Replies

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Jan 16, 2008 08:43am | #1

   Not personally , but have had core drilling companies use them .

   great tools!

   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
2. 
   IronHelix | Jan 16, 2008 02:53pm | #2

   And when you need a new chain.........$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

   But they sure can wear a man out..........tired and wet!

   ...Iron Helix

3. 
   rv10 | Jan 16, 2008 04:21pm | #3

   I rented one once , Worked Great After you get past the fact that you are Plunge cutting
   into a concrete foundation with a chainsaw, As already posted it is a wet ,messy and
   hard on the body. If I did more cutting I would own one .

1. 
   butcher | Jan 16, 2008 05:03pm | #4

   I liked the( mmm.bacon.com) part the best

1. 
   triggerr | Jan 16, 2008 10:05pm | #5

   Pretty funny that mmm-bacon site! I like a company that's got the stones to do something like that. Good one ICS.

4. 
   joeh | Jan 16, 2008 10:59pm | #6

   Saw one at one of the local suppliers.

   Absolutely no use for one, but I drooled over it for 15 minutes.

   I think I need one........

   Joe H

    

5. 
   jayzog | Jan 17, 2008 01:08am | #7

   I rented 1 for a project once. It worked very well , not hard to use, just loud and messy. Brought it back to the rental yard, they said I wrecked the chain and charged me $700 for damages. That was certainly no bargain.

   The next time I needed one, I did a little research online, found out I could buy the cheapest ICS for around $1200..... now I own 1, have used it on about a half dozen openings, still on the original chain(needs replacement now). Kicker is new chains from ICS are like $250.

   Thanks for this thread, it reminds me I owe that rental yard a letter bomb.;)

6. 
   IamtheWalrus | Jan 17, 2008 04:38am | #8

   I work for two guys who are impulsive tool buyers(especially for big,powerful,noisy ones)and we just got one for a basement remodel that required an opening for a stair way cut out through 10in. of solid concrete.It cut surprisingly fast and clean.It is however very messy and hard on the arms when doing the horizontal cut.The stairway was from one part of the house to another(split level)and cutting inside required a wet vac going constantly.You'll also need some way to breathe in the carbon monoxide filled enviorment(even with air movers etc. we set off the CM alarms,not to mention it reeked of gas fumes)We also cut an egress window from the outside and it took maybe 45 min.They got theirs for I think $1500-$1800 and if you do basements often I'd definitely get one.Have fun hauling away the 'crete though.

1. 
   triggerr | Jan 17, 2008 05:07am | #9

   I think every tool's got its issues you have to work around. Seems like you could make your investment back over a few jobs and come out ahead with out to much trouble if these $ are right. Just good to know these things work like theyr supposed to. Thanks for the insights you all.

7. 
   lettusbee | Jan 17, 2008 07:20am | #10

   Rented one to cut a door opening into a garage foundation.  The nice part was that the saw was easier to control than a demo saw for the horizontal cut.  It was tiring work, but the result was perfectly level.  I was able to tack a 2x4 to the foundation and use it as a guide with the bar of the saw riding the 2x4.  I can't wait to buy one. 

8. 
   ponytl | Jan 17, 2008 08:02am | #11

   i have 2... one gas one hydraulic  the hydro one i have a gas powered power unit for it and 50ft of hose... but it'll also work off my bobcat...

   to save the chain (they say not to do this) on thick walls i cut first with my 12" gas powered saw (round blade)  then finish off with my chain...  even on a 12ft overhead door... i was able to cut out a 14ft long seection at the top... place my header in.... then after the header was in... cut the opening for the door... push it out with my bobcat... and...done... for walk thru doors i have been able to cut it... where all i had to do was secure a metal door frame in place... caulk and hang the door... think i paid $1500 for the gas unit new... got one chain & bar replacement a few months later (you have to replace the bar & chain each time)  they hydro unit i got from a second hand store for $300 total... they had no idea... they got it from a mini storage unit...

   you have to run alot of water while cutting... so there is a huge mess and yes you'll be soaked...  but if you suit up for it... it's not so bad with a full face shield... put rainX on it and you'll be able to see fine...

   yes worth have'n it is one of those tool if you own it... you need to be the one use'n it... it pretty much feeds itself (rate of cut) it has a spike that grabs the wall and lets you kinda rock down... but if someone is run'n it that isn't the one pay'n for the chain... it can get real $$$ real fast...

   p

   p