So, what is a quick-cut saw???

Stihl cut-off saw


This Stihl cut-off saw is often called a "quik-kut" saw or a "quickie" saw. Guys in the trade refer to thse saws that way for an obvious reason-they're fast. They get the job done quickly and for the most part efficiently.

Stihl; of course, is not the only maker of this type of saw. There are several different manufacturers where the main difference is power and weight of the saw. 2 sizes of blades are usually avaiable for use, those being 12" or 14" circular blades. The blades are made to several different specifications to use on a wide range of materials from stone to asphalt to sewer tile.

I bring this up because of several questions I received about this saw stemming from Mondays post, and what exactly is a quik-kut saw. I am glad this happened because it allows me to post separately on what this saw is/does.

In the day, I used this saw a lot to shape and sculpt sandstone for walls and walkways, especially large slabs for walkways. Frankly the biggest drawback to this type of saw is the physical toll it takes on the human body (ouch) my lower back hurts just thinking about it. There is also the mental strain of using a tool that is so dangerous, very dangerous.

Even though these saws can be rented, I do not suggest the typical homeowner do so.You need some guidance and training to learn these saws and all their quirks. The noise, the dust, the whirling blade it's a real ass-kicker.

Negatives aside, the tool will do a lot for you, and has a lot of flexibility, but not as much as one of those new chain saws running wet (hose hook-up) with a diamond blade. If your a homeowner don't risk it with these two tools-hire the professional. Work smart, be safe.

Now thats a Chain-Saw !!!

In order to get this circle . . .

The contractor was trying to get some old foundation stone circled up to create a firepit for a backyard entertaining area. Previous times we would have used a quik-cut saw with a 12" or 14" circular blade. Which would have meant more handling of the stone. Flipping this way, flipping over, etc.

Before the quik-cut saw. A tremendous amount of hand work, a lot more labor intensive, chisels and hammers pounding away to split these blocks. Time moves on and the tools get better.

You need this saw

 This is the latest and greatest in splitting stone with a high degree of accuracy. This water-fed chain saw has been available for awhile, but it has been cost prohibitive. Especially the blades/chain. Landscape contractors who invest in this technology improve their install work, increase labor time rates, and allow for a wider range of work because of this.

Rough boulder stone taken out of quarry piles can be easily edged/shaped/fitted to improve the quality of boulder wall work. I'd like to also mention this keeps the dust down when cutting sandstone which is of great benefit to the tool operator.