Review of the 10 best gas cutters for professional builders

A petrol cutter is something between a circular saw and a grinder with a petrol engine. The petrol cutter is capable of cutting concrete, asphalt, pipes, brick - everything that a regular saw cannot handle. Depending on the model, they cut to a depth of 95 to 400 mm; a large grinder with a 230-th disk will barely cut 95 mm. This tool is loved by builders and rescuers for its high power and independence from the mains. In five minutes it can make a perfectly smooth opening in a reinforced concrete wall without dust:

But here’s how they did it the old fashioned way using a wall chaser and a hammer drill - long, crooked, difficult:

The advantages of the tool are obvious.
In this article you will find an overview of popular models and what to look for when choosing. The main characteristics of the tool are given in the table: Table of main selection criteria

Hitachi CM75EAP – from 42,000 rub.

The cheapest tool - other manufacturers charge at least 30% more. From a technical point of view, the device turned out to be successful. There is vibration on the handle. It starts easily, there is a characteristic “clunking” sound at idle, but this is the norm for this model. Suitable for working with metal, but difficult to work with concrete. Characteristics of Hitachi CM75EAP

Echo CSG-680 – from RUB 60,600.

A successful model, despite some problems with ergonomics. The device is not lightweight, and poor weight distribution “adds” a couple of kilos. From a technical point of view everything is fine:

• a simple and therefore reliable diaphragm carburetor - the gas cutter works in any position;
• automatic ignition timing system compensates for low engine power;
• no problems with belt tension - the tension system is designed for people;

Characteristics of Echo CSG-680

Owners may find it useful - a video about setting up a carburetor:

Alligator saw

Some inexperienced craftsmen often confuse the Alligator saw with a classic reciprocating product. However, this model has some differences. When in operation, the Alligator sets the saw blades in motion, which resembles the movement of the jaws of a crocodile.

Unlike reciprocating models, such devices do not perform reciprocating movements, since the cut is carried out by a fixed saw bar.

The advantages of this saw include the following points:

1. High engine power, which allows you to process thick materials.
2. Due to the counter-movement of the blades, the block remains stable.
3. The design provides for a blade brake and a switch lock.
4. There is enhanced dust protection.
5. The saw is quite convenient to use.
6. Replacing consumable components is easy.

The saw comes complete with a hexagon and a pair of blades for cutting gas silicate structures.

One of the disadvantages of the product is its high cost. Therefore, the purchase of such a tool is justified only in cases of professional use on large construction sites.

Makita EK7650H – from RUB 49,154. rub.

Semi-professional model with wet cutting function.
A distinctive feature of the model is its four-stroke engine. This is probably the first gas cutter from Makita that does not cause any complaints. Technically, the tool is as simple as a hammer, maintenance, repairs are simple and cheap. The tool fits well in the hand, vibrations on the handle are insignificant. Comfortable to work - suitable for long periods of work. Specifications Makita EK7301

Suitable for private teams involved in repairs and small construction. Makita has provided a universal trolley to use the model as a seam cutter.

The cart is comfortable and has a tank for wet cutting. Branded fasteners allow you to quickly attach the tool. But in my opinion, the price of the cart is three times too high.

Concrete cutting methods

Concrete cutting involves chipping, drilling, crushing and grinding. According to the method of performing work, there are two methods:

Dry . In this case, work is carried out with breaks, which are necessary for the equipment to cool down.

In addition, when dry cutting concrete walls, you will have to use a special vacuum cleaner or wait until the dust settles (due to the volume of dust, you simply will not see the cut site).

Another disadvantage of this method is the small depth to which the cutting apparatus can be immersed. Due to strong lateral friction, the disc will become very hot and fail faster.

Wet . This dust-free cutting method is considered the most correct and less labor-intensive, since you do not have to wait for the equipment to cool down.

The water supplied to the cutting wheel performs several functions at once: it cools the cutting tool and “beats” dust.

To produce high-quality and fast cutting of concrete without dust, it is recommended to use the wet processing method. To perform this type of work, various diamond-coated tools are used.

Wacker Neuson BTS 635 S – from RUB 65,000.

This model is suitable for cutting metal and concrete rings, but a reinforced concrete wall is difficult to use with this model.
Like all Wacker Neuson instruments, this model is the most pleasant experience to work with. The device is technically simple, the body is durable, well protected from dust and moisture - hence the long service life and service interval. Characteristics of Wacker Neuson BTS 635 S

Wacker Neuson also provides a trolley for the BTS series gas cutters. Unified for wacker models, tank for wet cutting 20 liters.

The decision, again, is dubious - the price for them starts from 45,000 rubles. For high-quality cutting of seams in a concrete screed, a gas cutter on a trolley does not have enough weight - the machine periodically throws. A machine on a trolley is no substitute for a good seam cutter.

The following video shows how this model copes with a concrete slab:

RAIL CUTTERS

A rail cutter is a highly specialized hand cutter for fitting rails and removing old sections on railroad tracks. One of the main features of this type of work is the need to carry out the operation as quickly as possible, so as not to disrupt traffic schedules.

The most popular are:

Gasoline rail cutter Husqvarna K1260 Rail (new version of Husqvarna K1270) - comes with a standard size grip, fixed to the surface on both sides. To cut wider width rails, we recommend using the RA-10S clamp.

Rail cutting machines Stihl PP 800 is a saw for cutting Stihl TS 800 rails with an attachment. Semi-automatic tensioning ensures smooth belt transmission and eliminates the need to waste time preparing equipment for use.

Oleo-Mac 983TTA-14 – RUB 73,990.

The Oleo-Mac tool requires careful attention and is capricious in terms of fuels and lubricants.
You need to monitor the tension of the drive belt. It is difficult to get spare parts for Oleo-Mac. Regarding this motor cutter, there are no critical design flaws; the model is suitable for semi-professional use. There are slight vibrations on the handle, and, subjectively, an uncomfortable grip. Characteristics of Oleo-Mac 983TTA-14

The video shows the model in action. You may notice difficulty starting the gas cutter - in cold weather this is normal for two-stroke engines.

Solo 881-14 – from RUB 81,044.

The most resourceful tool on the list, it will cope equally well with a thick-walled pipe and a reinforced concrete wall.
The advantages of the device are its lightness and good weight distribution. A technically complex device - equipped with a unique fuel mixing system, a self-cleaning filter, and a decompression system at startup. There are problems with heat removal; short breaks in work are necessary. Characteristics of Solo 881-14

The Solo motor cutter is equipped with a unique iLube system, which itself prepares the fuel-oil mixture depending on the load. About this system and other goodies of the model in the video:

Husqvarna K1260 – from RUB 85,390.

The power of this tool is higher than those presented in the article.
This is a professional model, supports wet cutting function. The tool is equipped with a decompression valve, so starting does not cause problems. The tool is heavy, but thanks to good weight distribution, working with it does not cause problems. There are no vibrations on the handle. Disadvantages include large dimensions and significant weight. There is a version of this model with a device for mounting on rails, called the K 1260 Rail model. Specifications Husqvarna K 1260

Watch the video to see how this device copes with cutting a rail:

Where is it used?

The tool is often used when it is necessary to make a hole in a material. A saw for cutting concrete is used in cases where the use of diamond wall cutters is not possible:

• at work at heights;
• for laying ventilation, cutting holes;
• in hard-to-reach places;
• for dismantling;
• in small-scale construction;
• when adjusting corners and openings;
• to rescue people from the rubble.

A hand saw is a universal tool designed for cutting various types of this building material. Cellular blocks (foam and aerated concrete, gas silicate) and light types of building materials lend themselves well to cutting. It is possible to work with natural stone, brick, plaster, porcelain stoneware. Before using each model, you must read the instructions. Some chainsaw models are able to overcome light reinforcement. For standard reinforced concrete, it is better to use diamond discs.

Such a tool can also overcome aerated concrete.

Stihl TS-800 – from RUB 71,990.

Shtil makes high-quality chainsaws, and gas cutters are not inferior in quality.
I like the Stil for its simple design and availability of spare parts. Familiar builders who are regulars at my service speak flatteringly about this and the younger 420 model. The main problem with calms is that they are counterfeited. Characteristics of Stihl TS-800

A specialist from the 220 Volt store talks about the Stihl 800 and the younger model 420:

The “eight hundredth” calm ends the rail:

Petrol cutter for concrete: selecting a tool that will pass water, fire and copper pipes

A petrol cutter is a tool that is powered by a petrol engine. Outwardly, it resembles a chainsaw or grinder. This unit is designed for processing metal and concrete structures. A petrol cutter for concrete must have more advanced characteristics, since this material is less susceptible to cutting than iron.

What to look for when choosing

When purchasing a concrete cutter, the following parameters are significant:

• Power (determines the performance of the model).
• Cutting depth (between 97 and 260 millimeters).
• The quality of the built-in air purification system (in particular, the filter system).
• The time it takes for the engine to start.

• Tool weight.
• Inclusion of systems that ensure safety during operation (durable protective casing and option to lock the disk in the event of a jam).
• The degree of vibration of the tool and the ergonomics of the handle.

9. Husqvarna K 760 Cut-n-Break - from RUB 108,482.

The unique Husqvarna gas cutter cuts to a depth of up to 400 mm.
Suitable for builders who cut a lot of door and window openings. But the price is also high, so you have to calculate the benefits of using such a tool. But it is cheaper than using a large wall saw - such a device is more compact, and there are fewer diamond blades and therefore cheaper. As for the technical side, everything is sound, high quality and reliable. There is a wet cutting function. Specifications Husqvarna K 760 Cut-n-Break

In the following video you can see the technology for sequential cutting of a window opening using this model:

And here is the same video, but filmed live. Not so accessible, but spectacular:

Types of reciprocating saw blades

Reciprocating saw blades are a hacksaw with teeth on one side sharpened at a certain angle. They are made from high-strength steel alloys and various types of durable metals. All reciprocating saw files are marked, and by the mark you can always determine for what needs the blade can be used. Let's list the main brands of files:

HCS. This variety is used for cutting not the most durable materials: wood, plastic, rubber and others. Made from high carbon steel. Their length does not exceed 40 cm

It is very important to choose the right hacksaw according to the location of the teeth. Most often they are located along the canvas at the same distance

But if there is a need, for example, to cut boards that may contain nails, then a blade with a variable pitch is used. H.S.S. These files are used if it is necessary to cut sheet steel or profiles, as well as aluminum workpieces of any shape and size. Manufacturing material – tool steel. The length of such canvases varies within 30 cm. BIM. These paintings have the combined properties of the previous two. Therefore, they can be used for cutting both hard and soft materials. For example, if we are talking about a saw for aerated concrete, then we should use just such blades. HM/CT. These files are made of hard steel alloys. They are the most durable and expensive. They can be used to cut metal, concrete, fiberglass and other durable materials. Their length varies between 75−150 mm. The photo below shows a metal reciprocating saw blade from Bosch.

Metal cutting blade for reciprocating saw

How to choose the right blade based on teeth

Before buying a reciprocating saw blade, you need to pay attention to the following parameters regarding the size, shape and method of sharpening the teeth. Let’s immediately make a reservation that, along with the power of the electric motor, it is the teeth that influence the performance and cutting quality of the power tool:

• The larger the teeth, the faster they cut the material. But at the same time, the quality of the cut leaves much to be desired. And vice versa - the smaller the teeth, the longer it will take to cut.
• Manufacturers produce blades with ground and milled teeth. The former are used when cutting soft materials, the latter for hard materials.

Blade with large teeth

It is also necessary to indicate the method of fastening the saw blade itself in the saw chuck. Usually the parameters and shape are unified, so the files fit the cartridges of almost all models. Let us only add that the shank of the blade can have a different shape: T-shaped, U-shaped, F - standard. All this must be indicated in the labeling. For example, T144DF – BIM. Here “T” is the type of shank, 144 is the length of the blade in mm, “D” is the largest tooth size, where the gradation occurs in ascending order from A to D, and “F” is the designation that the working edge of the tool is made from bimetal.