Cut Off Saws/Power Cutters

Choosing the right hand-held cut-off saw- Many hand-held, cut-off saws on the market are available in a wide assortment of sizes, power sources and ratings, but size and power alone won't satisfy all demands. While performing the work at hand is essential, the tool is best chosen with a view also to factors that will greatly impact associated maintenance costs and service life of the product. Beyond selecting the appropriate model based on multiple criteria, correct usage is crucial to performance and long service life. Leif Persson, technical manager at Partner Industrial, drives this point home: "First and foremost, users of hand-held cut-off saws should avoid the urge to service their saws in the field. Cut-off saws should be serviced preventively by mechanics in the shop at intervals dictated by hours of usage and type of material cut. Even air-filter changes should be performed at appropriate periods in the shop."

 

AIR FILTRATION When purchasing a hand-held cut-off saw, its air-filtration system is one of the most important design features to consider. When filters become clogged and are not replaced as specified, a cut-off saw will begin to lose power. Many brands include a felt or foam prefilter and a paper secondary filter. Persson recommends a multi-stage filtration system, consisting of a specially designed flywheel that blows dust away from the motor; a high-capacity, oil-soaked, foam primary filter; and, secondary paper filter. Holding up to 10 times its weight in dust, the oiled-foam filter requires changing at fewer intervals than other filters, thereby ensuring peak power in the field as well as lower maintenance costs. Frequent changes of paper filters add up: if a $15 paper filter is required each week, purchasing a model with an oiled-foam primary filter could save up to $75 per month.

 

CARBURETORS Since a clogged filtration system will choke off the air supply, it is important that gasoline-powered saws have a "compensating carburetor," which will adjust the fuel flow downward (lean) when less air is available. "This means that engine power is retained, and you do not need to adjust the carburetor manually or replace the filter in order to continue cutting, although cutting power will be somewhat reduced," explains Persson. STARTER ASSEMBLY In gasoline-powered saws, a dirty starter assembly can cause failure in the field. When starter recoil springs get soiled, they can stick and sometimes break. The spring can also rupture if it becomes overstressed due to improper installation. Here again, service should be performed by qualified mechanics in the shop, since pull-cords and springs are difficult to install correctly in the field. The best remedy is a cut-off saw featuring a heavy-duty starter cord and sealed starter assembly, which can provide practically maintenance-free operation for many months. Persson says Partner saw-starter assemblies are sealed, protecting sensitive components from dirt and dust, while enabling users to safely clean the assembly with a power washer.

 

WEIGHING TOUGHNESS Durability has been requisite for cut-off saws since they first entered the market in the late 1950s. Today, these saws must be both tough and lightweight. Thanks to innovative composite materials, many models include high-impact "plastics" in housings, fuel tanks and handles. These lighter-weight, molded materials have enhanced the ergonomics and utility of some cut-off saws, making them easier to hold and manipulate. Molded composite components also lower the cost of the original saws as well as replacement parts.

 

ACCESSORIES Accessories can provide greater versatility and increased flexibility in using cut-off saws. Rail-holding jigs, cutting trolleys, and other walk-behind adapters for cutting flooring and pavement are among the accessories available. Some cut-off saws are fitted with water kits to enable wet cutting, as well as specially designed carts to carry gas and pneumatic power sources.