Saws, Saw Blades, Hammers and Grinders
Compiled by Karen D. Hickey
Mason contractors need tools they can rely on. Masonry Magazine has put together this article on the latest in saws, saw blades, hammer drills and grinders — so you can know what tool to choose for the job. For future product features in 2017, send your press release to Dan Kamys at MCAA (dkamys@masoncontractors.org).
Bosch Power Tools of North America
Mt. Prospect, Ill.
12- and 14-In. Premium Segmented Rim Diamond Blades
Bosch 12- and 14-in. Premium Segmented Rim Diamond Blades deliver fast, efficient cutting in concrete and other hard materials, thanks to a tensioned blade core and a high-quality diamond formulation. The tensioned steel core is engineered to ensure that each blade delivers smooth cuts with low vibration to reduce blade wobble.
These general-purpose, segmented rim blades offer a diamond formulation that cuts most masonry and concrete materials. The 10-mm segment height provides up to 3X life versus standard diamond blades.
Each segment is laser welded to the steel core, offering the blade high mechanical strength and rigidity and ensuring greater stability during the cut.
Bosch 12- and 14-in. Premium Segmented Rim Diamond Blade reduction rings are 1 in. to 20 mm, which allows the blade to be used on application-specific concrete-cutting saws. The drive pin ensures the blade can be used on a walk-behind saw. These blades provide long life and smooth, fast cuts in concrete and masonry.
18V EC Brushless Compact Tough 1/2-In.
Drill/Driver and Hammer Drill/Driver
The Bosch DDS183 drill/driver and HDS183 hammer drill/driver feature Bosch KickBack Control, an integrated acceleration sensor that virtually stops the drill’s rotation during bit bind-up situations. The Bosch drill/driver also boasts an efficient EC brushless motor that provides longer tool life, great tool runtime and no maintenance. The Compact Tough design ensures a short head length and light weight. A built-in LED offers improved visibility in dark work areas.
The drill/driver and hammer drill/driver are engineered with an upgraded, heavy-duty, all-metal chuck that offers increased robustness and great gripping power for better torque transfer. The single-sleeve, keyless, 1/2-in. auto-lock chuck delivers quick bit changes.
Both tools deliver 531 in.-lbs. of torque and two drilling speeds (0–1,900 rpm high speed; 0–600 rpm for torque). In addition, the drill/driver offers 20+1 clutch settings to reduce fastener damage and cam out. A motor brake on the tool provides an immediate stop for fast repetitive driving jobs. In addition, the hammer drill features 28,500 bpm.
www.boschtools.com
DEWALT
Baltimore, Md.
60V MAX* 4.5- to 6-In. Grinder
For high-power cutting and grinding of concrete and masonry, the DEWALT 60V MAX* 4.5- to 6-In. Grinder features a brushless motor that maximizes runtime for demanding applications, allowing for up to 126 cuts of -inch rebar on a single charge using a FLEXVOLT battery and 6-inch FLEXVOLT cutting wheel. The grinder is also a Perform & Protect tool, designed to provide a high level of tool control without sacrificing performance. Key features of the DEWALT 60V MAX* 4.5- to 6-In. Grinder include its Kickback Brake, which automatically shuts down and slows the wheel to a stop when a wheel pinch is detected. It has power equivalent to 13 amps or 1,700 MWO (as compared to the D28144) and a brake with less than 2-second stop time that slows the wheel when the trigger is released.
The grinder includes a two-stage trigger that reduces the chance for accidental start-up. Included with the grinder kit is a 4.5-in. Type 27 and a 6-in. Type 27 grinding guard. With the grinder’s One-Touch Guard Compatibility, the user has the option to utilize a one- or two-touch guard option with a simple lever adjustment.
SOLO Inc.
Newport News, Va.
881 Cut-Off Saw Series
With the 881 Cut-off Saw series, Solo Inc. introduces the world’s first iLube engine. iLube, which stands for “intelligent lubrication,” eliminates the need for pre-mixed gasoline. It is a patented system for separate engine lubrication. From a separate oil tank with a volume capacity of 10.8 oz./0.32 liters, an electronically controlled pump adds the correct quantity of two-stroke oil, metered to suit the engine speed, to the fuel. There is no need to pre-mix fuel and oil. This eliminates any risk of incorrect fueling – a main cause of expensive engine damage. The full contents of the separate oil tank are sufficient for up to 20 fuel tank fillings.
Available in both 12 in./300 mm and 14 in./350 mm, the 881 models are powered by an 81-cc SOLO two-stroke high-performance engine. The utilization of the latest technology helps the environment by keeping emissions clean without significant loss of power. Thanks to an automatic choke system, which eliminates the need for a manual choke, the saw can be easily started on every use. The One-Push-Stop System allows the operator to safely stop the saw with the push of a button.
Hilti
Tulsa, Okla.
Equidist Cutting Blades
Specifically designed for use with handheld saws, Hilti Equidist diamond blades offer exceptional cutting speeds and long life, giving the user high productivity.
Engineered with the highest-quality industrial-grade diamonds available and quality-controlled bonded matrixes, the Equidist diamond blades provide superior cutting performance. The Equidist arranged diamond technology optimizes cutting in the most demanding applications. The SPX masonry blades are designed for cutting masonry materials (brick, block, stone, etc.), while the SPX universal blades excel in a variety of base materials, including cured concrete, reinforced concrete and concrete block.
In addition, the Equidist diamond blades outperform standard impregnated segments with up to 50 percent faster cutting speed, while offering the best life of any handheld blade on the market.
KGS DIAMOND USA Inc.
Columbia, S.C.
Swiflex Cobra Cutting Discs
KGS DIAMOND Group is launching five new products during the Marmomacc exhibition 2016, September 28–October 1 in Verona, Italy. The five newest developments are (1) the KGS RED K935 and K936 cutting discs, (2) the KGS Swiflex XX and CX dry grinding and polishing discs, (3) the KGS Speedline MM and CM wet grinding and polishing discs, (4) the KGS Speedline Edge polishing discs and (5) the KGS Swiflex Cobra cutting discs for marble.
The Cobra cutting discs are the latest development in cutting marble with high speed and high lifetime. They are superior in comparison to normal cutting blades, showing a clear and clean cut — perfect for marble workers who are looking for high quality.
Makita
La Mirada, Calif.
18V LXT Brushless Paddle Switch Grinder
Makita’s new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless 4 1/2-inch Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder (XAG10M) has an electric brake kit that stops the grinding or cut-off wheel in two seconds or less upon release of the switch. The XAG10M also includes electronic torque control, a large, no-lock-on, flush-mount paddle switch with two-stage lock-off, and an anti-restart function.
Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts speed and torque during grinding or cutting applications for optimum performance, even under heavy load. In addition, the efficient BL Brushless motor delivers 8,500 RPM for faster grinding, with soft start to suppress start-up reaction for smooth start-ups and longer gear life. For increased durability, the grinder is equipped with Extreme Protection Technology, a protective seal inside the tool engineered for improved dust and moisture resistance by channeling debris away from the tool’s key internal components. The grinder is also equipped with wire mesh intake covers to help prevent debris from entering the motor.
The XAG10M weighs only 5.6 lbs. with battery.
Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee, Wis.
D-Handle Rotary Hammer Solution
Milwaukee Tool has redefined the SDS Plus rotary hammer market with the addition of a M18 FUEL 1-inch D-Handle Rotary Hammer solution. Featuring an in-line design for extended overhead and downward drilling applications, this new hammer not only gives users the power they expect from their corded tools, but exceeds it. With the productivity advantages of cordless and extended runtime, the D-Handle delivers a full day’s work on one charge.
By design, the new M18 FUEL 1-inch D-Handle Rotary Hammer provides a more ergonomic experience for users who frequently drill overhead or downward. These hammers drill faster than their corded counterparts, are built with corded durability, and can exceed runtime expectations. Milwaukee is able to accomplish this level of performance by combining three exclusive innovations: the POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLITHIUM battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS intelligence.
MK Diamond Products Inc.
Torrance, Calif.
MK-2002-16 Wet/Dry Brick and Block Electric Saw
The new MK-2002-16 Electric Masonry Saw has been designed for high-production cutting of a variety of masonry types, including cinder block, slump stone block, wall brick, pavers, brick, concrete block and cylinders
, roofing tile, marble, granite and decorative rock. The MK-2002-16 is designed for use with a 16-inch-diameter segmented wet or dry diamond blade with a 0.110- to 0.375-inch cutting width, providing a 6-inch depth of cut.
The MK-2002-16’s open-back design allows cutting of material up to 16 inches long. The recoil spring return cutting head makes plunge cutting and step cutting quick and easy. The cutting head can be locked in the down position when cutting smaller pieces. Jig-welded, reinforced steel construction, combined with sturdy die cast aluminum uprights, and provides positive alignment. The blade shaft assembly is built with sealed, permanently lubricated, heavy-duty bearings for long, maintenance-free life. The cast aluminum blade guard, with stainless steel water tubes, will not bend or rust, and provides water to both sides of the blade. Specially located forklift brackets under the frame provide lifting control points for ease of transportation. All saws include a diamond blade, rip guide and water pump.
Husqvarna Construction Products North America
Olathe, Kan.
Vari-Cut Masonry Blade
Husqvarna’s new Vari-Cut masonry blade was created for fast cutting along with long life when cutting construction block and brick. A broad range of applications make Vari-Cut a great combination blade. The blade is available in two specifications: 14 and 20 inches. The 14-inch blade features a 0.15-mm-tall segment. This blade was made to cut wet.
IQ Power Tools
Moreno Valley, Calif.
iQPC912v Power Cutter
The iQPC912v is the world’s first dry-cut power cutter with integrated dust control, allowing you to capture up to 90 percent of the dust right at the source. This American-made, 93-cc, 6-hp, 2-stroke motor power saw is ergonomically designed and is construction duty. The powerful vacuum sucks the dust through the retractable blade guard. Using iQ QUICK-SPIN filtration, the dust is captured in the cartridge filter. The dust is then contained in the lower chamber for easy dust disposal. The iQPC912v comes with a 12-inch premium diamond blade and has a paver skate accessory kit available. Eliminate the mess, expense, and health hazards of dust with the OSHA-compliant iQPC912v.
Porter Cable
Towson, Md.
Brushless Drill/Driver and Impact Driver
PORTER CABLE has launched its 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Drill/Driver and 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Brushless Impact Driver, both part of the new Brushless EDGE family of tools. Integrating brushless motor technology for the first time in its system of tools, these two new brushless products offer up to 50 percent more runtime to minimize downtime on the jobsite.
The Drill/Driver boasts 20 percent more power and improved bit retention compared to the prior model. A two-speed gear transmission delivers 0–450 rpm in low speed for high-torque applications and 0–1,800 rpm in high speed for maximum fastening speed. The Drill/Driver weighs only 3.3 pounds with its battery.
On the Impact Driver, the brushless motor and transmission generate 1,400 in-lbs of maximum torque for large fasteners and the variable speed trigger delivers 0-2,700 rpm. The Impact Driver is equipped with a -inch quick chuck for fast and easy one-handed bit changes, and weighs only 2.9 pounds with its battery. MAS