One of the essential tools used for electrical installation is a wall chaser or, as it is also called, a furrow cutter. Today there are many manufacturers and models of this device, so it is very important to know how to choose a wall chaser and which one is better in terms of price, quality, and reliability. In this article, we will try to briefly, but at the same time tell you as clearly as possible about all the nuances of choosing this tool.
Content:
- Design features
- Power
- Cutting depth, groove width, disc diameter
- Weight and dimensions
- Additional functions
- What should you pay attention to?
- Top manufacturers
Design features
The first thing you need to decide on is how many cutting discs the chaser should be designed for. If you only practice chipping walls for wiring and pipe laying, it is enough to choose a tool for 2 discs, which allows you to make an even strobe. A furrow cutter with one disc allows not only cutting walls, but also cutting work (cutting stone, metal and concrete).
Consider an important point - it is not allowed to shoot the second disc in order to cut stone or concrete, so you will not be able to “kill two birds with one stone”.
Power
The second most important criterion for choosing a wall chaser is engine power. In 2017, there are models with a capacity of 900 to 2800 watts. More powerful units are already called wall saws, which are used by professional construction companies.
To choose the right power for a wall chaser, you need to decide on the scope of its application. For housework, small electrical installations, it is quite enough to buy a universal model of no more than 1.5 kW. If you are doing major repairs and use a tool to create deep grooves for pipes, it is better to take a suitable wall chaser with a capacity of at least 2 kW.
You can discuss any of the questions on our electricians forum in the appropriate section!
Cutting depth, groove width, disc diameter
All these three parameters are closely interrelated, because they determine the specifics of using the furrow maker. As for the diameter of the disc, it can be from 100 to 355 mm. The depth of cut directly depends on the diameter. For an electrician, it is quite enough to choose a chasing cutter with a 150 mm disc, which can make a strobe 45 mm deep, which is enough for laying electrical wiring even in corrugation. The 180 mm disc allows you to go through the wall to a depth of 60 mm, which is the best indicator if you want to lay the rest of the utilities in a hidden way (water, gas, etc.). A 230 mm disc allows for an 85 mm groove, but note that the minimum depth due to the design of the tool is 15 to 20 mm.
As for the groove width, it is adjustable and varies from 6 to 60 mm. It is enough for electricians to choose a wall chaser with a cutting width of up to 30 mm. We advise builders to choose the characteristics that are slightly overestimated so that they can cut the groove for the pipes without any problems.
Weight and dimensions
An important parameter of a furrow maker is its weight. The fact is that in 2017 there are models that weigh from 3 to 10 kg. As you understand, chasing the ceiling with a 10-kg tool is quite difficult, so if you need to choose a chasing cutter for minor repairs, we recommend staying on models up to 6 kg. If you are professionally engaged in construction work, it would be quite reasonable to choose a heavier tool, because it will be more powerful, respectively.
The same applies to the dimensions of the furrower. In tight spaces and for electrical installation in your own home, it is enough to choose a compact wall chaser, which will not take up much space and will not complicate the chasing process.
Additional functions
And, of course, such a moment as the auxiliary functionality of the tool should not be missed. If you want to choose a reliable and at the same time multifunctional wall chaser for work or home, keep in mind that the new models can be equipped with the following features:
- System of maintaining the frequency of revolutions. Allows you to maintain the performance of the device at the same level during the working process.
- Protection against seizure of the cutting blade. Prevents the possibility of injury and equipment failure.
- Smooth engine start. Thanks to a special system that limits the starting current, not only the service life of the tool, but also of the household wiring is extended.
- Overload protection (abnormal modes). Protects the wall chaser from engine overheating and, accordingly, from expensive repairs.
- Brush wear control.
- Protection against unintentional inclusion.
- Engine speed control.
- The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner, which allows you to gouge walls without dust.
Note that the more functions, the more expensive the tool will cost. Today it is quite realistic to choose a wall chaser up to 20 thousand meters. rubles. This model will come with a vacuum cleaner and from a quality manufacturer.
In the video below, experts give their own recommendations for choosing a furrower:
What should you pay attention to?
Well, moving towards the end of the article, I would like to provide some simple tips that will also help you in choosing a furrower:
- Pay attention to the complete set of the tool. Be sure to check the length of the cord so that it is long enough for the job. In addition, if you want to choose a wall chaser with a vacuum cleaner, check in the store how convenient it is to work with the connected hose. Very often, manufacturers do not think much about this moment, which is why when connecting a vacuum cleaner, the viewing angle and the ability to control the device are greatly deteriorated. It's also good if the model is equipped with a chisel for cutting out a cut from a groove, additional handles, keys and a case. The package bundle speaks volumes.
- Check out how the furrower you choose works. Even in the store, plug the device into an outlet and check the noise of its operation, this is a rather important nuance. Also, do not forget to check how much play the spindle has, how well the adjustment of the width and depth of cut works. Also, make sure the model you are buying does not vibrate too much in your hand.
- Make sure the ergonomics are right for you. It is very important that the chosen furrow maker lies well in the hand, otherwise it will be problematic to work with it. This is especially important if you need to choose a device for your daily work. All kinds of ribs and rubber inserts in the handles increase the ease of use.
By the way, you can even make a wall chaser from a grinder with your own hands. The assembly instructions are provided in the article we linked to!
Top manufacturers
Well, and the last thing I wanted to tell you about - which manufacturer of the wall chaser is better to choose so as not to overpay and be satisfied with the purchase. From cheaper firms that are suitable for home use or with a small budget, we recommend opting for such as:
- Interskol;
- Fiolent;
- Prorab;
- BISON;
- Sparky.
As for the higher quality manufacturers, the best ones today are:
- Hitachi;
- Makita;
- Bosch;
- Metabo;
- Hilti;
- AEG;
- Kress;
- Milwaukee.
As for the rating of wall chasers, the video below shows the top 10 models for the period 2015-2016:
That's all we wanted to tell you about how to choose a wall chaser for an electrician and which model is best for work and home. We hope the information provided was useful and interesting for you!
You probably don't know:
- Top Power Tool Manufacturers
- How to make a drill with your own hands
- How to choose the right multimeter
