History of iQ Power Tools
iQ Power Tools was founded out of necessity and thrive today by providing health and safety solutions for the construction industry.
Who is iQ Power Tools?
Founder of iQ Power Tools
The founder of the iQ Power Tools (iQ) company is Joel Guth, a third-generation mason and contractor. He found inspiration after looking out at his team one day on a job site and noticed a problem: inefficiency. When it came time to cut blocks for a job, he saw that his crew would have an inefficient process.
They would have to carry a block to an off-site saw, wait in a line to use it, cut their block, and then walk back to the job site. The process repeated several times a day could have been a better use of time and exhausting the workers.
Solving a Dusty Problem
To solve this inefficient problem, he looked for a portable and light saw. Unfortunately, that product did not exist in the market, so Joel built one. He created the first purpose-built dry-cut masonry saw, a game changer. With his new tool, he finished his jobs in record time, but with one solution, another problem arose. While cutting their material, dust would accumulate. Workers called it “The Dust Cloud, ” which regularly occurred on projects everywhere.
One project at Chino Hills High School highlighted the danger of this problem. While using the saw they created, the dust cloud spread to a neighboring middle school, aggravating an asthmatic girl’s condition. With that, the project stopped immediately. Joel sought out a solution and enlisted his brother, Paul Guth, for help on the matter.
Joel wanted to find a dust collection system solution to do the job effectively. After researching different filter systems and using their experiences in dusty environments, they settled on a high-flow diesel truck filter. Within the next few weeks, they completed an original vacuum and filter system that effectively contained dust for a masonry saw.
Continuing with the Chino Hills High School project, Joel wanted to manufacture more of these systems when the dust issue was resolved. They asked a manufacturer to build it for them, and in return, Joel would buy the first ten systems. The company did not see the demand for a tool like this and declined to manufacture it. Even with that disappointment, Joel continued to use his invention on more projects. Joel and his brother Paul continued to analyze what they did and did not like about the system.
OSHA takes notice of silica
During this time, OSHA focused on the dust issue produced by dry cutting. Silica dust garnered attention, and Joel Guth took notice. Going to seminars and learning more about the dust, he learned how harmful this silica was to his crew and grew more determined to create a masonry saw that would capture the toxic dust. Joel knew a change must occur, and they needed a line of tools to make it happen.
Starting a company
This revelation led to the creation of a new company called Industrial Manufacturing. He leased space adjacent to his construction office, hired a staff member, and brought his brother Paul to develop the latest products. Together, they created the Jack Vac product line, the first masonry saw with an integrated vacuum and filter system with dust containment. They sold their first unit and, over the next few years, developed new tools.
It became clear that other facets of the construction industry would benefit from this dust collection technology, so it was time to rebrand. From Masonry Tec Products, Inc. to iQ Power Tools, with a continued focus on making the best product for dust collection systems for masonry, hardscape, and tile. Educating the industry on the dangers of silica is an essential part of iQ’s focus. The company wants to build tools that save lives and encourage everyone to act.
iQ Power Tools FAQs
iQ is a company that cares about its workers, and if you use a mason saw, you are one of their workers. They strive to be up to date with OSHA regulations and ensure that anyone using their product will be safe and live to be healthy. A brand to trust and a brand to look out for is iQ.
The first product made by iQ was their iQ 2000. The iQ 2000 vacuum system connects to a 20″ saw and provides an efficient dust-collection tool. The below image is the iQMS362 by iQ Power Tools:
As of writing this, their best-known product is their newest iQMS362 dust control masonry saw. It can cut brick, pavers, stone, and veneer 40% faster than other saws in its class while capturing up to 99.5% of hazardous silica dust. The below image is the iQMS362 by iQ Power Tools:
Compared to other masonry saws, this is the first and only one that does not use water and has a fully integrated vacuum, filter, and dust containment. With other saws using water, it takes more time to set up. iQ saws use a vacuum that collects up to 99.5% of silica dust produced while cutting.
iQ’s primary customer is anyone who manages masonry, hardscape, and tile. iQ’s mission is to prevent the exposure of silica dust.
All are made in the US, except the iQMS362 and iQTS244, which are made in Taiwan.
All products are under a one-year warranty except the iQPC912, which has a 90-day warranty.
When within or out of warranty, you must go to your local distributor and file a claim with them. From there, you must provide information on what happened to the tool and images. Make sure to mail your warranty card supplied in the box as soon as possible at the time of purchase.
