Masonry equipment is not something that most people encounter on a day to day basis, so if you think you may need to buy or rent a masonry bench saw, it’s a good idea to know exactly what these machines are for before you make that next step. In this post, we’ll briefly go over what a masonry bench saw does, and highlight some of the most common types of projects the average homeowner might take on which could benefit from this type of saw.
What is a masonry bench saw?
Like other types of bench saws (also known as table saws), masonry bench saws are a power saw that comes built in to its own workbench or table. In other words, the bench saw is freestanding, with your saw and workspace all in one piece of equipment. This would contrast with handheld power tools, such as a circular saw, for example, or saws that need to be placed on top of an existing workbench in order to cut at a comfortable height.
There are several important differences between a masonry bench saw and other types of table saws, however. The two most important ones are the type of blade used, and the presence of a water pump; both of these are closely related. Everyone knows that electricity and water can be a dangerous combination, so some people might be surprised to see a water pump on a masonry saw. But the ability to pour water over the blade while cutting is actually a safety feature with these machines because of the intense heat that builds up when a diamond blade grinds through the material you are cutting.
What does a masonry bench saw do?
Now that you understand a little about the design of masonry bench saws, we can get into what they actually do. Because of their diamond blades and ability to wet cut, this equipment is specifically designed to cut through very hard substances, such as concrete, stone, tile, glass, granite, etc.
When you have prepared your materials for cutting and power on the masonry saw, the diamond blade will spin while the water pump forces water to flow over the blade. Then, the operator will gently guide the cutting head into the stone (or whatever it is you are working with). When the blade makes contact, the tiny diamond pieces embedded in the outer edge of the blade will begin grinding through the stone, until finally cutting or scoring to the desired depth. All the while, the water flow keeps the blade cool and prevents a lot of dust from being kicked up during cutting.
So, what types of projects can a masonry bench saw be used for? The most common ones for a typical DIY home improvement enthusiast usually involve tiles, bricks or stone pavers. For example, these saws can be used to cut tiles to refloor a bathroom or kitchen, or to use on a shower wall or backsplash. Outdoor applications would include a patio or terrace, garden path, etc. More ambitious users could use a masonry bench saw to cut granite or marble for their own custom countertops. There are even artists and hobbyists who make use of these saws when working with glass, carbon fiber, stone, and other similar materials.
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