Cutting to the chase
Saws for masons
No matter the task or function in question, the masonry saws industry has researched and developed the perfect saw for the job. Lighter weight, faster, dust-controlling, cordless, more compact – you name the benefit, and the industry has it to offer. Following are informative reviews of just a few of the saws available for your mason contractor arsenal.
AS170 Brick and Mortar Saw
ArbortechLeominster, Mass.
![AS170 Brick and Mortar Saw](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-2.jpg)
The AS170 generates little flydust, protecting the operator and creating a cleaner and safer environment. In addition to brick and mortar, the AS170 can be used to cut fiber cement, fast block, soft sandstone, natural limestone, softer stone, hardwood, chip or plywood, tree roots in the ground, foam, PVC, acrylic and fiberglass sheet.
www.arbortechusa.com
MS-3 Electric Dry Masonry Saw
Diamond VantageIrvine, Calif.
![MS-3 Electric Dry Masonry Saw](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-3.jpg)
The MS-3 has an eight- X eight- X 16-inch cutting capacity, 14-inch blade capacity and five-inch depth of cut. The convenient open design in the back of the saw allows for large materials to pass through. The head on the MS-3 is spring loaded, and is lockable in the down position for transport. The combination of power and versatility that the MS-3 provides makes it an ideal choice for dry cutting masonry applications. Included is a one-year warranty.
www.diamondvantage.com
DSH 700 Hand Held Gas Saw
HiltiTulsa, Okla.
![DSH 700 Hand Held Gas Saw](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-4.jpg)
The DSH 700 performs in a variety of construction materials, including cutting wet/dry concrete and asphalt for small repair projects, expansion joints and curbs, and brick and concrete block for small floor or wall openings. It also cuts metal deck, rebar, bolts dowel bars, grating and other metals. Built to enhance the operator’s experience, the isolated handles with metal springs minimize vibrations and maximize saw control. And, with a simple counter-clockwise starting procedure and a primer bulb for fewer pulls, starting the Hilti DSH 700 is easy. It also comes standard with a cyclone filtration system (no pre-filter) and simple rope replacement for easy maintenance and maximum durability.
www.us.hilti.com
K 3000 Vac
HusqvarnaOlathe, Kan.
![K 3000 Vac](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-5.jpg)
The K 3000 Vac’s features increase efficiency and operator ergonomics. Elgard, an advanced electronic overload protection system, varies the rotation speed to warn of an approaching overload. The electronic Softstart feature enables the power cutter to start with normal, slow-acting fuses, and the generously dimensioned miter gear provides high durability, minimal power loss and low noise levels. In addition, the blade rotates forward, cutting material efficiently and with minimal strain on the operator. The K 3000 Vac also can be used without the dust-reducing attachment.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/home
iQ360 Masonry Chop Saw
iQ Power Tools Inc.Moreno Valley, Calif.
![iQ360 Masonry Chop Saw](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-6.jpg)
www.iqpowertools.com
Cordless Jig Saw
MetaboWest Chester, Pa.
![Cordless Jig Saw](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-7.jpg)
The STA 18 LTX features a low-lying saw blade support roller for exact blade guidance, a four-stage adjustable orbital blade stroke, and positive bevel cutting stops at 15, 30 and 45 degrees. The tool also includes Metabo’s Quick tool-less blade change system that saves time and energy when replacing blades, increasing productivity and lowering overall costs. The jig saw can cut a maximum thickness of 5 5/16 inches in wood, 1 3/8 inches in non-ferrous metals and 10 gage inches in sheet metal.
www.metabousa.com
14-Inch Wet/Dry Cutting Masonry Saws
MK Diamond Products Inc.Torrance, Calif.
![14-Inch Wet/Dry Cutting Masonry Saws](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-8.jpg)
The MK-2000’s open-back design allows for material up to 16 inches long to be cut. The pull-down handle on the cutting head prevents operator fatigue and increases visibility during all cutting operations. Jig-welded, reinforced steel construction, combined with sturdy die-cast aluminum uprights, provides positive alignment. The MK-2000 is designed for use with a 14-inch diameter segmented wet or dry diamond blade with a .110- to .375-inch cutting width. The cutting head can be locked in the down position when cutting smaller pieces.
www.mkdiamond.com
Slice Thin Stone Veneer With TXS Series
Park IndustriesSt. Cloud, Minn.
![Slice Thin Stone Veneer With TXS Series](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-9.jpg)
All aspects of the TXS-2000 series machines have been designed with productivity in mind. The detachable shroud and blade cover make changing blades quick and easy, minimizing machine downtime and maximizing productivity. A return conveyor delivers cut pieces back to a single operator for efficient re-sawing or processing. The blade height can be adjusted easily for blade wear and for cutting 90-degree corners.
www.parkindustries.com
GS 461 Rock Boss
StihlVirginia Beach, Va.
![GS 461 Rock Boss](/images/news/cutting-to-the-chase-10.jpg)
The GS 461 cuts up to a depth of 15.7 inches and is designed for superior handling and fast cutting throughout the RPM range during the toughest of tasks, like squaring out corners or cutting openings in pipes and culverts. The two chain-tensioner mounting holes allow the user to effectively increase the length of the guide bar to compensate for chain stretch. The side-access chain tensioner allows for easy tightening, loosening or changing of the 36 GBM Stihl diamond abrasive saw chain.
www.stihlusa.com
Originally published in Masonry magazine.
About the Author
Jennifer Morrell was the editor of Masonry magazine. She has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry as a writer and editor, covering such topics as real estate and construction, insurance, health care, relationships and sports. A graduate of The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazines and is an award-winning newspaper columnist.