Last week we talked about what is in a mason’s toolkit (trowel, hammer and chisel, power saw, level), but not all tools are created equally. When it comes time to cut through the toughest materials, you have more than one option. Your choices include a right angle grinder, cut-off saw, paver saw, handheld power saw or a full-size masonry table saw. All of these tools should be used with extreme caution. But what benefits does a masonry table saw hold when stacked against your other options?
Operator Safety and Stability
A masonry table saw is generally in a fixed location (and while it may take some muscle to get it there, it’s worth the benefits) but can be fitted with a wheel kit for easy transportation around a job site. Having the blade on a fixed and flat surface provides stability and ultimately provides greater operator safety and less risk than handheld saws.
Accuracy
Masonry table saws are powered by an electric or gasoline engine and can offer perfectly aligned and accurate cuts to masonry units. The operator can easily choose between a handle grip or foot pedal to lower the blade into the material for a precise cut. The fact that the cutting machine is fixed on a flat surface gives it an undeniable increase in accuracy versus handheld power saws.
Productivity
Masonry table saws can cut both dry and wet material, and use either a diamond blade or an abrasive blade. The more accurate cutting control the operator has, the more valuable work can be done without having to worry about mistakes. Masonry table saws can cut production time in half. The more efficient the production process is, the more work there is to take on, which is a great upside for masons. This method is also less taxing physically for the operator.
Keep Your Masonry Looking Good with Del Prete Masonry!
While there are many other materials that we use at Del Prete Masonry, we’re not about to abandon concrete anytime soon. It has proven its worth many times over and we know that we can bring you a solid masonry structure with it. To find out more about your masonry options including concrete masonry, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.