iQMS362
iQMS362: Complete Guide to the 16.5-Inch Dry-Cut Masonry Saw, Dust Control, Blades, Cutting Capacity, and Applications
The iQMS362 is a professional dry-cut masonry saw designed for cutting concrete pavers, brick, block, stone, and other hard masonry materials without the water, slurry, and cleanup normally associated with a wet masonry saw. The current model is marketed as the iQMS362i and uses a 16.5-inch Q-Drive diamond blade, an integrated dust-control system, and a large cutting capacity for professional masonry and hardscape work.
For hardscape contractors, masons, landscapers, concrete professionals, and rental businesses, the iQMS362 offers a major advantage: the cutting station and dust collection system are built into one machine. Instead of connecting a separate vacuum or continuously supplying water, the operator can make dry cuts while the saw captures much of the dust created at the blade.
The saw is particularly useful when contractors need production-level cutting but want to avoid wet slurry around patios, driveways, finished landscapes, interior areas, or jobsites where water access is limited.
What Is the iQMS362?
The iQMS362 is a stationary dry-cut masonry saw manufactured by iQ Power Tools.
It combines three major functions:
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Masonry cutting
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Dust extraction
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Dust filtration
The saw is designed around a 16.5-inch Q-Drive blade and can make cuts up to approximately 5.5 inches deep and 24 inches long. The current machine operates from a 120-volt, 20-amp electrical supply.
Typical materials include:
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Concrete pavers
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Brick
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Hard brick
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Concrete block
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Masonry products
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Natural stone
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Granite
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Hardscape materials
iQ Power Tools specifically identifies concrete, masonry, pavers, hard brick, and granite among compatible materials for the 16.5-inch Q-Drive system.
iQMS362 Specifications
Important specifications for the iQMS362 include:
Voltage: 120V
Total system amperage: 20A
Saw motor amperage: 15A
Vacuum motor amperage: 5A
Blade size: 16.5-inch Q-Drive
Maximum cutting depth: 5.5 inches
Maximum cutting length: 24 inches
Saw weight: approximately 150 pounds
Dust capacity: approximately 40 pounds
Filter type: iQ Dura Bond cartridge
Approximate dimensions: 43 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 40 inches high.
These specifications place the iQMS362 between smaller tile saws and much larger industrial masonry cutting systems.
16.5-Inch Q-Drive Blade
One of the defining features of the iQMS362 is its 16.5-inch Q-Drive blade.
The larger blade allows the saw to achieve a maximum cutting depth of approximately 5.5 inches while maintaining a 24-inch cutting length.
The Q-Drive system is proprietary to iQ Power Tools, so blade compatibility should be verified before purchasing replacements.
Available 16.5-inch blades are designed for different masonry materials and applications.
When selecting a blade, consider:
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Concrete hardness
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Paver type
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Brick hardness
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Stone
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Granite
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Cutting speed
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Desired edge quality
A blade should be selected for the material rather than simply because it has the correct diameter.
How Deep Does the iQMS362 Cut?
The iQMS362 provides a maximum cutting depth of approximately 5.5 inches.
This allows contractors to cut many thick hardscape and masonry products in a single setup.
Examples include:
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Concrete pavers
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Retaining-wall caps
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Landscape blocks
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Brick
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Stone
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Large masonry units
The ability to cut more than 5 inches deep is especially useful for hardscape contractors who regularly work with thicker materials that smaller 10-inch tile saws cannot cut completely.
24-Inch Cutting Length
The iQMS362 provides a cutting length of up to 24 inches.
That capacity makes it useful for:
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Large-format pavers
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Long masonry units
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Slabs
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Landscape pieces
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Retaining-wall caps
For even larger materials, iQ Power Tools also offers a heavy-duty sliding table accessory that expands the working range and supports materials weighing up to 140 pounds.
Integrated Dust Collection
The defining advantage of the iQMS362 is its integrated vacuum system.
iQ Power Tools states that the system captures up to 99.5% of dust generated during cutting.
Rather than allowing masonry dust to spread throughout the jobsite, the saw draws dust away from the cutting area and into its filtration system.
Benefits include:
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Cleaner jobsites
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Better visibility
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Reduced cleanup
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No wet slurry
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Less contamination around finished surfaces
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More convenient dry cutting
Dust collection is particularly useful in hardscape work because slurry from a conventional wet saw can stain pavers, surrounding concrete, walls, grass, or landscaped areas.
Dry Cutting Without Water
Traditional masonry saws frequently use water to cool the diamond blade and suppress dust.
The iQMS362 is specifically designed for dry cutting using its integrated dust-control system.
This eliminates the need for:
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Water tanks
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Garden hoses
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Water pumps
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Slurry containment
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Slurry disposal
This can make setup and cleanup much faster.
Dry cutting can be especially convenient when working:
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Inside garages
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Near finished landscaping
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Around swimming pools
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On finished driveways
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Inside commercial buildings where appropriate controls are used
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At remote jobsites without convenient water access
Operators should still follow all applicable silica-exposure requirements and the saw manufacturer's operating instructions.
iQMS362 for Pavers
The iQMS362 is particularly popular for concrete paver installation.
Hardscape contractors can use it for:
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Patio borders
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Driveway edges
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Walkway cuts
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Pool deck pavers
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Outdoor kitchens
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Fire pits
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Retaining-wall caps
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Drain openings
A stationary sliding-table saw provides better support than freehand cutting with a handheld power cutter.
This can help produce consistent cuts when dozens or hundreds of pavers need to be trimmed.
iQMS362 for Brick
Brick is another primary application.
The saw may be used for:
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Brick walls
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Columns
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Landscape borders
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Fireplaces
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Walkways
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Decorative masonry
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Veneer work
The correct Q-Drive blade should be selected according to brick hardness and abrasiveness.
Hard-fired brick may require different diamond characteristics than softer masonry products.
iQMS362 for Concrete Block
Concrete block and masonry units can also be cut with the iQMS362 provided they fit within the machine's cutting capacity.
Possible applications include:
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Retaining walls
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Landscape blocks
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Structural masonry
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Concrete masonry units
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Wall caps
The 5.5-inch depth gives the machine enough capacity for many common masonry products.
iQMS362 for Stone
The iQMS362 can also be used for selected natural stone products.
iQ Power Tools lists granite among materials compatible with the system.
Other suitable materials depend on the selected blade.
Stone applications may include:
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Granite
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Landscape stone
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Stone pavers
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Wall caps
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Hardscape slabs
Natural stone varies widely in hardness and abrasiveness, so blade selection is especially important.
Q-Drive Blade Technology
The iQMS362 uses the proprietary Q-Drive blade system rather than a standard universal masonry blade arbor.
This blade platform is designed specifically for iQ's masonry saw system.
Using the correct Q-Drive blade helps maintain:
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Proper blade fit
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Cutting performance
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Dust-management performance
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Machine compatibility
iQ recommends using genuine compatible blades and warns users to avoid incorrect or counterfeit blade products.
Dura Bond Filtration System
Dust captured by the iQMS362 is processed through its filtration system.
The machine uses an iQ Dura Bond cartridge filter and provides approximately 40 pounds of dust capacity.
A large collection capacity is useful on high-production jobs because the operator does not need to stop after every few cuts to empty the system.
The filtration system should still be inspected and maintained according to iQ's operator manual.
Electrical Requirements
The iQMS362 requires a 120V, 20A electrical supply.
The total system load includes:
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15A saw motor
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5A vacuum motor
Because the saw draws substantial current, the electrical circuit and extension cord must be correctly sized.
iQ's specifications recommend:
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25-foot, 12-gauge extension cord
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50-foot, 10-gauge extension cord
for applicable setups.
Undersized extension cords can cause voltage drop, reduced performance, overheating, and motor problems.
Generator Requirements
For jobsites without utility power, the iQMS362 can be operated from an appropriately sized generator.
Current specifications recommend a generator with at least 4,500 continuous watts.
The generator must provide stable 120V power and sufficient continuous capacity for both the saw and integrated vacuum.
Never size a generator based only on the saw motor because the dust-control motor operates simultaneously.
Transporting the iQMS362
The saw weighs approximately 150 pounds, so transportation planning is important.
The machine is designed for professional jobsite mobility and includes transport-oriented features.
Contractors commonly move the saw using:
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Pickup trucks
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Cargo vans
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Enclosed trailers
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Equipment trailers
Use proper lifting procedures and secure the machine during transportation.
Do not allow the saw to roll freely inside a truck or trailer.
iQMS362 vs Wet Masonry Saw
A conventional wet masonry saw uses water to suppress dust and cool the blade.
The iQMS362 uses integrated dry dust control.
iQMS362 Advantages
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No slurry
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No water hookup
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Faster cleanup
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Integrated dust collection
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Suitable for jobs where water is inconvenient
Wet Saw Advantages
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Excellent blade cooling
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Familiar cutting method
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Wide blade availability
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Effective dust suppression
The best choice depends on the material, work environment, production requirements, and contractor preference.
iQMS362 vs iQ360XT
iQ Power Tools also offers the smaller iQ360XT masonry saw.
The iQ360XT uses a 14-inch blade while the iQMS362 uses a larger 16.5-inch blade. The iQMS362 is the more substantial system for contractors requiring greater production and heavy masonry capability.
The iQMS362 is generally better suited to:
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Large pavers
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Thick masonry
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High-production hardscape work
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Larger commercial jobs
iQMS362 Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps protect cutting and dust-control performance.
Important areas include:
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Q-Drive blade
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Filter cartridge
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Vacuum system
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Sliding table
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Saw motor
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Vacuum motor
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Electrical connections
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Dust collection chamber
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Fasteners
iQ Power Tools provides separate operator and parts manuals for the iQMS362 through its support system.
Cleaning the Dust Collection System
Do not wait until the dust compartment is completely overloaded.
Regularly inspect:
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Dust level
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Filter condition
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Vacuum airflow
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Internal passages
Reduced airflow can decrease dust collection at the blade.
Empty the collection system according to manufacturer instructions and wear suitable respiratory protection when handling captured masonry dust.
Common iQMS362 Problems
Poor Dust Collection
Possible causes include:
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Full dust chamber
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Dirty filter
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Restricted airflow
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Vacuum motor issue
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Damaged seals
Slow Cutting
Possible causes include:
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Worn blade
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Wrong blade type
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Hard material
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Excessive feed pressure
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Electrical voltage drop
Saw Trips Breaker
Possible causes include:
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Undersized circuit
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Incorrect extension cord
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Excessive cutting load
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Electrical fault
Blade Chipping Material
Possible causes include:
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Incorrect blade
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Excessive feed speed
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Material movement
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Worn blade
Frequently Asked Questions About the iQMS362
What is the iQMS362?
The iQMS362 is a professional 16.5-inch dry-cut masonry saw with integrated dust collection.
Is the current model called the iQMS362i?
Yes. The current iQ Power Tools product listing identifies the updated model as the iQMS362i.
What size blade does the iQMS362 use?
It uses a 16.5-inch Q-Drive blade.
How deep does the iQMS362 cut?
Maximum cutting depth is approximately 5.5 inches.
How long of a cut can it make?
The standard cutting length is approximately 24 inches.
How much does the iQMS362 weigh?
The saw weighs approximately 150 pounds.
Does the iQMS362 use water?
No. It is specifically designed as a dry-cut masonry saw using integrated dust control.
How much dust does it capture?
iQ Power Tools states that its integrated system captures up to 99.5% of dust generated during cutting.
What can the iQMS362 cut?
Compatible applications include concrete, pavers, masonry, hard brick, granite, and other suitable masonry materials when the correct Q-Drive blade is installed.
Can the iQMS362 cut pavers?
Yes. Paver cutting is one of its primary applications.
Can it cut brick?
Yes. The saw is designed for brick and masonry materials.
Can the iQMS362 cut granite?
Yes. iQ lists granite among compatible materials for its Q-Drive blade system.
What voltage does the iQMS362 use?
The current system operates on 120V power.
How many amps does it require?
The complete system requires 20 amps, divided between a 15-amp saw motor and 5-amp vacuum motor.
What generator size is recommended?
Current specifications recommend at least 4,500 continuous watts.
What extension cord should be used?
iQ lists a 25-foot 12-gauge cord or 50-foot 10-gauge cord as recommended configurations.
How much dust can the machine hold?
The dust collection capacity is approximately 40 pounds.
Does the iQMS362 require a separate vacuum?
No. Dust extraction is integrated directly into the saw.
Can you use regular 16-inch masonry blades?
The machine uses iQ's proprietary 16.5-inch Q-Drive blade system, so blade compatibility must be confirmed before installation.
Is the iQMS362 good for hardscape contractors?
Yes. Its combination of a 5.5-inch cutting depth, 24-inch cutting length, 16.5-inch blade, and integrated dry dust collection makes it especially useful for paver, retaining-wall, landscape, and other professional hardscape applications.
What is the biggest advantage of the iQMS362?
Its biggest advantage is the ability to make deep, accurate cuts through masonry and hardscape materials without water or slurry while collecting most of the generated dust directly inside the saw, creating a cleaner and more efficient cutting workflow for professional contractors.