A fantastic small cutting machine to take the strain out of chopping marble and some ceramics.  This machine from Hasal Ltd is the answer for anyone who needs to cut material in large quantities, or who struggles to use cutters that require a strong grip.   

There are a number of chopping machines on the market but this one is much smaller, neater - and cheaper - than the other giants which are not really suitable if you're working at home or in a small studio.   

The mechanism couldn't be simpler (and the machine is therefore very unlikely to break); the material to be cut is positioned between the two blades - there is a useful measuring guide on the base - and the upper blade is lowered with a turn of the large handle at the top of the machine.  The weighted ends to the handle mean that it has a bit of rotational momentum behind it as it turns.  You can get into a really good and efficient rhythm cutting say, a rod of marble, with one hand feeding the rod between the blades and the other hand turning the handle.

There is an excellent YouTube video from Treasury Road in Australia with a demonstration and review of the chopping machine. It's not clear if the manufacturer has sponsored the video, but having watched it all, I think it gives a perfectly fair and honest assessment of this excellent machine. Click here to watch.

The blades are made of hardened steel and spare blades are available.  Blades are interchangeable, so you can't confuse top and bottom when changing them - which will be a very rare occurrence anyway.

I'm struggling to think of any criticisms of this incredibly useful and well-made machine... but if I had to come up with something I would say that its jaws are a little narrow -  it only cuts materials to a maximum thickness of 18mm.   It works best with materials in a rod format;  items like large square ceramic tiles would be cut straight where they sit between the jaws, but the cut would then become unpredictable in the expanse of tile not directly contacted by the blades (which measure 28mm).  But you could score and snap your tiles into strips before cutting with the Hasal machine.  Some people do use the machine for cutting smalti, but the same reservations apply and it's probably best to score and break smalti pizze into strips before using the Hasal machine on them.  I've tried the machine out on small ceramic tiles and this is one of its least effective areas; to be honest you are better using your usual nippers if cutting Winckelmans or Cinca tiles.   

Set up is simple - the two weights which form the ends of the handle are supplied separately and you just need to screw these on by hand -no tools required.  The machine needs to be completely stable, so ideally you would bolt it to your workbench (the base has been drilled with x2 holes and bolts are provided).  But if space is at a premium or you want to be able to use the machine in different locations, you can bolt it to a piece of wood and clamp that to a surface wherever you want to work. 

The machine weighs 3.7kg

Overall height: 20cm

Overall width: 24cm

Dimensions of base: 8 x 14cm

Dimensions of blades: 28mm long, 4mm wide

I recommend that you wear eye protection and a face mask while using, as with any other cutting tool which might create dust or flying bits. 

You should always wear a mask and eye protection when cutting mosaic materials. Unfortunately Mosaic Workshop can't accept returns of cutting tools which turn out not to suit you, so please think carefully before buying.  If you are finding it very hard to make a decision please contact me as I may be able to lend you tools to try (you will pay a deposit, and for postage in both directions).  In the case of faulty goods we will, of course, accept returns - please see notes in the website footer.