Bridge saws are the essential saws in the manufacture of stone products. This large saw can make precise cuts in panels of material like marble at a faster production rate than manual handsaws.
When a company is considering buying a bridge saw, it needs to consider various features in order to select the best bridge saw.
1. Beam and bridge
As the saw mechanism moves along the bridge and girders, these parts must be strong and stable. The pressure created when cutting through the lifting stone is transferred to the bridge and the beams. If the bridge and beams are not strong enough, they will give way, disrupting the cut. Although cast iron beams can hold up to 2 tons in weight, it is best to have a bridge saw that is more accurate and durable because it is built to be more sturdy.
2. Oil bath
A life-saving feature for a bridge saw is the oil bath. Stone cutting creates a lot of dust and moisture, which can have a detrimental effect on the machine's rollers and bearings. An oil bath provides a self-maintaining, lubricated rail and saves maintenance costs on bridge saws with open, dry channels. This oil bath also provides more uniform tracking to increase cutting accuracy.
3. Controls
The modern programmable controls make it easier for the worker to operate the bridge if it is user-friendly. Look for a controller that allows manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic programming. Using the controller should be so simple that anyone can figure out pretty quickly. The best place for control is a hanging trailer so that the operator does not have to walk around adjusting all functions. This type of control makes production much more efficient.
4. Water system
When cutting stones, the water system protects the stone from cracks caused by overheated blades. The best water system for a bridge saw is an automatic valve that only drains water when needed. This way, you don't have to manually turn the water on or off from a distance where the water runs longer than necessary, increasing your water usage. Another cost-saving feature to consider is a closed water system that recycles the water through the machine and possibly through the dust booth.
5. Tilting table
For unlimited angle options, a hydraulic table is preferable, which can be positioned at any angle instead of preset angles. Not only does this make it easier to load the panel, it also allows for angles for any cut required.
6. Motor
Depending on the material to be cut, you can choose a smaller bridge saw with a motor from 10 to 15 hp. This is enough for stones up to 3 cm thick. For thick materials like granite or marble, however, a larger motor with 20 hp is required.
7. Blades
The size of the blade ranges from 24 inches to 48 inches and it also depends on the material you plan to cut. While the larger blades allow for faster cuts, they must use the larger motor.
8. Other accessories
A laser can increase the cutting accuracy by projecting a cutting line across the material to align the bridge saw blade with the cutting line. A safety shut-off device is a must to prevent accidental injury to the operator. The warranty should also meet at least industry standards, which are one year for mechanical parts and labor and 90 days for electrical parts.
Consider all of these aspects before investing in a bridge saw. Use industry-knowledgeable peers to find references for reputable bridge saw manufacturers.
