Masonry Magazine March 2012 Page. 38
HILTI
Strides in Saw Blades
BY JENNIFER MORRELL
ONG LIFE, DURABILITY AND A REASONABLE PRICE these are what you need in a masonry saw blade, and manufacturers are answering the call. An abundance of research and development are going into the technology behind masonry saw blades. For you, the end-user, this means more hours on the life of the blade, near indestructibility, and a price tag that doesn't blow your skirt over your head.
In the throes of the green movement, environmental responsibility for manufacturers of any and all equipment is at an all-time high. And saw blade manufacturers have met this demand. Husqvarna, for instance, acknowledges its responsibility in environmental issues, touting a holistic approach that affects its entire operation.
"From production methods, packaging, noise and consumption of materials to the energy consumption, exhaust emissions and finally the recyclability of the products, we always prefer to use environmentally compatible materials in our production," says Husqvarna. "We are continually replacing old materials with new, even more environmentally compatible alternatives, as these are developed."
We can't rightly talk saw blades without mentioning safety. Following is a list of safety tips to practice when you use diamond blades on masonry saws, courtesy of Norton Pro Diamond Products, www.nortonprodiamond.com.
Keep the area around the saw free from debris, which could cause falls.
Prohibit the use of the saw by unauthorized or untrained personnel.
Keep the conveyor cart free of grit and debris, which could allow the material to slip or twist during cutting operations.
Hold the material firmly against the backstop of the conveyor cart or guide-a-cut, keeping fingers out of the path of the blade.
Position the saw on a firm, flat area, and be sure that the saw will not move in use.
Replace blade collars if they become worn to less than four inches in diameter for 18-and 20-inch blades, or less than 3.5 inches in diameter on 14-inch blades.
Following is a review of several saw blades that are available to mason contractors.