What is a masonry chop saw and what is it for?

We usually talk about tools of all kinds and even, we have provided recommendations on the practical use of them. However, we rarely make a point of specifying what these elements are in essence and what they are for. In this case, what concerns us is discovering what a masonry chop saw is and what it is for.

What is a masonry chop saw?

The masonry chop saw is an electric and manual tool and is made up of a high-power electric motor, which is connected by means of reduction gears (in the case of angle masonry chop saws) or directly to the motor shaft (in the case of straight masonry chop saws).

What is a masonry chop saw for?

This is perhaps the most important point, because defining what a masonry chop saw is for will let you know what kind of use you can give it in your workshop or workspace.
This kind of saw can be used to perform a large number of jobs, either professionally, in the workshop or for DIY tasks and that is due to its enormous versatility.
It is possible to cut marble, ceramic or even walls with a masonry chop saw. The key to understanding what this tool is for is to take into account that it works perfectly to perform cutting, polishing and roughing tasks.
We can distinguish two types of masonry chop saws: small, also called mini masonry chop saws, which use disks of 115 mm or 125 mm, while their powers alternate between 500W and 1500W and large; and standard masonry chop saws, that usually use 230 mm discs and can reach 2600W.
We said previously that depending on the type of activity to be carried out we should choose one disc, or another. And we must say that there is a wide variety of options, finding as alternatives the polishing discs and the most popular diamond discs, among others.
Another important point when we talk about what a masonry chop saw is for, is the distinction between big and mini masonry saws in terms of its use.

Big and mini masonry chop saws

In the first case, we must say that large masonry chop saws are usually used for more intensive work. This is especially related to the type of surface or material to be worked on. For example, on large and hard surfaces, large masonry chop saws employing 230mm discs are often used. In fact, these are particularly chosen in the professional field, since getting more straight and clean cuts in more complex materials is one of the many quality results they provide.
To carry out more subtle work, mainly for smaller surfaces or when you need to make finer cuts, the ideal is a mini masonry chop saw, especially if you are not an expert in the use of this kind of tool.
The most important with respect to the use of masonry chop saws is the safety at the time of use, always using the appropriate elements, such as safety glasses, gloves, mask and even earmuffs.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the key tools for all work in marble, stone, ceramics, granite and quartz, and therefore, it has become an essential resource in any workshop.