[N. Solutions]

I'm in the market for some new hand saws for cutting flagstone. I do a lot of large sheet (10-15 sq.ft) irregualr bluestone installs. We pride ourselves on the tightness of our pattern and often cut stones to fit. We currently use 4" angle grinders with diamond blades. I am interested in the Alpha AWS 110 or similar wet/dry hand saws and am curious if anyone has experience with them. Specifically things like cutting speed, water flow rates, and overall efficacy. I like the small grinders because they enable precise curved cuts - a requirement of their potential replacements. Any input on the matter is welcome. Thanks

[JEJ]

Hey N. ,

Beautiful work ( on the photo under your log-in name) - I don't have a great answer to your question but have had the same question myself . We are using a larger grinder so we can get a deeper cut but definitely sacrifice on cutting radii.

Where do you get sheets of bluestone that big... Stonelawn Products? I haven't been there in a while

As a fellow Madison Area landscaper it's great to see some nice work. ( I have worked for a local firm for 6 years)

I'm not sure how busy you are but if you'd like to have a beer, I always like to get to know other locals in the field-

jej

[worlddiamond1]

Hello N. Solutions, The Alpha AWs 110 saw is a great addition to your tools. The only negative I heard from people is the depth of cut is limited more so than your 4" grinder because of the blade housing. The water feed rate should make the slurry look like a light milkshake and adjust more water to the harder materials ( granite and porcelains) the speed will vary to the application. The saw has one of the more powerful motors compaired to other 4". I've seen it cut as fast as 9' per min. and less to the harder or thicker stones or tiles. The blade selection will also increase your speed or cleanliness of cut( segmented, smooth continuous or the turbo style blades) hope this helps. Please feel free to email if any questions about equipment.