2012 - Volume #36, Issue #5, Page #38
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Gas-Powered Circular Saw
The first-of-its-kind saw is powered by a 1.7 hp, 1.8 cu. in. gas engine and equipped with a specially-designed gearbox that drives the blade.
“We basically remove the electric motor from a DeWalt DW364 circular saw and then make the gearbox to get the right speed ratios,” says Stoltzfus. “As a result, our gas-powered circular saw weighs only 7 oz. more than the electric-operated models.”
The saw is designed for easy starts in tough situations and has a centrifugal clutch so when the engine is idling the blade doesn’t turn. It comes with a single top handle that has a built-in throttle, which makes it easy to use with one hand.
The concept of a gas-powered circular saw isn’t completely new, says Stoltzfus. “Years ago Homelite offered a gas-powered circular saw, but it was much heavier at 22 lbs. compared to 14 lbs. for our saw. One company still offers an attachment for a chainsaw that replaces the saw’s bar and chain, but it’s much heavier than our model. The only limitation to our model is that you don’t want to use it inside a building for very long because of the exhaust fumes.”
Stoltzfus is setting up dealers and service centers. “The customer typically purchases a new chainsaw and we convert it at their request, or we can convert a chainsaw that you already own. The conversion is only available for specific chainsaw models, which can be obtained by calling Cooper Saws, and involves modifying the engine so it can be adapted to our gearbox. After the conversion we provide a new warranty for the saw.”
The turn-around time for the saw conversion is usually 2 weeks. “You can buy a saw at a local Stihl dealer and send it to us, or you can buy one from a Stihl dealer close to our manufacturing facility and we’ll make the conversion before shipping the saw to you,” says Stoltzfus.
Two models are available – one has a 7 1/4-in. blade and sells for $995 plus S&H; or you can purchase an upgrade to an 8 1/4-in. blade for $50.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Andrew Stoltzfus, Cooper Saws, 245 Cooper Dr., Kirkwood, Penn. 17536 (ph 717 529-6155).
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