cutting speed for consistent performance, and an optimized, compact counterbalancing mechanism reduces tool vibration. For more information, visit www.boschtools.com.
POWER CAULKING REMOVAL