Masonry Magazine October 2005 Page. 33
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
# Now in 3D
by Tradesmen's Software
Masonry Computer Estimating That Does It All... in 3D!
See the actual building being displayed in 3D as you do your take-off in either PLAN mode, PERSPECTIVE mode, OUTSIDE mode, INSIDE mode or at any ELEVATION.
Complete your take-off, then walk through or around and see the actual finished building(s).
SAVES- No more walls, bandings, openings or even buildings missed from your estimate.
Figure special wall shapes like PIERS, GABLE, SLOPE or STEPS!
Calculates CMU: HALF and FULL BULLNOSE, DOUBLE BULLNOSE, CHAMFER, or SASH for any or all OPENINGS, JAMBS, CORNERS, CONTROL JOINTS and any SPECIAL CUTS.
Integrate with PROJECT COST and DIGITAL PLAN MEASURING SYSTEMS.
Windows 98/NT/ME/2000 or XP compatible.
30 day money back guarantee.
Computer illiterate? Let our 40 years of masonry and 10 years of computer experience help you help yourself. Support available 7 days a week.
Tradesmen's Software, Inc.
1-800-494-4899
See for yourself at:
www.tradesmens.com
CIRCLE 163 ON READER SERVICE CARD
October 2005
Masonry 31
"There are typically two settings on a reciprocating saw: straight mode and orbital mode," says Sullivan. "You really want to use the straight mode when you're cutting, because of the fact that it's an abrasive you're going to get more efficiency. The blade is going to be cutting both on the stroke forward and the stroke back. In an orbital mode setting, it wouldn't be as efficient."
The LENOX team also suggests starting the blade slowly-taking advantage of the variable-speed trigger that most saws utilize and at an angle, so that the blade can grab the material and get its momentum going. Once the blade is completely engaged, then the user can increase to a faster speed. They also suggest gently rocking the saw to assist in removing dust and debris, and when necessary applying water as a coolant.
Finally, the team stresses that picking the appropriate blade length is very important, using a blade that is as close to being 2" longer than the material being cut.
"You want to use as short of a blade as you can to prevent a lot of the whipping," says Morrisroe. "So if you're cutting through a 3" or 4" piece of material, you probably want a 6" blade, if you're cutting though a 5" piece of material, you probably want an 8" blade. But you don't want to use a 10" blade on a 2" piece of material because you'll have a lot of whipping and other problems."
Visit www.lenoxsaw.com for more information on Master-Grit blades.
# Safety First
THE BOSCH POWER TOOLS and Accessories division of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in Mount Prospect, III., also offers two tungsten carbide grit coated blades for cast iron and block that are 6" and 9" long. According to Steve Angus, Bosch Accessories group product manager - linear edge, these recip blades utilize a 30 tungsten carbide grit, which is baked onto the blades edge, and are best for cutting all types of abrasive materials, such as cement block and bricks.
"Bosch has focused on color coding and labeling its blades so users are sure to select the appropriate blade every time," says Angus. "Always use the correct blade for the application."
Although recip saws may create less dust hazards than their counterparts, Angus still encourages users to be prepared, wearing safety glasses and a mask for protection.
For more information about the Bosch cast iron and block recip blades, visit www.boschtools.com.
While all of the experts we spoke with feel that recip saws have certain advantages over other types of masonry saws, none of them hesitated in acknowledging that recips are not going to be the answer to every cutting need in the North American market.
"They're not meant to be a continuous-use blade," explains Jason Feldner, public relations manager for Bosch Power Tools and Accessories. "What these blades really are is an alternative, a quick cut."
Charles Self is a freelance author in Bedford, Va
The Voice of the Mason Contractor