The Power of Hand Tools: Cut and Conquer

When it comes to quick and precise slices, hand-held concrete saws are ideal weapons of choice for concrete, masonry and steel projects. Two of the most commonly used saws used on jobsites today are gas saws and electric diamond cutters. Whether new construction, remodel or demolition, operators look for the same thing in both types of cutters — productivity, service, durability, reliability and concrete solutions.

First off, gas saws perform well in a variety of construction materials including cutting wet or dry concrete and asphalt for small repair projects, like expansion joints and curbs, as well as brick and concrete block for sizing and small openings. When the application or local ordinance requires dust control, some manufacturers offer optional wet kits. Hand-held gas saws also excel in cutting metal deck, rebar, bolts, dowel bars, grating and other metals.

Gas saws come in 12-, 14- or 16-in. diameters. Typically, the larger the saw diameter, the deeper the cut — with ranges running anywhere from 4 up to 6 in. In addition to providing deeper cuts, larger saws are also usually more powerful. Regardless of make or model, gas saws are powered by a two-stroke motor. The design and make up of the two-stroke motor hasn’t changed much since it was designed in the late 1800s. However, manufacturers have worked to increase the fundamentals of gas saws, making them more durable and reliable. Filter systems, power-to-weight ratios, easier starting and maintenance that can be performed on the jobsite are a few examples of improvements, that help provide operators greater productivity due to reduced downtime in the field.

Improved Filter Performance

Some manufacturers have incorporated cyclone filter systems that significantly reduce onsite maintenance because they remove larger dirt and dust particles from the air. This is achieved by spinning the air at such a high speed that it causes the larger particles to be tossed out. This allows for cleaner air to pass through the air filter leading to longer filter life.  

Added Power

Gas saws are also more powerful than ever before with improved power-to-weight ratios. Operators are able to achieve faster cutting speeds without the added weight. Improvements in air intakes like the cyclone system and exhaust systems aid in producing more usable power. These improvements allow more power when under load, which means the user has the power needed to get through a difficult or deep cut.

 

Easier Operation and Maintenance

In the past, starting a gas saw could be much like starting a lawn mower with pull after pull. Most gas saws are now easier to start due to a primer bulb and a combined choke and gas control lever for fast and trouble free starting. The primer bulb sends gas to the carburetor. This allows for better fuel and air mixtures leading to an easier start. Less pulls also means longer life on starter ropes.

Approximately 40 percent of gas saw repairs are broken starter ropes. Manufacturers have made replacing the starter rope much easier so that this maintenance can be performed on the jobsite. Some of these improvements include easy rope replacement or actual quick replacement of the entire starter rope assembly. Keeping a gas saw working properly can be a chore. Gas saw maintenance has been one of the continued improvements for most manufacturers. Changing the air filter, fuel filter, spark plug and starter cord are your most common maintenance repairs. Some manufacturers include six to 12 months of maintenance accessories with every saw purchased. This includes additional air filters, fuel filters, spark plugs and starter ropes. This allows for quick onsite repairs leading to increased saw availability and user productivity.

While manufacturers are making maintenance much easier, there may be times that a saw will need to be serviced. Consideration should be given to the type of service and warranty provided by the manufacturer. It’s important to know if there will be any unexpected costs associated with the repair.

Choosing the Right Blade

Determining the type of blade to be used should also be considered when using a gas saw. The correct type of blade needs to be determined for each type of material being cut. For instance, an asphalt blade should be used when cutting asphalt or a cured concrete blade for cutting cured concrete. Choosing the correct blade will give the user the best balance in blade speed and life. Universal blades are also available. Known as a general purpose blade, these will effectively cut most base materials such as concrete, masonry or stone. Some manufacturers have matched blades that provide exceptional cutting speed and blade life. These same guidelines should be used when choosing the correct blade for an electric diamond cutter. 

Electric Diamond Cutters

Electric diamond cutters are also used by a variety of trades for similar applications. Electric diamond cutters are typically used when gas saws are not an option — for example when cutting indoors in a poorly ventilated room or an occupied building.  Diamond cutters may also be used when dust containment is needed or required since they can be connected to a vacuum. The environment and the operator’s productivity are improved by using a matched dust removal system, making nearly dustless cutting possible by removing dust right at its source.

Manufacturers have also worked to make electric diamond cutters more efficient. Some include “Smart Power,” which is an intelligent electronic control system that constantly regulates motor power to suit the material being cut and the pressure applied to the tool. Together, they help reduce operator fatigue. Although electric diamond cutters are not as powerful as gas saws, they do provide a variety of solutions for most contractors and require minimal maintenance. 

Purchasing Tips

There are some points to consider when purchasing a gas saw or diamond cutter, including:

1. The materials and depth that will be cut.
2. What the manufacturer’s warranty includes.
3. Warranty length.
4. Type of service available if the tool has to be sent in for repair.
5. If matched diamond blades are available.

If a gas saw is determined to be best for the application(s):

1. Purchase the appropriate size — 12, 14 or 16 in.
2. Review overall weight of the tool.
3. Ask if the purchase includes any maintenance accessories.
4. Determine what maintenance can be performed by the operator.
5. Determine what accessories are available.
6. Determine if the saw has wheels for easier cutting on the floor and/or feet to hold the saw in place on an inclined service such as a roof.

Professionals value tools that are reliable, easy to use and increase productivity. In recent years, gas saws and electric cutters have evolved to serve these needs and will continue to develop as manufacturers further invest in innovations to bring productivity to the construction industry.

David Perkins is the marketing and BU manager of Diamond products at Hilti North America, based in Tulsa, Okla.