Masonry Magazine May 2010 Page. 31
For us at Norton Clipper, we started our business in 1937 as Clipper Manufacturing Co., with our first masonry saw that set a new standard for production when compared to the actual "clipper" mason who used a hammer and chisel.
During the last 73 years, the basic design of masonry saws may not have changed much, but the features certainly have. One key area would be the blade guard. In the beginning, the front was open by as much as three inches, to nearly the 10-o'clock position from the bottom front. This was done so the operator could cut a block down to the table. The problem was that it exposed the mason to the diamond blade with little regard for safety.
The introduction of the "stay level" blade guard feature keeps the guard parallel to the cutting table allowing the same cut, protecting the operator and increasing the accuracy of the cuts being made.
The shape of earlier blade guards was square or octagonal. Cutting slurry would build up in the corners of the guards, eventually leading to corrosion. This build-up had a slope configuration when viewed. Norton Clipper redesigned the shape to a teardrop, allowing slurry to keep moving out of the way from the blade and saw. To this day, it's Norton's signature mark. Also the water distribution, on early models, was positioned to the front of the guard to keep the water on the cut. The problem was that if a smaller blade was used, the water placement was missed. A modification was made to move the water as close to the arbor as possible, providing better distribution. Both the guard shape and water placement increase the life of the blade, costing the user less over time.
As mentioned, basic frame designs today are similar to ones many years ago. Here is one that probably few consider: the water drain plug placement. We probably all can agree that the center of the pan provides one of the best places for drainage. But have you ever wondered why most saws today position that place to the back corner of the pan? Most people don't. But, there is a least one reason to consider. Years ago, Norton's product management team caught word of increased jobsite accidents with masons in the Northern states during the winter. What they found was that masons would cover the motor with a bucket to
Basic frame designs today are similar to ones many years ago.
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