Masonry Magazine February 2005 Page. 25
Chain Saws Go Deeper
OUR FINAL SAW FORMAT is one that gained its reputation high up in trees, not on scaffolds. The chain saw might seem like a strange format for a mason to be using, but it has some significant design features that can be handy on the job.
Chain saws are used on jobs where plunge cuts, square corners, mitered or other precision cuts are needed, or where rebar has to be cut. Other situations that might warrant a chain saw include dust-free environments or non-percussive tool requirements.
Some typical uses are installing electrical boxes, cutting openings for windows or doorways, making beam pockets and scupper holes, or the precision removal of damaged materials. They are also used in restoration of older, non-reinforced brick buildings, and remodeling where wet-cut dust control is needed for safety or cleanliness.
A new entry in this market in the U.S. is the ICS Redzaw. This chain saw has the ability to plunge cut, cut square corners as small as three inches with no over cuts, do precision cutting or cut rebar. It is lightweight (under 21 pounds), portable, gas-powered and uses inexpensive replacement chains that are priced from $149. It also has no kick-back or abrasive style cutting, and is easy to use. Redzaw claims first-time cutters can make accurate cuts in less than 30 minutes.
Because this form isn't as familiar to masons as the circular-blade styles, some tips are in order for getting the most from the equipment. The saws run on 25:1 gas-oil mixture and requires water at 20 PSI for cutting. Chain tensioning is highly recommended after every tank of fuel-a saw runs for about 15-20 minutes on a tank of fuel.
For cleanup, simply rinse the saw off with fresh water, especially the bar/chain, the starter and the clutch cover; then lightly oil the bar and chain.
Other recommendations include checking the air filter for debris after every five to six tanks of fuel and flipping the bar over after every three to five chain adjustments to extend the bar and chain life. Be sure not to over-tighten the chain, as it will prematurely wear out the clutch, bar and chain. As with all gas motors, use fresh gasoline. And in cold weather, store the saw inside in a heated environment prior to starting.
The blades are also unfamiliar to many workers in the masonry trade, so here are the recommendations from Redzaw for care of the chain. "There are various Redzaw blades designed for masonry applications. For example, the Wide Kerf blade is designed to fit in the cut of the Redzaw chain saw with 210-inch kerfs and is used when cutting square-cornered openings with both a cut-off saw and diamond chain saw for the corners. In choosing a chain saw chain/blade, blade life, economy, materials to be cut - including rebar and abrasive block-should all be considered."
Anything that the mason can do to improve his or her work should be considered when looking at cutting tools. Adding a chain saw to your truck might seem strange at first but, in those applications where you require plunge cutting or small opening cutting, there might not be a better choice.
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