Power
Saw motor power in watts. For petrol tools (see "Power Source"), horsepower is additionally indicated, see below for details.
The higher the power, the better the tool is suitable for voluminous work and hard materials, the greater the depth of cut it can provide and the easier it can cope with significant loads. In addition, for different types of saws and different types of materials, the actual power values \u200b\u200bcan also be different. For example, a power of
2.5 – 3 kW is actually the limit for
chain saws, but in
chain saws this is an average figure, among such tools there are models of
3 – 4 kW and even
more. Detailed selection recommendations for various cases can be found in special sources.
Cutting depth
The greatest depth of cut provided by the saw.
In most types of saws (see “Device”), the depth of cut directly depends on both the engine power and the size of the tyre / disk. The specifications give a value for the maximum allowable size of the working nozzle; when using nozzles of a smaller size, the depth of cut, respectively, will be less. But in band saws, this depth is rather weakly related to the actual length of the tape — it is determined primarily by the length of the open section of the tape, which is directly involved in the work.
Anyway, the greater depth of cut makes the tool more versatile, but comes at the cost of weight, price, and electricity/fuel consumption. So when choosing, it is worth considering the real features of the planned work and the dimensions of the workpieces that are planned to be cut. As for specific values, the most modest tools provide a depth
of up to 50 mm ;
50 – 75 mm is considered a low indicator,
75 – 100 mm is average,
100 – 125 mm is above average,
125 – 150 mm is already quite an impressive thickness, and the most powerful modern saws can have a cutting depth
of more than 150 mm.
Cutting depth (45° angle)
Maximum cutting depth achieved when sawing at a 45° bevel.
This feature is indicated only for those models that are originally designed for sawing at an angle — for example, due to the special design of the attachment for the blade / blade (in stationary models, see "Type") or due to the inclined support platform (in manual) . The maximum angle of inclination of the saw in such models can be different (see below for more details), however, 45 ° is considered the standard option, so it is for this inclination that data on the depth of cut is given.
The general meaning of this parameter is quite obvious. On the one hand, a greater depth of cut allows you to cope with thicker workpieces and generally gives you more options; on the other hand, an increase in depth requires an increase in the size of the disk / canvas and an increase in power, which, accordingly, affects the price, dimensions and consumption of electricity / fuel.
Cutting width
The kerf width determines the maximum size of the cutting line, and therefore the maximum width of the workpiece that the saw can cut through in one go. The value of the kerf width depends primarily on the diameter of the saw blade. Additionally, the stroke of the broach mechanism should also be taken into account. Saws with a pulling mechanism provide a cut that exceeds the diameter of the cutting blade.
Weight
The total weight of the tool. For petrol models (see "Power Source"), usually, dry weight is indicated, excluding fuel.
In general, it makes sense to pay attention to this parameter primarily when choosing a hand tool. At the same time, note that higher power, a more capacious battery or a capacious tank will inevitably affect weight. However, tools with similar characteristics can and do differ markedly in weight. And here it is worth considering that a lighter model will be more comfortable to work with, but weight reduction may affect reliability and/or cost. In addition, a more massive tool is more stable, it is not so prone to jerks under uneven loads. If we talk about specific numbers, then a weight of
3 kg or less is considered very light,
3–5 kg is relatively small,
5–7 kg is medium,
7–10 kg is significant, and some powerful tools (mainly gasoline) weigh and
over 10 kg.
As for stationary saws, weight is of secondary importance for them — it mainly affects the ease of transportation.
