8 tips on which chipper is better to choose
|If you decide to do repairs and qualitatively approach the issue of heating pipes and wiring in the walls to give a finished look to the rooms, then such a tool as a chipper can be useful to you. On the one hand, it cannot be called too widespread, because due to its functional features it is acquired extremely rarely, and it can be used less often if it does not come in handy for you at work. Therefore, before you buy it, you should understand what this tool is and pay attention to the main aspects that should be considered when choosing. We want to talk about this today with you.
What it is?
Also known as a furrow cutter, a chamfer is extremely practical under the conditions described above. power tool. Its main function is to create strobes (grooves) of appropriate sizes in the walls of bricks or concretewhere they hide in the process of repairing wires and pipes. Working with it may not be the easiest due to various circumstances, and therefore it is important to consider a lot when choosing, from its design features (dimensions and ergonomics), to basic and additional features like power or a dust collecting system.
The principle of its operation is not much different from the same angle grinder, which, by the way, can become a replacement for a chipper in some cases. True, the latter option is fraught with the fact that you run the risk of spending significantly more time on the process of creating a furrow, and it is highly likely that it may turn out to be not the most even. Therefore, from the point of view of saving such important resources in repair and construction works as time and effort, it is recommended to use exclusively furrower. In addition, it will provide much more features, such as adjusting the parameters of the strobe, which we will definitely talk about later.
1. Power of a chipper
Naturally, as is the case with many other power tools, first of all, you just need to pay attention to the performance of the chipper. The power range of current models on the market can range from 1000 to 2600 W, all that is customarily classified above as wall saws. It is logical that understanding the choice in which area you are going to use a furrower will help you decide on a model with optimal power. That is, for a little work at home or in the apartment, a simpler option with a power of up to 1500 watts is enough. On the other hand, if you need this tool as a professional in the field of overhaul, then the best solution is to take a more productive model.
2. Dimensions
From the previous parameter, the following also emerges - the dimensions and weight of the tool. It is clear that the higher the power of the chipper, the more large and heavy it can turn out. And this is no less important in working with him as a whole. On the modern market of building power tools, you can easily find both compact models weighing just a couple kilograms, and more professional ones that reach up to 10 kilos. So here, as in the case with the previous aspect, the important role will be played by the fact where and how you are going to use it. Surely you will experience a little pleasant, making furrows in the ceiling of a cramped room, holding a 10-pound apparatus above you.
Simply put, for periodic household chores, occasionally lending it to a neighbor, a compact furrower up to 5 kilograms is ideal. In addition, such a tool is more convenient to store, especially in an apartment, where there may not be too much free space. And vice versa, if you need a powerful model, then you should look towards the heavier ones. In addition to all this, you should not forget about the ergonomics of the model you are looking for, since if it is simply uncomfortable to hold, problems can only increase. Especially if you work with him on an ongoing basis.
3. The number of discs
Last but not least, you will also need to determine the number of working disks for the chipper, as this also has a certain importance for the workflow. Given the fact that it is intended primarily for making in the wall wiring harness and pipes, it should come as no surprise that dual-disc models are more common. This configuration allows you to make smooth furrows quickly and efficiently. But there are also single-disc models on the market that allow, on the one hand, a little expansion of their field of application. Despite the fact that the process of boring can take a little longer with them, the absence of a second disk will allow you to use a furrower for cutting work. What can you cut with metal, and stone, and concrete.
It is imperative that you do not remove the second disk in order to cut something off, as this may be unsafe. The disks themselves are, as you know, consumables and in operation their diameter will be an important feature. It has a direct effect on the width and depth of the strobes, so you should keep this in mind.
4. Dimensions of the strobes
These aspects, namely the depth of cut and the width of the groove, partly follow from the diameter of the disks indicated above. If we talk, for example, about depth, then it depends on this the most. In general, to adjust the depth of cut in the design of the chaser, special slides are provided. However, if you take discs with a large diameter, then you simply cannot achieve the minimum depth. While discs of smaller diameter provide the ability to adjust the depth from scratch, which in certain situations will be extremely useful.
As for the groove width, it is primarily regulated by washers between the disks and depends on their distance from each other (in the case of models with two disks). This option is already less dependent on the drives themselves. However, again, the minimum available width for installation may vary. Usually it is about 3-10 mm minimum and 45-65 mm maximum. Nevertheless, the first indicators may vary due to the thickness of the disk. Logically, the thinner the last, the smaller the minimum available distance. True, in work most often the opposite is better when the distance is as large as possible.
5. Noise level
No one will be surprised by the assertion that all construction power tools create a fair amount of noise during operation. It could not be otherwise. However, you can always try to minimize this indicator by paying attention to it before buying. Explain why the chisel cutters are noisy, it probably makes no sense. You are still going to cut the stone. But, if you want it to be as small as possible, then look towards less powerful models. True, only if you can afford it. Since it is not too prudent to prefer a low noise level of high power, which you may eventually need. In this case, if necessary, it will be easier to additionally purchase protective headphones.
6. Security
The presence of certain protective mechanisms in it will not be superfluous in working with a power tool. Fortunately, most chippers have them. Among the most common are protection against jamming of the disk.From a security point of view, this option should be present on the model you are looking for, especially if it should be powerful. You never know what can go wrong, and if a disk gets jammed during the gating process, models with this protection either turn off completely or go into idle mode.
There is also a more commonplace, but no less practical in terms of security protection against accidental inclusion. Although, in terms of safety and the tool itself, it is important to have protection against overheating, because the furrower will not have to work in the most light conditions, constantly experiencing a certain load. The presence of such protection will help to avoid troubles and very expensive repairs, allowing the shtroborez to serve you reliably and for a long time.
7. Manufacturer
When choosing any product, and especially a power tool, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer. Of course, the products of a popular brand may cost a little more, but there will be no questions about quality. And even if they do, then finding answers to them on the network is much easier for a model with a recognizable name than for some kind of “nameless” analogue. Today, one of the most popular manufacturers of chippers in the domestic market are: Hitachi, Bosch, Makita, Aeg and a few others. True, in the budget segment there are decent products of companies such as BISON, Interskol and Prorab. The latter are particularly suitable for home use.
8. Additional aspects
So, after all the main features that are worth your attention when choosing a chamfer, we tried to touch on the most informative way, and you can briefly go over other features. Not only can they play a significant role, but for someone they can be no less important. Such as, network cable length. Well, yes, this is of course important, especially in facilities where power supplies can be quite far from the right place. But you can always use an extension cord, though this is not always convenient.
It would not be superfluous to get also good guarantee with sane terms and quality service. Since you are unlikely to want to buy a construction tool that will immediately fail, and you can not do anything about it. Well, do not forget to pay attention to the cost of furrowing. On average, a high-quality and powerful model can cost you a couple of tens of thousands of rubles, but you can always find a more affordable, but no less good alternative, if your budget is limited.