Cutting to Solutions

Dec. 1, 2001
Consolidation. Merger. Acquisition. Strategic alliance. These are forces of change that have impacted the way we do business today. For manufacturers

Consolidation. Merger. Acquisition. Strategic alliance. These are forces of change that have impacted the way we do business today. For manufacturers supplying product to the rental and dealer markets, or participants in the distribution channel serving the construction industry, recognizing and identifying these trends is a critical element to survival in the marketplace.

Regardless of the size and scope of the individual rental center or dealership, their focus and mission are similar. Providing products and services … and doing it better than the competition is the objective.

It is no different for those of us who manufacture and supply diamond blades, cutting machinery, and allied diamond products. An important factor that goes hand-in-hand with recognizing and identifying trends is listening to our customers.

Through technological advances in the manufacturing process, today the very products the customer asked for have been provided. Because of the competitive nature of the industry itself, these same commodities can now be offered within a diversity of quality levels and at various price points, each representing a measurable value to the customer.

One of the benefits that technology has offered is the ability to supply a product that can be used either wet or dry. In the past, the offering for product that could be used dry was somewhat limited, making it necessary to provide a source for water in the operation of machinery using certain diamond cutting tools. This often equated to additional manpower and cost.

Another benefit is product versatility. The ability to cut a wide range of materials on any number of cutting machines and power tools has revolutionized the business and transcended the use of this “general purpose” commodity into one of the fastest growing, widely used products in our industry.

Being able to satisfy the need to cut concrete, masonry and tile materials on walk-behind concrete saws, brick and block saws, tile saws, hand-held high speed saws and various power tools using similar diamond cutting products has also produced another important benefit for the customer. The inventory requirements for the dealer have been minimized and consolidated in some instances because fewer products are needed to meet the application parameters of the dealers' customers.

Not to be overlooked or minimized are the issues of product knowledge and training on the part of manufacturers, dealers and consumers alike. With a reduced inventory, the learning process necessary is simplified. Product knowledge and training issues are an important component of any sales and marketing program. This is no small task when one takes into consideration the vast number of products and services offered by the various distribution channels that service the construction industry. As such, streamlining the learning curve and subsequent comfort and confidence levels is a valuable asset.

There is no doubt that the need for diamond blades that are more specialized will always exist. Truth be known, the perfect solution often lies in utilizing a blade designed for a specific job application. One can never go wrong using the right tool for the job.

Tom Roe is sawing equipment division manager for Multiquip Inc., Carson, Calif.

Diamond Products

The new Core Cut CC6000D concrete saws with differential drive from Diamond Products features a patent-pending design with a differential drive system that allows for easy maneuvering by pivoting the saw on its rear wheels. No heavy lifting is required to turn the saw. Maximum cutting depth is 14 3/4 inches with a 36-inch guard. All CC6000D saws come standard with quick-release bladeshaft/flange, slip-on blade guards, quick release 10-inch rear wheels, double concave roller bearings, telescoping front pointer and 3 position handle bars.
www.diamondproducts.com440/323-4616
RS # 160

Star Diamond Tools

The Gladiator is the latest product from Star Diamond. Its Cool Core design keeps the blade running true even under the most demanding cutting conditions with increased speed. Field tests show that the Gladiator cuts up to three times faster than conventional blades. Diamond Maximus segments are .400 inches high to provide long life and will cut a range of concrete and masonry products on high speed and masonry saws.
www.stardiamondtools.com800/282-6470
RS # 161

MK Diamond

Dry-cutting blades from MK Diamond are manufactured with the latest laser technology for added safety and greater efficiency. Engineered for fast cutting and long life, each dry-cutting specification offers peak efficiency and consistent depth of cut when cutting cured concrete, asphalt and green concrete.
www.mkdiamond.com800/421-5830
RS # 162

Multiquip

Multiquip's diamond blades are designed for applications including a variety of concrete mixtures, aggregates, masonry, tile and stone. Featuring top quality diamond and specially formulated bond structures, these blades will meet operator's demands for performance and low operating costs. The blades are manufactured with laser weld technology and are available in all popular diameters and widths.
www.multiquip.com800/421-1244
RS # 163

Trelawny

Designed for critical removal and recovery of lead-based paint, radioactive contaminants and other hazardous materials, the Contained Blast System from Trelawny provides users the benefits of abrasive blasting with none of the mess. The units adapt to existing blast equipment, are efficient in coating removal, can use any abrasive and will leave the surface to any desired specification from brush-off blast to white metal. The system handles up to eight shrouded power tools. Both pneumatic and electric vacuum systems are offered as modular elements or as skid-mounted packages.
www.trelawnyonline.com800/722-0896
RS # 164

Target

Target introduces two new products into its abrasives line. The TCO abrasive blades and the PRH raised hub grinding wheels are both premium abrasives to be used on right angle grinders. The PRH Red C30P is designed for grinding most types of concrete, brick, block, stone and softer metals including cast or ductile iron, brass, bronze and aluminum. The PRH Blue A24R is designed for grinding mild steel, stainless steel and alloys. The TCO Fast Cut has a thickness of .045 inch and provides fast cutting of metal, stainless and alloys. The TCO Long Life has a thick, 3/32 inch profile and cuts metal, stainless and alloys.
www.targetblue.com800/288-5040
RS # 165

Schmidt

Ideal for multiple outlet use and easily adaptable to most blasting systems, the Schmidt Thompson Valve II is a next-generation Thompson Valve with more than 16 design changes. It is a normally closed, self-sealing, abrasive metering valve with instant, smooth response to either pneumatic or electric deadman controls. This fail-safe valve shuts off abrasive flow to the nozzle and seals the tank at the same instant. A remote abrasive cutoff is available, allowing the operator to stop the flow of media while continuing a flow of air and providing a quick and easy way to clear the blast hose and blasting area of abrasives.
www.usfilter.com770/590-8871
RS # 171

Hitachi

The Hardiblade is a polycrystalline diamond-tipped blade manufactured using microwave heating to harden and bond a surface layer of powdered diamond to the tungsten carbide teeth. According to Hitachi, this increases the blade's cutting endurance, and the four-tooth configuration allows for fast, low-dust cutting.
www.hitachi.com800/HITACHI
RS # 166

Norton

The Contender line of diamond blades from Norton cuts ceramic tile, granite, marble, slate and paving bricks, the company says. The wet- and dry-cutting tile blades are offered in 4-to 10-inch sizes with 12- and 14-inch high-speed blades also available.
www.nortonabrasives.com
RS # 167

Pearl Abrasive

The AB Series of segmented diamond blades is constructed of an ultra-hard diamond matrix and specialized GE diamonds to maximize performance when cutting abrasive materials such as brick, block and green concrete. Alternating the diamond segments with deep and semideep lengths is designed to protect the core against excessive wear, prevent undercut and improve swarf removal. The wear-resistant core extends blade life by dissipating heat, the company says.
800/969-5561 (U.S.) • 800/387-0008 (Canada)
RS # 168

Abmast

The Supra grinding wheels use superior abrasive grains and the latest design technology, according to Abmast. The wheels produce more stock removal and less dust discharge.
www.abmast.com800/361-2297
RS # 169

Partner

Partner Industrial Products, a manufacturer of cutoff saws, introduces a big window blade that is ideal for the professional who cuts many different materials. This blade cuts hard material such as clay pavers, hard brick, cured concrete and concrete block. The ELD 45 is very effective in steel reinforced concrete and will cut more abrasive material, such as brick or block.
www.partnerusa.com630/773-2801
RS # 170