Favorite Cutoff Saw

[Stonehenge]

Oh hardscape enlightened ones!

I'm looking to see which cutoff saw is your favorite. Which ones have you owned or tried?

I'm particularly interested in trying a couple of new brands of saw this year - Target looks like they've come out with a nice one. It may have been out a year or two already, and by the looks of the prices that brand of saw is going for on Ebay, I'm thinking they might be worth a shot. They look similar to a Partner saw.

The other saw I'm interested in trying, I'm not quite sure who the mfg is. I believe one company is making these saws as a private label for several companies. I just don't know who the original mfg is. The current cutoff saw offerings by Makita, Wacker, Dolmar and Speedi-Cut are for all intents and purposes identical. Same look, same specs. Only difference is the plastic was dyed a different color and a different label attached.

Those that know me know what brands of saw we run, so I won't jump in with those just yet. :rolleyes:

What's the saw that takes the abuse but keeps on cuttin'?


This discussion has been included in the site beginner's brick paving (http://www.groundtradesxchange.com/pavers/brick-pavers.htm) page.

[Bladewizard]

The positives of owning a Partner or Stihl Cut-Off Saw are, They are sold so widespread throughout the country, it is easy to get parts when they breakdown, and the techs repairing them usually know exactly the problem with them.....Don't forget to fill out your warranty info right away so you are covered for that first year....BEWARE of any tools you buy on EBAY...Most are garbage and REMANUFACTURED...Partner, Stihl, and Edco saws....These are the most popular among contractors....

[PSUscaper]

For some reason, I believe the target saw is the same as the makita, wacker, dolmar...etc. etc.

Someone out there is cashing in on a saw just changing the colors on it.

I run partners. My favorite is the k950. I love the power, and even though it is a bit heavy, I tend to use it for everything.

I also have a k650, but am a little worried about it. I had one last year and burned it out in a week......they told me it was because of not having oil in the gas......but I am 100% positive I had the right mix.

I wonder if the k650 just can't handle the long running cuts when doing pavers and burns itself out.

Maybe I should stick with the k700 and above.

Never owned a stihl yet, but have used them. I still believe the partners outpower them. I've used the biggest stihl out there, and will say that the k950 seemed to blow it away.

The k1250 is a monster, but just too big to use daily.

I've thought about maybe getting one of the hydraulic powered units and run it off of my dingo or mini-x's auxillary hydraulics........seems like it might be a neat idea.

steve

[Stonehenge]

If I recall, Digin' had a similar problem with a K650. I guess I've been lucky - I really haven't had much of a problem. But I will admit that after 100-200' of cuts for a single project on a hot day, the saw will cut out on me and not start again until it's cooled off.

I've got 2-K650's, 1-K950, and a TS-400 for cutoff saws. The Stihl TS 400 was the first cutoff saw I've purchased, and it still runs. However, it does seem to have a bit less power than the Partners. The two things that sold me on Partner over Stihl were:

1) The distance between the throttle and the opposite hand grip. This distance is much greater on a Partner, which results in better control of the saw. You really notice it when using a Partner for awhile then going back to a Stihl. Less control = less accurate cutting.

2) Vibe protection. I used the Stihl for about 4-5 hours one day, and two fingers on the throttle hand went numb for a few days. Just vibrated the nerves too much, I guess. Worked out OK, as I had an infected cut on one of the fingers, so I was able to scrub the heck out of the wound without feeling a thing. :x

The filtration system seems better on the Partner, but it's hard to be critical of the Stihl when it's still running after 6 years.

And I do like the starter cord for the Stihl better. :p I've put their cord on all the Partners.

As for that Target saw, I'm pretty sure it's a different saw from Makita, Dolmar, etc. Actually, now that I think about it, the Target saw looks a lot like the Husqvarna saw.

[Bexter]

We run Partner k950's ... In the past we have had Stihl but as mentioned in this post I feel the Partner has a better filter system which is important with multiple users that don't always take the same care as an owner/operator may.

Whats the differance with the pull cords ..It's been a long time since we ran Stihl and I can't recall anything special about it?

[Stonehenge]

The handle piece is made of a more forgiving rubber, and the cord itself has plastic nubs, that when installed in the handle, leaves a little extra cord inside the handle, so when you pull the cord to start and fully extend the cord, there's still a bit more give, making it easier on your hands and easier on the saw.

[Paul]

K-650's here I think we have 5 or 6, have to check....... What I like about them they balance well, plus the filters are great on them, servicing them is fast. Things to keep around extra nuts for the arm, filters and belts. We buy our oil by the case so all trucks have a 6 pack in them, plus our hardscape trailers we keep a couple of 6 packs of oil. One other thing I have found is to use a bit more oil when the saw is new. Plus use fresh gas.........

[Stonehenge]

Oh yeah - forgot about the nuts. And Partner makes the nuts a size that is heretofor unseen by man. Threads/inch and diameter are something that no other nut I've ever found will fit.

Thankfully my dealer keeps old parts from wrecked saws, and has been able to set me up with replacements (zip ties will do in a pinch, but only last about a day).

[Bladewizard]

ONE MORE PLUS ABOUT PARTNERS IS THE ARBOR.....1 INCH...NO RINGS OR ADAPTERS TO LOSE OR FOOL WITH WHEN PUTTING ON YOUR BLADE....

[diginahole]

I used Stihls for ever. I hadn't even heard of Partner until about 4 or 5 years ago. I thought stihl was the cat's meow, even though I only got one season out of them before the top end needed to be rebuilt and after the second season they were scrap. I thought that was just the nature of the beast. Partners had a bad reputation around here so I never tried one. Stonehenge told me how much he liked them so I gave a 700 a try last year. WOW. This saw rocks. The stihl's filters needed to be cleaned every time the saw was fueled and replaced at least 2 times per season. The partner saw a full season with the same filter and you could still almost eat off it. The power and control are fantastic. The machine doesn't dance across the patio when you leave it running and set it down for a moment. I did have it crap out on me 100 days after I bought it (10 days after warrantee lapsed), but the dealer said they probally set it up too lean and Partner paid to fix it. So I have no intention of switching back to Stihl anytime soon.

O almost forgot, Stihls also go through starter cords like crazy 4-5 year, My Partner's cord broke for the first time in the first week of November. Partner's rock dudes.

You can specify the arbor size you want on a Partner. Around here 20mm arbors are common (stihl size) so that's the easiest blade to get. I think that there are actually 3 different arbors that come in the Partner box.

[Stonehenge]

Digin - were you finding that the cord was tightly recoiled when installed, but got slack after a bit, starting the rubbing process that would ultimately lead to breaking?

[Rex Mann]

I have always been a Stihl guy. All the problems you guys touched on are right on the money. My concern with the Partners saw is the field of view. Will I be able to see the paver as good. It seems as if the guard is a little larger therefore the view would be hindered. Anyone? And, if go to Partner what size is translates to the TS 400?

Peace,

[Stonehenge]

I have a TS 400, and I'd say a Partner K650 would be about equal. If you want to be sure (re: power) get a K700.

K950's are quite a bit more powerful than the TS 400. That was my first experience with Partner - needed another saw, rented the K950 w/ 16" blade to try it out - after running through about a 15' run of pavers with the saw I honestly stood up and shouted "Yeeeee Haaaawwww!". Very powerful and fast. All my guys were :huh: :huh: :huh:

Bought a K950 later that same day. :D

As for visibility of work, I guess I never noticed a difference one to the other. There's still snow on the ground here, so I can't test to see. But I don't recall feeling like I was having a hard time seeing my work - I seemed to have equal chance of removing my toes with either brand. :doh:

[Bladewizard]

The TS-400 comes in 2 sizes......12" or 14" The partner saws are numbered as per Blade size...K-650 is a 12" K-700 is a 14" THe larger saws like a 950 will take up to a 16" If you guys need saws, I can help you and save a few bucks too.....

[rhuke]

ALL: I'm an Acquisition Specialist for US Army. We have been fielding Partner K700 Quikie saws to deploying units in various theaters of operation. I just had some big$$ dropped on me, but I have to spend it before Sep 26. Can not use conventional bidding. I need a source for Partner with a GSA contract. Can anybody help. My name is Rob Huke, and I can be reached at 508-233-4538, Natick, MA in office from 0630 to 1630 Eastern. Many thanks.:sniper:

[Stonehenge]

Rob - I've called a supplier in my area - I'll get back in touch with them tomorrow, to see if they can handle this project. Send me an email to give me an idea of quantity, so I can find out if this supplier can even handle it.

Jeff

[rhuke]

Jeff: I've spoken to Wayne Benton at Partner, and to his knowledge none of his suppliers has a GSA contract in place at this time, although one is in process. My requirement is 815, K 700's and 1250 Masonry blades, and 1250 general purpose blades. (in the past we've issued One Saw, One Masonry Blade and a box of ten steel GP blades, so the actual quantity of GP blades could be 12,500 individual blades). I think we've pretty much decided that we cannot make this procurement this year, and will pull the money and re-direct it to another project, with the hope that FY04 funds will be available to make the buy in October, through standard bidding processes. But, hope spings eternal in the human beast. If you can find me a source, we may still be able to award this year. Many thanks. Rob

[scl]

Mr. Wizard, hurry up and do the paperwork! :)

[Tim]

Rob, I forwarded your name and number to one of my Company's distributors. They just finished filling a monstrous order for Minot AFB to a contractor. Can't promise anything, but I thought it would be worth a shot. The Company is named Wylaco in Gypsum, CO. Contact name is Kenny Bennedict - 800-441-1785, 970-524-6484.
I hope he may be able to help you. :robot: Tim

[Bladewizard]

Rob and I have spoke...He was very helpful in providing information I need in order to perhaps one day do some business with the Government...Thank You Rob...In the meantime, I'm having a tough enough time doing business with any of the members or guest here...I have some Awesome new stone blades availlable.Still Can't understand why you all continue on filling the pockets of my competitors rather than keeping your own pockets full...Any how, Hope all of you have a great fall and a mild winter...You know where to find me...CIAO, Wiz

[Paul]

Joe I'm sorry we haven't done any business with you this year but I saw the writting on the wall about 2 years ago, we started switching of main area of focus to sports fields and away from hardscapes.

[Bladewizard]

No apologies needed Paul....But Thank You.....Hope whatever type of work you are doing proves to be prosperous for you and your family...Wiz

[scl]

I don't burn through a blade a day or anything, but the blades I bought from Joe work quite well, and the price was right. Real nice guy to do buisness with too. Don't want to be a commercial, but as a sponsor of my favorite web site I'll give him his due.

Joe, the 10" segs I bought would they work just as well dry on my tub saw and would I see much reduced life?
Scott

[Bladewizard]

Good Morning...I vote SCL for Member of the Month...Ha...Thanks for the plug Scott...As far as any of the blades I supply, they are all LASER WELDED...These are meant to be ran DRY or WET...You might see a small reduction in the life, but not much...Thanks Again, Wiz

[Stonehenge]

Rob -

I believe one of the top brass at Lincoln Contractor's Supply has been in contact with you today. Sounds like you guys must have a very large scale project in the works, as they were also aware of a few other high volume, high dollar items needed on a short timeline. Rebuilding Iraq, possibly? ;)

Hope you find what you need.

Joe - our blades are still running strong. :)

Jeff

[scl]

Had a guy from >>> blade company call the other day with the offer of buy 12 blades for what I thought was an outrageous price, and I got a free saw! Such a deal. Wanted to know where I got my blades and I told him GSD. Man he was persistent, but no sale.

[jwholden]

I bought a couple blades from the Wizard too. Friendly and fast service and VERY reasonable prices. I switched to my T-Seg for the last two jobs and can honestly say they are just as good as the blades I paid twice (or more) as much for.

I called Joe at 9:00 EST and he personally picked up the phone to take my order. I asked for express shipping and the blades arrived in two days as promised.

Just call him and don't think twice about it!!!

[JLH]

Hi, I know this is an old horse now. i am new to the forum and also new to the trade. I notice most of you guys are using hand held cut-offs. i just wonder why on one has embraced the large table/tub saws you see brick masons use? I know these are available wet and dry cut from MK. Just curious, in real world, why these aren't used by paver guys.

[Stonehenge]

We do use them, but only a fraction of the time compared to the hand-held saws. The reason is, we cut most of our pavers as they lay, in place. Cutting time is really cut when we use that method over the tub saws. But we will still drag a tub saw to just about every job site, to handle the cuts the hand-helds can't make (or can't make safely).

[scl]

JLH
Jeff hit it in a nutshell, Its all about time! My designer/lead installer/wife LOL worked on a walk the other day with a helper while I was on another job. She only uses the wet saw. When I cj=hecked on them at the end of the day they were about half finished caompared to where I believe I would have been with the hand held. I can cut 10' in 2 minutes versus 30-45 running back and forth to the wet saw and marking, not to mention the set up time and clean up time. Inside curves are the only bug.
Scott