Question & Answer
Why Cut A Roof?
Tearing off a roof is a dirty labor intensive job. Years ago commercial roofers realized that this job could be done more efficiently by cutting the roof into manageable sections before tearing it off. Large gas operated roof cutters replaced axes to perform this function. The RipCart applies this principle on a smaller, residential scale. One should cut a multilayer roof before tearing it off because it makes the job cleaner, faster and easier. To be more specific, tear offs are twice as fast and the recommended cut sections (2ftx2ft) are easily transported to the dumpster. At the end of the job the grounds below are left cleaner so roofers can leave the job site quicker and homeowners are happy because their landscape is left intact.
If you have ever torn off a flat roof you already understand that cutting a roof before a tear off will not only save time, but it is much easier. 2 or 3 layer shingle roofs are no different.
Can the RipCart fit any circular saw?
The RipCart fits all 7 1/4 circular saws except the Milwaukee which has a large head.
Does the RipCart collapse for transportation and storage?
Yes. The handle collapses and stores tightly and compactly.
How do you carry the RipCart?
If it is folded up and if the a saw is in it, grab it by the saw handle. If there is no saw in it, grab it by the front axle.
Can the RipCart fit a worm gear saw?
No. We built a worm gear prototype, but it didn't have the rpms of a standard circular saw so it didn't cut through a three layer tear off as well.
What Pitch roofs can the RipCart be used on?
6 Pitch and lower for balance and other obvious safety reasons.
Can you adjust the depth?
Yes, the RipCart has incremental slots for 1 layer, 2 layer, 3 layer or maximum depth for total roof deck demolition. The RipCart has a fine adjustment screw to accommodate varying shingle sizes and to insure that the roofers don't accidentally cut through the decking.
What are all the wheels on the RipCart for?
The two large wheels are for stability. The six small wheels allow you to cut on sharp angles such as hips and ridges. The right side front small wheel can be used as a guide to cut ridge vent, if alligned with the top of the roof deck on the ridge. This will leave a ridge vent opening of approximately 1 3/8 inches.
How do you avoid cutting through the roof deck (Plywood, or roof boards)?
Always make a test cut, which involves:
- 1) cut three 3ft lines parallel to each other about 6 inches apart, (make the cut parallel to the ridge to insure the cut is not too deep)
- 2) check your cut (you want the saw to scuff the wood not cut into it)
- 3) use the fine adjustment screw as needed (for even more precision)
Will the RipCart roll off the roof?
There is a wheel lock automatically engaged, it must be disengaged for the cart to roll (though we recommend you put the cart behind a stationary object when it is not being used)
How do you start the saw?
There is a (momentary) switch on the handle that must be held for power to reach the saw. When the switch is released the saw will turn off.
Does the RipCart blow fuses or pop circuit breakers?
It blows fuses less than a saw alone because your saw is less likely to bind in the RipCart because it rolls freely on wheels.
How many roofs can I cut with the saw before the saw must be replaced?
25 or 30 roofs or about 750 squares of 2 layer cutting. A saw costs about $100.00, so it's roughly $4.00 a roof- which is a good deal.
What type of saw do you recommend?
A contractor grade Makita. The magnesium model not necessary.
What are the applications for the RipCart residendial roofing?
- Cuts ridge vent openings
- Cuts multi layer shingles and rotten plywood for tear off.
- Cut back shingle edges for re roofs.
What are the applications for the RipCart commercial roofing?
- Cuts tar and gravel (Built up Roofing)
- Cuts cap sheet (modified roofing)
- Cuts roof board insulation
How deep can the RipCart cut?
As deep as your circular saw cuts, which is about 1" 7/8
How much does the RipCart weigh?
30 lbs without a saw and around 40 lbs with a saw.
Does the Ripcart come with a saw?
No unless we run a promotional special
Can the RipCart be used for anything besides roofing?
Any job in which you would normally use a circular saw and prefer to stand up - is a match for the RipCart.
Does the RipCart except any 7 1/4 inch blades?
Yes, but we strongly recommend RipBlades that outlast the competition by six times and won't clog.
How do you cut up a roof?
- 1) Make sure that there is no one or anything of value on the ground (because of flying debris) or on the roof in your cutting path.
- 2) Make a test cut and find the proper depth.
- 3) Start at the middle of the roof and make horizontal cuts toward the edges(Always turn your head around when you're not cutting forward to to see where you are walking). Make these cuts 2 feet apart.
- 4) Make vertical cuts 2 feet apart. (Before you cut the ridge check your depth because you never know how many layers of caps there are. The same applies if you're cutting through valleys.
Don't cut up hill against the slope of the roof (or the saw may kick back).
What is the RipCart?
The RipCart is a tool that allows you operate a circular saw from an upright position. Simply strap in a circular saw, set the depth of the blade and make your cut without ever bending over.
What is the story behind the RipCart?
After 25 years of roofing, we discovered the most efficient method of tearing multi-layer shingle roofs is to cut them into manageable sections. After crawling with circular saws for miles, we developed a tool that allows us to cut from an upright position that was suitable for sloped roofs.
Will the saw clog?
No. The revolutionary new RipBlade 3x and RipBlade 5x cut through shingles and built up roofing without cloging the saw.