Masonry Magazine October 2005 Page. 31
European Know How
IN EUROPE, many masons prefer to use reciprocating saws, or the more rugged alligator saw, over table or cut-off saws. One reason is due to the difference in materials, such as the widespread use of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks and softer brick. Another reason is the difference in insulation installation techniques. For many European buildings, the veneer is installed, then a brick is removed from each wall section. Next, the insulation is blown in through the hole, and the brick is replaced and repointed.
Danish Tool Company currently has four types of tungsten carbide reciprocating blades - black, blue, pink and orange- specifically tailored for use with many different kinds of materials, from soft to hard masonry.
The black label saw blade is for use with softer materials, such as AAC block and soft stones, and sports cylindrical teeth (see page 27 for blade closeups). The blue blade also has the cylindrical teeth, but twice as many as the black blade, and can be used for soft stone, clay brick and mortar joints. The pink blade is also for clay brick and somewhat harder materials, but has more aggressive, positive-cutting teeth that cut through the material much faster.
Niels Mostrup, owner of Danish Tool, says the orange blade is the top blade, attacking the hardest materials that a person can throw at it.
"The orange blade is the Rolls Royce version of these blades. It has a lot more teeth and a special sharpening action," says Mostrup. "When you're using the orange blade, it's cutting during the 'pulling' action, but during the 'push' action of the blade, the teeth are re-sharpened. Compared to the pink one, it's twice as fast, but you have less vibration. You can also use the blade in wood."
Each category of Danish Tool blades comes in a traditional reciprocating blade width of 3/4", ranging anywhere from 6 to 15-3/4" in length, and a monster 2" width, ranging from 12" to 17-3/4". The 25 combinations of Danish Tool recip blades available allow masons to choose the perfect blade for any task.
"The standard 3/4" height is useful when you want to cut out a single brick," explains Mostrup, "but if you, for instance, want to cut out an opening for a new door or window, the 2" high blade is very useful because it helps you keep a straight cutting line."
He also says that, while table and cut-off saws may remain a mainstay on U.S. construction sites, reciprocating saws have certain advantages that shouldn't be overlooked. First, masons only need one reciprocating saw, no matter what size blade is required. A simple switch of the blades quickly adapts the saw to any job. He also notes that reciprocating saws naturally direct dust away from the user, rather than "throwing the material around."
"I think probably the reciprocating saws are easier because you can stand at the exact construction area where you are
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