All about wall chasers

The article briefly describes everything you need to know about wall chasers (manual concrete furrowers). It shows how this technique works, describes the attachments and gives a clear rating of the chasing chasers. Attention is also paid to how to use such equipment.

The word shtroborez itself characterizes the area of ​​use of this unit - it is designed primarily to cut grooves, that is, special grooves in various hard materials... It is not very efficient to produce such grooves with hand tools, and it takes a lot of time. Therefore, almost all cutting groove tools use an electric drive. Such devices look like large planers with a disc rather than a blade working part; they are also often compared to circular saws. They have firmly supplanted both the hammer and the chisel, and even the angle grinder, demonstrating much better efficiency.

A high-quality wall chaser will perfectly cope with both brick and concrete. It is mainly used when pulling electrical wiring. But various tubes, signal and information cables, small ventilation ducts can also be laid in the grooves. Therefore, wall chasers have become one of the main tools in the work of construction crews. Their principle of operation is very simple:

• the engine is started by pressing a single button;

• the torsion of the motor shaft is communicated to the gear shaft, which already transfers the impulse to the sawing discs, and already these parts allow you to directly process materials;

• protection can be provided using a special casing and a connecting device for connecting an external additional vacuum cleaner.

Yes, such models can be used for work. They look like pipes of a straight or curved configuration, on which the cutter is attached with a bolt. The simplicity of execution (no motors) results in insufficient performance. It is hardly possible to carry out a large amount of work with a manual wall chaser. It is also extremely difficult to work with concrete and brick.

These are the same devices that resemble traditional "grinders". But it is worth emphasizing that among them there are models with a single cutting unit and with a pair of working discs. When only one disc is installed, this is what is most often referred to as a "furrow maker". He confidently works even with fairly hard materials and becomes a completely effective assistant in repair and construction. But professional craftsmen often use double-disc chasers, which are characterized by increased power and productivity.

The advantage is the ability to change the distance separating the cutting parts... This allows you to immediately lay grooves and channels of different widths without additional passes and fittings. Adjustment of furrow depth is often possible.

These are fixtures that are equipped with discs turned at right angles to the surface to be treated. Most builders use straight wall chasers. They are used in both the home and professional sectors. With this technique, you can perform a wide range of different jobs.It is her that must be chosen for any novice master.

This scheme is much less common than the straight type of wall chaser. Manufacturers produce only a very limited number of relevant models. The cost is at least not less than that of direct analogs. Even qualified crews usually do not purchase an angle chaser, but rent one. It is used only in one case - when it is required to lay a channel of strictly angular shape.

Cordless type chasers are much less common when powered from the mains. The fact is that battery power is unable to maintain a sufficiently long and stable operation - too much time will be spent on recharging. In addition, the battery turns out to be an additional burden and increases the dimensions of the case. Therefore, conventional wall chasers, plugged into an outlet, will be out of competition for a very long time.

The gasoline type of the device is used mainly in the housing and communal services system and in road construction, repair. Providing power, especially in remote, hard-to-reach places, is not always possible, and even where it is feasible, additional problems may arise.

A separate group is reasonably distinguished by a tool with a water supply - or, as they say, with water cooling. But we must remember that water is also needed to remove dust from the working area and to reduce the formation of this dust. Enhanced heat dissipation extends uptime. True, from time to time you still have to stop - this is directly indicated in the instructions. With regard to dust extraction, this option directly affects not only the comfort of the operators, but ultimately the quality of surface treatment.

The wall chaser is most often associated with concrete and brickwork tools. And this is really so - after all, it is in solid materials that you basically have to make grooves (grooves). This procedure allows you to stretch:

• electric wires;

• various sewer pipes;

• water pipes;

• heating channels;

• alarm;

• internet cable;

• gas pipelines;

• communications for air conditioners and other ventilation.

But most often, however, a wall chaser is used for electrical work. After all, it is relatively easy to lay the wires in a small groove. The same cannot be said about a capital water supply or sewerage system. Large-sized pipes are often used there, the laying of strobes for which would require a lot of time and effort. It is worth considering that for cutting on aerated concrete and foam block, furrow makers are not bad, but it is impossible to use them on wood - this technique is absolutely not designed for such manipulation.

But you can confidently process natural and artificial stone without any problems. It is quite possible to make a tool for gas blocks with your own hands - there are a lot of necessary schemes on the Internet. And the device will work no worse than made in an industrial environment.

Already familiarity with the capabilities of this multifunctional tool and the number of its types shows how it is important to choose the most optimal option for yourself. And the decisive factor in the selection must be turned to power. It is she who speaks about the possibility of working, for example, in a relatively hard material with high viscosity.For such a manipulation, less fast-acting equipment is needed - instead of speed, the main part of the energy expended is spent on maintaining a mechanical impulse. The choice of a wall chaser for a home craftsman, on the other hand, implies the use of relatively light and simple models.

High functionality, power and speed of work are deliberately sacrificed. Convenience and practicality are the priorities instead. It is worth considering that the heaviest and most powerful devices are inconvenient when working on the ceiling and in other cases when they have to be held for a long time. Be sure to pay attention to the parameters of the resulting strobe. So, for an electrician, the most typical operation is to obtain a groove 2 cm wide - almost any wire used in everyday life and in an office building can be laid in it.

But if pipes are to be laid, even of a relatively shallow section, the size of the channel should already be 4.5-6 cm. The depth to which the strobe enters is determined almost exclusively by the size of the disc. If there are no special preferences, you can safely focus on the 6-6.5 cm indicator.

In some cases, a wall chaser is not a separate device, but an attachment for another tool - for example, for a hammer drill. You just need to pay attention to the fact that then the impact force of the base tool is critical. If it is small, then problems can arise when processing any hard surface. Additionally, they look at the idle speed. Sometimes special add-ons are also issued for a drill, but they are usually designed only for the simplest household work in a short-term mode; professionals do not even get to know them in more detail when choosing.

Almost all individual models (not attachments) are equipped with speed control modules. The bottom line is quite simple: this option allows you to achieve the same performance regardless of the intensity of work at a particular moment. For both professionals and amateurs, it is hardly worth buying a tool that is deprived of such an important opportunity. Additionally useful:

• overload prevention unit;

• automatic anti-jamming machine;

• a device that controls the stability of inrush currents;

• immersion protection system.

It is appropriate to start the rating of the best chasing chasers with the Hammer STR150 model. It is produced by a German company, established more than 30 years ago and already having solid experience. This device is aimed at professional builders and finishers. The engine power is 1700 kW, and it makes 4000 turns per minute. Thanks to a pair of cutting discs, excellent performance is ensured. There is also a device that controls the cutting depth.

Other features:

• weight - 5 kg 500 g;

• external size - 0.32x0.3x0.23 m;

• cut depth - up to 4.3 cm;

• the ability to adjust the width of the grooves;

• discs are changed without disassembling the casing;

• it is impossible to turn on the device after jamming;

• the dust collecting tube interferes with normal vision.

In terms of reliability, the products of the domestic brand "Fiolent", including the B1-30 model, also have a good position. When creating it, the latest innovative developments were used. The total power is 1100 W. The choice of the user is left with 1 or 2 cutting discs. The greatest distance between them is 3 cm, and the same is the maximum cutting depth; speed control is not provided.

The top deservedly includes another Russian model of wall chasers - Interskol PD-125 / 1400E. All consumers can count on high-quality technical assistance from a large number of service centers. It is worth noting, however, the small number of returns, which is a confirmation of the high quality.

Other properties:

• shaft torsion intensity - up to 9500 revolutions;

• auto-shutdown system in case of catastrophic wear of the brushes;

• quick replacement of these brushes (without special disassembly);

• version of the gearbox and gears, designed for the minimum volume during operation;

• wrench and hex wrench included.

Makita SG1251J is a worthy alternative for all models described. The device is intended for home or short-term professional use. The design is designed for handling discs with a cross section of up to 125 mm. Spinning the motor at a speed of 10,000 rpm allows you to work quickly and accurately. The device weighs 4 kg 500 g.

It is important to emphasize here:

• easy dust removal;

• protection against unintentional start;

• the presence of 2 discs included;

• spring stiffness;

• relatively high price.

Continue the review pertinently on Einhell TH-MA 1300. Such a chasing cutter can form recesses 8-26 mm wide at a depth of 8-30 mm. A special external system, which can be connected additionally, helps to remove dust. Thanks to the high power, cutting is not a problem. A large suitcase is included in the package, but the power cord is relatively short.

As an alternative, you can consider "Stavr SHE-125/1800". With a power of 1800 W, such a wall chaser develops 9000 revolutions in 60 seconds. Both working discs have an outer section of 125 mm with a landing dimension of 22.2 mm. It is not possible to change the spinning frequency. The cuts reach 26 mm wide and 30 mm deep.

Specifications:

• a smooth start is provided;

• the cutting depth is limited;

• there is a mode of additional connection to the vacuum cleaner;

• the speed under load is kept stable;

• the device is protected from overload;

• the sound volume is 110 dB;

• The scope of delivery includes spare carbon brushes.

Another noteworthy chasing cutter model is the RedVerg RD-WG40. This is a professional grade product suitable for quick chasing of various surfaces. The width of the saw cuts is flexibly adjustable. The outer diameter of standard discs is 150 mm. They are driven by a 1,700 W electric motor.

The use of a wall chaser is associated with a number of requirements and nuances. If they are violated, even the best initially equipment will not work normally. But before studying the technical details, it is useful to take into account the rules for working in apartment buildings. It's not just about banning noise during certain hours (which may differ depending on the region). It is strictly forbidden to chisel load-bearing walls either with your own hands or with the assistance of hired builders, regardless of the material from which they are made.

Even if the wall is not load-bearing, but borders on an elevator shaft or staircase space, it also cannot be ditched. In a number of regions, including Moscow, restrictions are imposed on the depth of excavations in partitions. Regardless of the use of a separate tool or attachment for the angle grinder, you can only work vertically. Even when placing 2 or more wiring connection points on 1 wall or partition, each of them is connected according to its own strobe; you cannot move along horizontals, diagonals and other trajectories.

It is impossible to work without dust or with a minimum amount of it, relying only on a vacuum cleaner. It is also necessary to take care of the water supply. When laying corrugated pipes, you will have to create a channel with a depth of 26 mm or more.

Hoping to grind through the wall without a vacuum cleaner is nothing to think about. Clouds of dust will not allow breathing or visually assessing the result of the work. It is very helpful to make your markup ahead of time. Marks are made with markers, since pencil lines can be lost during work. For your information: it is impractical to remove the wallpaper, moreover, leaving it in place further reduces the formation of dust.

Even after taking care of all this, it is imperative to use a respirator. To work with one wall chaser (if you cannot use a vacuum cleaner in any way), you need a full-fledged construction respirator. But if the vacuum cleaner is used, you can get by with the "petal". Additionally take:

• special glasses;

• gloves for working with power tools;

• headphones for construction work (you can replace them with simple earplugs from the pharmacy).

When starting to chisel, you should check whether the device is complete, whether everything is well fixed. It is not recommended to replace diamond discs with abrasive ones. To save money, a budget diamond disc is better than a high-quality "abrasive". Of course, you cannot touch the rotating disc with your hands until it comes to a complete stop. Slotting the groove will be more efficient if you place the rail underneath and move the tool along it.

The strobe for laying several wires is made so that they remain at a distance of 0.3-0.5 cm. The discs should be attached to the instrument as carefully as possible. To do this, use only standard or recommended for replacement tightening devices.

Disc braking is allowed only after separation from the material. In the entire area where you need to lay a wire or a strobe, 2 tracks are cut. It is not necessary to knock out the gap between them with a perforator - for a short distance, you can do with a chisel. Before plastering, dust is removed from the strobe, and then a primer is applied. There are also such recommendations:

• periodically blow through the wall chaser;

• clean it only outdoors;

• change brushes strictly in specialized workshops;

• first make sure that the power supply is sufficient to power the chaser;

• remove from the reach of all objects prone to catching fire;

• carefully check each time the serviceability of the insulation of the wires, to prevent them from kinking and twisting;

• avoid carrying the furrower by the wire - only by the body or specially prepared fasteners;

• if it is jammed, turn off the power to the tool, wait for the rotation to stop and then carefully remove the disc;

• remember the strong impact;

• if possible, guide the disc from top to bottom.