Rugged and powerful, cut-off saws are designed to cut through stone, concrete, steel
and other extremely hard materials. Many cut-off saws are used exclusively to cut stone
for building and rehabilitation construction and to size rock and stone for landscaping.
Others are used to cut metal for fabrication. They make clean cuts on metal building
materials and they can cut through steel reinforcing bars used in concrete construction.
Using speciality blades, cut-off saws can cut through roofing, drywall, plastics, tires,
auto bodies, cardboard, countertops and railroad ties. Cut-off saws frequently are used to
cut through debris during rescue operations following accidents and disasters.
Cut-off saws are available as both hand-held and stand-mounted models. Most saws carried
by rental centers are powered by gasoline or electricity. Pneumatic and hydraulic models
are available.
In addition to the saw mechanism and circular blade, cut-off saw components include a
handle or a stand or bench, anti-vibration and air filter systems, and water kits designed
to reduce wear when cutting concrete and stone by both binding dust and cooling and
lubricating the blade.
Different blades are available to fit specific cutting requirements - for example, diamond
blades for stone and concrete.
Who uses cut-off saws?
Cut-off saws primarily are tools for general contractors and professionals in various
building trades, remodeling specialists, stone masons, landscaping contractors, welders,
industrial facility/plant engineering staff members, plant maintenance personnel and
emergency forces, such as fire department rescue squads.
Cut-off saws are an ideal rental tool because many users need them only occasionally and
the cost of a good cut-off saw is too high to justify purchase for infrequent use.
Serious do-it-yourself homeowners also are prospects for cut-off saw rentals. Sizing
stones for walkways is one of the most practical homeowner applications for this
equipment.
Cut-off saw sizes
Cut-off saws are bigger and heavier than circular saws used by carpenters and homeowners.
They have to be larger to handle the tough jobs they are required to do. Hand-held units
start at about 20 pounds. Blades on small saws start at 12 inches in diameter; larger
units accommodate blades up to 16 inches in diameter. Larger and heavier stand-mounted
saws use blades ranging from 12 to 20 inches in diameter.
Operation
A cut-off saw is a simple, straightforward tool, but any type of saw or cutting tool poses
extreme danger, so safety instruction should be the first priority (see following section
on safety). Basic operational instructions include starting and stopping the unit and how
to change blades.
During operation, allow the blade to do the cutting. When tough going slows cutting, don't
force the saw forward.
Use of the correct blade for the type of material being cut is essential to efficient saw
performance, so it is important that counter personnel determine what uses are anticipated
by renters. Many times a customer will need more than one type of blade. A customer
complaining of poor saw performance may be using the wrong blade for the material he or
she is attempting to cut.
Blades also should be rated to the no-load rpm of the saw being used.
On electric models, the circuit and power cords should be compatible.
Two-cycle engines of gasoline-powered models require that oil be mixed with fuel. It is
important to use the oil prescribed by the engine manufacturer. A good way to ensure that
renters use the proper oil is to sell an adequate supply of oil at the time of the rental.
Not only does this help ensure engine protection, but it also means additional sales
revenue.
Safety
Think about this first: this saw can slice through steel rebar as if it were butter. So
what could it do to your leg?
That much may be obvious, but still worth mentioning. Less obvious is the danger of
cuttings that are ejected at great velocity - missile hazards that can put out eyes and
wound bystanders.
Other things to bear in mind:
Maintenance on the job
Air filtration systems keep dust and debris out of gasoline engines, so filters must be
clean. Clogged filters result in loss of power, which reduces the saw's cutting
efficiency. Reduced air flow also can damage the engine.
Use the proper fuel oil mixture for two-cycle engines.
Blades should be changed when they become worn or damaged. Using a dull blade reduces
efficiency and puts unnecessary stress on the saw, which causes wear to other components.
Again, it's important to remember that blades must be matched to jobs.
Comments from the industry
Partner Industrial Products, Itasca, Ill., Stan Levy, national sales manager: "Uses
of cut-off saws are very diverse, from building rehab to landscaping to cutting curbs.
Renters should encounter no significant problems as long as the air filtration system
passes muster and is maintained."
Stow Manufacturing, Binghamton, N.Y., Aimee Aldrich, marketing coordinator: "Always
advise customers to use extreme caution when using any cutting equipment. They should wear
safety and protective gear and read, understand and follow all instructions in the
operating manual."
Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co., Charlotte, N.C., David Zerfoss, president:
"Cut-off saws can cut virtually any type material, depending on the blade used. They
are portable and versatile. They are rented by contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners
for building porches, patios, etc."
Makita U.S.A., La Mirada, Calif., Milo Schauer, regional specialty product manager:
"Use the power of the saw to cut - do not use excessive pressure or force the blade.
Always wear safety items such as safety glasses."
Manufacturer's Sales Co., Texarkana, Ark., which markets several brands of cut-off saws;
Dick Roach, sales: "Always match the blade to the job and be sure the blades sold
match the arbor size of the saw rented. Guards are absolutely essential for safe
usage."