Features and benefits to consider when choosing a bridge saw
A good bridge saw is a must for any fabricator turning out one or more kitchens a day. Unlike a manual saw, an automated bridge saw provides a consistently clean cut at a high rate of production. Even if all of the other equipment in a shop consists of hand tools, a good bridge saw is a must. The numbers back this up. Whereas the best worker operating a manual saw will rarely exceed 10 lineal feet per hour, an automatic bridge saw can cut up to 120 lineal feet of material per hour. Furthermore, the cost per foot on the automated saw is only around $2.00 to $2.50, compared to the hourly worker's wages and benefits plus tooling costs.
If you are cutting a thick slab of granite, which is one of the hardest materials on earth, a lot of pressure is created in the cutting head, which transfers to the supporting bridge and beams. If the bridge and beams are able to bend, bow or give in any way, the resulting cut will be far less accurate than if these components are unyielding. Therefore, look for a bridge saw built with beams made of cast iron and may weigh up to two tons more than less substantial beams of a saw with similar capacity. In addition to providing a more accurate cut, well-built equipment like this can take far more stress and abuse than less substantial equipment.