The modern market offers a variety of tools that perform different functions. Many people are familiar with some types, but there are also completely incomprehensible devices. These include a gas cutter, which is often used by professionals during construction and repairs.
What is a petrol cutter?
The tool is a self-contained yet compact circular saw equipped with a special rotating disk with a cutting edge. A petrol cutter is a device that, unlike its close relative, is capable of cutting hard rocks and materials. Thanks to the high speed of rotation of the disk, the tool can cut various products of impressive thickness in a short period of time. The main advantage is the possibility of use where there is no electricity. Today, the market offers household, semi-professional and professional models.
Petrol cutter device
When purchasing such a tool, it is important to understand that this is the most massive equipment, so special transport carts will be needed to use it. Regardless of the model, the main elements of the device are:
- frame;
- engine;
- chain drive;
- coated disk;
- lever;
- protective casing.
The cost of the product is directly related to the quality and size of the disc. Petrol cutters for metal are divided into groups for wet and dry cutting. In the first version, the device is additionally equipped with a casing with liquid supplied through special tubes to the material being processed and the disk. The cost of this equipment is much higher than those that do not have it.
The principle of operation of a gas cutter
The engine runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil. After switching on, the disk begins to perform rotational movements, due to which the desired surface is cut. To understand how to work with a gas cutter, it is worth knowing the features of these manipulations:
- the cutting depth is limited by the diameter of the disk;
- It is recommended to use a small sector when cutting;
- The gas cutter must be held at right angles to the surface being worked on;
- special wheels are used to cut different materials;
- Diamond discs are consumables that quickly deteriorate.
Top 10 best gas cutters
The rating includes the best models from the world's leading manufacturers.
Stihl TS 800
Abrasive cutting machine with a cutting depth of up to 145 cm. The tool is used in construction, repair of industrial equipment and rescue operations. The Stihl TS 800 petrol cutter is built on the basis of a 6.8 liter petrol engine. With. The starter with ElastoStart damping element allows you to start the power plant with one jerk. The multi-layer air filter ensures that dust particles are removed to the outside, which maintains power performance.
A cutting wheel with a diameter of 40 cm is used for cutting asphalt, stone and concrete. To cool the gas cutter, there is a water supply fitting, which ensures a wet cut. The operator's hands are protected thanks to a sophisticated anti-vibration system. The fuel tank is designed for 1.2 liters of gasoline. The decompression valve significantly reduces the tractive effort required to start.
Stihl TS 760
Manual professional model of gas cutter for cutting natural stone, brick, concrete, ceramic tiles. The unit is equipped with a two-stroke gasoline power plant with a capacity of 6.5 liters. With. (4800 W) and a volume of 111 cm³. The spindle rotation speed reaches 8400 rpm, at rated load - 4600 rpm. The tool is equipped with a cutting disc with a diameter of 400 mm, providing a cutting depth of 145 mm.
To protect against sparks, a lightweight metal casing is provided, which is adjusted by the operator before work. The handle for holding the tool has a modern ergonomic design. Buffer elements prevent the transfer of vibration from the engine to the hands, which saves effort during work. The 3-stage filtration system ensures clean air in the work area. The weight of the model is 15.4 kg.
Stihl 420
Lightweight manual model with a 4.4 liter two-stroke petrol engine. With. To quickly start the device, a special wear-resistant cable is provided. The tool cuts hard materials with a 35-centimeter circle to a depth of 12.5 cm. You can work with a diamond blade for cutting metal, since the dust is removed by a special water supply device. The anti-vibration system makes the operation of the gas cutter as comfortable as possible.
Since the engine is equipped with purging, fuel consumption is reduced and the amount of harmful emissions is minimized. The air filter with a cyclonic air separation system does not require constant cleaning, which helps to increase its service life by 1 year. To protect the operator's hands, located on 2 comfortable handles, a lightweight and durable magnesium casing is used.
ECHO CSG-680
The petrol cutter model is equipped with a two-stroke single-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 4.08 liters. With. Disc diameter - 355 mm. When using a hub, you can use discs with a 22 mm fit. The diaphragm-type carburetor allows convenient operation in any position. The rotation speed of the disc is adjusted using the throttle trigger. The level of vibration is reduced by rubber insulation between the motor and the handle.
The dual filtration system quickly removes dust in any conditions. A special casing protects the operator from flying sparks. At the bottom of the device there is a rubber screen that ensures the safety of your feet. For quick access to the air cleaner, the tool is equipped with a tightening screw. The design provides a convenient drive belt tensioning system.
Hitachi CM75EBP
Petrol cutter for metal, stone, concrete and other hard surfaces. 5.3 liter two-stroke petrol engine. With. provides spindle speed up to 4200 rpm. High performance is combined with economical fuel consumption and minimal emissions of toxic gases. The petrol cutter model is equipped with a 355 mm disc with a maximum cutting depth of 160 mm.
The water cooling system makes working with the tool comfortable and safe. To protect the operator, a special metal casing is installed on the working disk. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The air filter protects the starter and compression system from dust. The fuel tank is designed for 1.1 liters of gasoline. The delivery set includes a built-in accessory holder.
Husqvarna K760 14
The universal gas cutter Husqvarna K760 14 copes with cutting stone, asphalt, wood, and reinforced concrete products. Gasoline power plant with a capacity of 5 liters. With. provides good performance. A disk with a diameter of 350 mm is used as a cutting tool. The maximum cutting depth is 125 mm. The highly reliable DuraStarter guarantees fast and smooth engine starting.
The Active Air Filtration system allows you to work without changing the filter for a year. The lightweight magnesium guard protects the operator from flying sparks. The SmartCarb system provides compensation for filter contamination. A special poly-V-ribbed drive belt extends the service life of the gas cutter. The noise level during operation does not exceed 101 dB. The weight of the tool is 9.8 kg.
Husqvarna K 970 16
A powerful professional model of a petrol cutter from the premium price segment. The tool is equipped with a 6.5-horsepower gasoline engine and a 400 mm disc with a cutting depth of up to 145 mm. Such technical characteristics allow you to work with stone, asphalt, reinforced concrete and other hard materials. The engine is equipped with a special X-Torq system, which provides 75% less harmful emissions.
To reduce dust levels, an Active Air Filtration air filtration system is provided. DuraStarter with durable cord extends life. The decompression valve facilitates quick and smooth starting of the gas cutter motor. The SmartCarb filter compensation system reduces fuel consumption. A convenient indicator is provided to monitor the gasoline level. The anti-vibration system reduces the strain on the operator's hands.
Makita EK 6101
The model is used for construction and repair work, dismantling reinforced concrete structures. The maximum power of the two-stroke gasoline engine is 4.4 liters. With. A working disc with a diameter of 350 mm cuts to a depth of 130 mm. The fuel tank holds 0.7 liters of fuel. A viewing window is provided to monitor the gasoline level. The vibration suppression system protects the gas cutter from premature wear.
Convenient and safe operation of the Makita gas cutter is ensured by the ergonomic handle and protective casing. Thanks to electronic ignition and a mechanical starter, there will be no problems starting the engine. The water cooling system reduces the temperature of working surfaces and reduces the level of dust in the air. There are special holders for accessories that are useful for quickly changing discs.
Makita DPC 7330
Convenient and compact tool for cutting hard materials. The 5.7-horsepower gasoline engine starts quickly thanks to a mechanical starter with a return mechanism. The 300mm blade cuts to a maximum depth of 97mm. The petrol cutter runs on a flammable mixture of gasoline and engine oil, taken in a ratio of 1:50. The 5-stage air purification system improves productivity.
The working tool is protected by a special casing, which is adjustable by the operator. The rubberized handle provides a comfortable and reliable grip. To reduce vibration, a “two mass” system is used. The tool is equipped with a diaphragm carburetor and an electronic contactless ignition system. Fuel is poured into a 1.1 liter tank. The linear speed of rotation of the disk is 80 m/s.
Makita EK 7301
The unit confidently cuts stone, concrete, asphalt, ceramic tiles and other materials. The powerful two-stroke gasoline engine spins the spindle up to 9000 rpm. Discs with a diameter of 303 and 355 mm are used as working tools. The first cuts to a depth of 97 mm, the second - to 122 mm. In addition to the gas cutter, the delivery set includes a set of tools for setting up and changing discs. Fuel tank capacity - 1.1 liters.
For convenient operation, the manufacturer has provided an additional handle with a rubberized coating. The lightweight metal casing protects the operator from flying sparks. Quick start-up of the power plant is ensured by an automatic decompression system and a combined throttle and primer switch. To protect the operator's hands, there are springs to dampen vibration. The model weighs 10.1 kg.
What is better: a gas cutter or a gas cutter?
You can compare tools for working with metal. You can understand which option is better by becoming familiar with the basic operating parameters of these devices. Let's look at the most important ones:
- The petrol cutter cuts the material due to the rotation of the disk. Gas cutting results in the combustion of metal in a stream of pure oxygen.
- Some types of products cannot be separated using a gas cutter; with a gas cutter, only thickness can become a problem.
- In terms of weight, a gas-powered device wins, because the operator only has to hold the burner itself, which, due to its size, weighs little. The cylinder is on the floor.
- For safety reasons, it is better to deal with a gas cutter. If you follow the operating rules, no problems should arise. Working with gas requires some special features regarding the placement of the cylinder and working conditions. In addition, interaction with gas is carried out with a welder’s mask.
Stihl TS 420
It is particularly light, versatile and easy to use. A filter with a cyclone pre-cleaning system extends its service life; you will have to pay much less attention to maintenance. Low vibration and the shape of the handle allow you to work comfortably in any position, ensuring comfortable work, saving your strength. The average price of this model is about 49,990 rubles .
Stihl TS 420
- Semi-automatic belt tensioning system
- STIHL anti-vibration system
- Long lasting air filter
- Ergonomic handle shape
- The filtration system does not require independent replacement.
- Quality of body materials
Shtil TS 420 is suitable for professionals - powerful, high-quality and never gets hot, no matter how long it works. Its weight is quite large, but it cuts concrete slabs quickly and without splinters. It’s comfortable to hold, there’s little vibration, it runs loudly, it has low gas mileage, which makes me very happy
Types of gas cutters
Depending on the properties of the material being processed, tools fall into the following categories:
- For metal
. Power up to 4.2 kW. - On concrete
. Power more than 4.2 kW. The chain cutter for concrete has a disk rotation speed of 4.7 thousand revolutions/min. - Universal models
. The tools are endowed with the highest performance, as they are designed to work with different types.
In addition, there is a division according to purpose into:
- Rail cutters
- there is a mechanism that significantly expands the depth of cut. Used by railway line installers. - Wall chaser
– works with two diamond-coated discs. Used to create grooves for electrical wiring in various surfaces. - Chain cutter
- the tool looks like a gasoline saw; a diamond chain allows you to cut both metal and stone. - Chrome-plated gas cutters
- used for rescue operations.
Characteristics of gas cutters
The modern market offers a wide selection of different models. According to consumer reviews, the greatest demand is for semi-professional options that cost less and perform multiple tasks. This type of autonomous circular saw has the following characteristics:
- tool design;
- equipment power – on average 3-3.5 kW;
- cutting height – approximately 125 mm;
- disc diameter – about 350 mm;
- diameter of the mounting hole is on average 20 mm;
- engine volume – on average 65-75 cm³;
- tank capacity – approximately 0.65-0.7 l;
- noise level – approximately 95-100 dB;
- instrument weight – about 9.5-12 kg;
- additional functions.
Disc for gas cutter
The division is carried out according to several criteria. Depending on the material that needs to be cut, discs come in the following types:
- For metal
. For working with different products and workpieces. - On wood
. The disc has sharp teeth located along the entire edge. - By stone
. There is diamond coating on the edge of the disc. - On concrete
. Presence of thick diamond coating. - For reinforced concrete
. Used where reinforcement is present.
In addition, the division occurs based on the appearance of the disk:
- Turbo disk
. A universal option for any type of cutting. Wave-shaped edge with slanted grooves. By reducing the thickness of the circle on the gas cutter, natural cooling of the disc occurs. - Solid
. Solid version with continuous diamond edge. Carry out wet cutting. - Segmented
. The edge has slots that help cool the blade during operation. Used for dry cutting.
Rating of petrol cutters
To make the right choice, it is recommended to first get acquainted with the models that are very popular. The best gas cutter should be chosen from the following list:
- Stihl TS 420
. Low vibration and comfortable handle shape allows you to work in any position. - Husqvarna K 760
. The petrol cutter quickly copes with the assigned tasks in the most emergency situations. - Makita DPC 6431
. Reinforced aluminum casing for low vibration. - Partner K 750
. The body of the model is shortened, which helps control the process. - Hilti DSH 900-X
. It has a powerful motor, reinforced with a protective casing. - Hitachi CM75EAP
. The cheapest tool. Suitable for cutting metal. - Echo CSG-680
. Manual petrol cutter with automatic ignition advance system. - Wacker Neuson BTS 635
S. A simple device with a durable body and good dust and moisture protection. - Oleo-Mac 983TTA-14
. Suitable for semi-professional use. - Solo 881-14
. The advantage is its lightness and good weight distribution. Technically complex device.
Which petrol cutter is better
Units up to 4 kW are suitable for domestic use. Their purchase and repair will cost less, and in terms of functionality they are not inferior to more powerful models. Professionals care about the depth of cut, so they take this parameter into account when choosing. Ease of use is affected by the location of the handle and the level of the cleaning system. The following recommendations from the VyborExpert project team will help you buy a good model, taking into account a number of nuances:
- Inexpensive tool with the largest cutting depth - Hitachi CM75EBP 3900 W 350 mm;
- Best Build Quality – Echo CSG-680 3000W 355mm;
- Users' choice – Husqvarna K 770-14 3700 W 350 mm;
- The best filtration system is Oleo-Mac 963 TTA-14 3000 W 4.1 HP. 350 mm;
- The lightest model is Makita EK6101 3200 W 4.3 hp. 350 mm.
The durability and efficiency of use of the unit depend not only on the characteristics, but also on compliance with the rules of its operation. Each model has its own pros and cons, so analyzing the reviews in the rating will allow you to make the right choice for a specific situation.
Do-it-yourself petrol cutter
To save money, craftsmen can try to assemble the instrument themselves from available materials. A petrol cutter for asphalt or other material is made from the following items:
- chainsaw;
- grinder head assembly;
- tires;
- pulleys;
- belt.
The design of a gas cutter is as follows:
- The belt is located along the axis of the tire.
- The pulley is fixed to the sprocket.
- The gear in the grinder assembly has been removed. It is machined and a pulley is made to fit its dimensions, which is welded.
- The tires are shortened and welded.
- The attachment is removable and, if necessary, the chainsaw can be used for its intended purpose.
How to use a gas cutter?
The first thing you need to know when working with a special-purpose tool is compliance with safety precautions. It is important to use the following protection measures:
- glasses and mask;
- headphones;
- helmet;
- clothes made of thick fabric;
- closed shoes and gloves.
It is important to first check the instrument for possible damage. The correct procedure for starting a gas cutter is as follows:
- the instrument is placed on a flat surface;
- the lever is moved to the working area;
- open the air damper;
- start the engine with a sharp movement of the starter handle;
- close the air damper halfway to idle;
- release the shutter lever and press the start button.
Rules for working with a gas cutter
For high-quality and safe use, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:
- When performing dry cutting, care must be taken to ensure that the blade does not overheat. Costs every 2 minutes. make a stop.
- A complete and compact circular saw must have a protective cover.
- It is important to remember that the gas cutter is designed for straight cutting only.
- The edge of the saw blade should smoothly touch the work material. Movements should not be sudden or with strong pressure.
- Work begins after the tool has reached the required speed.
- The cuts are not made deep to prevent pinching of the disc.
- It is prohibited to grind products with a working disc. This will lead to cracks and destruction of the cutting edge.
- The correct position of the gas cutter is on top of the work surface.
How to choose a gas cutter?
Petrol cutters first appeared in 1960 and, first of all, attracted the attention of rescuers. The powerful device was completely autonomous, quite mobile, without unnecessary wires, making it convenient for them to clear debris after various cataclysms and natural disasters. A little later, builders began to pay attention to gas cutters; they highly appreciated the versatility of the equipment. They replaced wall saws, specialized saws and other bulky and expensive tools .
Today, gas cutters are widely used not only during dismantling, construction, and road repairs, but also for domestic needs. To choose a high-quality gas cutter that will not disappoint you with its work, you should listen to the recommendations of professionals in choosing it.
Determine the purpose of use
Like any tool, a gas cutter can be professional or household. They usually differ in possible operating options, as well as reliability and quality of construction. Thus, household models are designed for approximately 30 hours of operation per month, which equals about 50 minutes of daily operation. Household tools are the cheapest and simplest. Semi-professional models have a wider scope of use, and their daily operating life is about 8 hours.
The operating time of professional gas cutters is tens of times longer than that of household devices. Taking into account the material with which the tool will work, gas cutters are distinguished:
- on concrete;
- for metal;
- universal.
A metal gas cutter has a low power rating and a small number of revolutions. This is explained by the fact that metal has a relatively low resistance, unlike concrete or stone. This class includes models with a power of no more than 4.5 kW.
A gasoline cutter for concrete already has a power of more than 4.5 kW and a speed not exceeding 4800 per minute . These high rates are required to ensure that the equipment does not get stuck in the dense material being processed.
Universal gas cutters work with almost any type of material due to their high power ratings and large number of revolutions.
Determine your cutting type
“Wet” cutting is considered the safest and best. Petrol cutters designed for this type of cutting have a water cooling system. Due to this, a special liquid gets onto the device casing, which cools the cutting wheel and also significantly reduces the amount of dust emitted. Thus, the work happens much faster and the tool parts are not contaminated.
Water cooling helps prevent rapid wear of the saw blade, small cracks that form with a strong increase in lateral load, and the appearance of darkening on the wheel due to incorrect operation. But it should be noted that this disc gas cutter is quite expensive.
But, if you work only “dry”, then there is absolutely no need for unnecessary costs. In this case, you can buy the simplest model, but do not forget that during operation, every 30-50 seconds, you must make pauses lasting about 20 seconds. This is necessary to prevent damage to the saw wheel.
Explore the engine
First, you need to make sure whether the ratio of the engine’s weight to its torque and power is optimal, and also find out the quality of the material used to make the engine’s internal elements.
The better the quality of the parts, the longer the device will serve you without breakdowns. It is also important to have an electronic ignition system and a semi-automatic starting valve, due to which the engine will start easier and easier. A criterion for good engine quality is the presence of switch on the filter . In the “winter” mode, hot air is taken from the cylinder, which ensures quick start-up of the gas cutter at low temperatures.
Also pay attention to the volume of gases released during operation. The smaller their number, the better, since the gas cutter operator is always located at a close distance from their place of formation. When the level of gases released is quite high, we strongly advise you to wear a protective mask.
Ergonomics and convenience of a gas cutter
A manual gas cutter is a tool with a fairly large mass, so when purchasing, you should definitely pay attention to its weight. The smaller the mass, the easier it is to operate the tool , and the less your hands get tired during work. Before purchasing, be sure to hold the gas cutter in your hands, determining its weight based on your abilities. If the tool is very heavy, then it is advisable to choose a different model. Also an important criterion is the streamlining of the device itself; the better it is, the more maneuverable the gas cutter.
Also be sure to pay attention to the handle of the unit. It is desirable that there are two of them, and the distance between the handles is most convenient in order to hold the tool at a distance that is approximately equal to the width of the shoulders when cutting. Also check whether the gas cutter absorbs vibration well.
An excellent option is to install a “two mass” system. As a rule, the balancing parts are the engine, the fuel tank and the handles connected to it, separated by a special gasket. Coating the handles with a special elastomer will also be useful; it dampens residual vibrations.
Determine the quality of cleaning filters
The work of a gas cutter is constantly accompanied by a large amount of dust .
These microparticles are dangerous for both the operator and the motor, that is, a high-quality gas cutter must be equipped with at least a two-level air system for removing dust particles. The external filter creates a coarse and preliminary cleaning of the air from larger parts, and the second filter removes the remaining contamination and prevents the backflow of fuel. It is necessary that the filter cover can be unscrewed without effort; this will make cleaning a clogged filter easier and faster. Make sure that there is high-quality protection for the cutting parts and the engine from moisture and dust.
To prevent operator injury from dust and sparks, almost all gas cutters are equipped with protective covers . It is best that they are made of durable and reliable material that has a high mechanical resistance to shock. In order for the tool to work most efficiently and easily, you need to make sure that the control system has a saw blade casing and belt tension.
The most expensive models are equipped with a hydraulic drive, which significantly increases the power of the gas cutter without increasing the weight of the equipment. At the same time, hydraulics help to significantly reduce the smoke and noise produced when working with the tool. Therefore, these models are best suited for indoor use.
Adjustable cutting wheel angle and guide trolley
As a rule, the cutting wheel is located in the center of the tool, due to this the best balance of the gas cutter is achieved.
But the ability to move the saw blade to the far left position will make working with the tool more comfortable if you need to cut off material that is close to a wall or other stationary objects. Since the tool is quite heavy , you can buy a guide trolley for ease of use. This device is specially designed for heavy and powerful gas cutters. Using the trolley, you can adjust the cutting depth as accurately as possible. When purchasing a cart, you need to pay attention to the possibility of installing an angled neck in it for refueling the device and a water tank for cooling it. You also need to check whether the height of the trolley handle can be adjusted.
Many gas cutters consume about a liter of fuel per hour. The tank volume also fluctuates on average in the range of 0.50-1.30 liters . Therefore, before purchasing a gas cutter, think about how much time you need to continuously use the tool. If you work with this equipment for a long time, then you don’t need to save money and choose a gas cutter with a small tank volume, since you will need to fill it with fuel very often.
In addition to simple gas cutters, there are also specialized tools. If you require equipment with a large cutting depth, then you need a wall chaser. The rail cutter is equipped with special fasteners for the rail, due to which the depth of the cut is significantly increased. A chrome-plated gas cutter was created for rescue operations. The device is equipped with a shiny casing, which is clearly visible in low visibility conditions.
How to choose additional saw blades?
Most likely, when working with a gas cutter, you will need saw wheels of various modifications and diameters.
When choosing a wheel, you need to remember that its characteristics of maximum rotation must correspond to or be less than those of a gas cutter. Diamond wheels for a gas cutter can be of two types:
- The SPECIAL designation is typical for wheels for specialized use with increased performance.
- The designation SUPRA means that this circle is for professional work. It has increased wear resistance and can be used for high cutting speeds.
When choosing abrasive wheels, you need to focus on the material that the discs will process. Thus, cutting wheels can be used for working with asphalt, stone, and metal.
How to choose a gas cutter manufacturer
When purchasing a gas cutter, you need to pay attention to what is included in the kit. The following must be carried with a gas cutter
- screwdriver for adjusting the carburetor;
- Angle and universal wrench.
You also need to make sure that purchasing new spare parts will not be too difficult.
It is best to buy tools from well-known manufacturers, as they strictly adhere to all standards and rules. Since a gas cutter is a dangerous tool, purchasing a low-quality device can result in either a quick breakdown or cause injury due to incorrect operation. You should also take into account that very often well-known brands offer extended warranties and service, which can sometimes significantly save money on repairs.
