A concrete saw is a type of power tool that is used to cut through concrete, brick, tile, masonry, asphalt or any type of solid material. Abrasive cut-off wheels or diamond saw blades can be used in them depending on the material that is to be cut. They can come in many types like big walk-behind saws, chop-saws or hand-held types and can be powered by pneumatic pressure, gasoline, electric motor or hydraulically. The cutting blades are the significant portions of this machine and must be cared well so that they last long.
The considerable friction that is generated while cutting a hard surface makes it essential to cool the blades so that their life is enhanced and less dust is produced during operation. Apart from it, there are also some other ways in which concrete saw should be used so that the best efficiency can be obtained from the machine.
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| Concrete Saw |
Mark a cut:
The place that is to be cut should be marked visibly by a chalk line. Orange chalk can be used for the purpose as it can be distinguishingly vivid. In case of a wet saw, chalk powder may wear off so that crayons can be a good alternative as marking will not get erased off easily.
The timing is important:
While using a concrete saw, the timing of a cut is very important. Completely cured concrete may break during a cut while wet concrete may not be the easiest to pierce through. Cutting a half-cured concrete can be the best while using the machine so that it can cut easily and with very little dust accumulation.
Creating many shallow cuts:
While using a hand-held concrete saw, it is recommendable to make multiple shallow cuts rather than a deep cut in one go. It can offer greater control on the machine and its blade will also stay cool. After every cut is made, it can be a good idea to shut down the machine and make an increment of half-an-inch in its blade depth so that the best cut can be achieved.
Making use of a GFCI cord:
In case an electric concrete saw is being used, using a GFCI extension cord can help to ensure that there are no overloads, shocks or power surges and cutting can be satisfactorily executed.
The right kind of saw for a work:
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| Concrete Saw |
Selecting the right type of saw is very important for an application. A walk-behind saw can be helpful for a large work that is being done on the floor. These are types of wet saws so that deep and straight cut can be made by them without the need for any repetition. On the contrary, hand-held saws can be useful for cutting concrete. However, managing the dust from them will always be a factor to figure out while using this equipment.
Correct blade selection:
As has been discussed earlier, blades are the most important part of this machine. A diamond blade can be the most suitable for all types of applications. The open synthetic crystals on the tip are responsible for cutting and as they become dull, they wear off and the newer ones take its place. A dry cutting blade can be used either with water or without the liquid while a wet blade has to be used with water.
Gently use the machine:
While using a concrete saw, it is important to make sure that an operator does not force the blade upon the concrete. Just guiding the blade over the surface is enough to cut it satisfactorily. In this way, any overheating issue can be easily avoided. Setting the machine on low RPM can also be a nice way to ensure that the blade does not overheat.
These are some of the best ways of using a concrete saw. Cutting concrete may not be the easiest but by following these tips, an operator can easily cut it without much trouble and the equipment can also stay functional for long.
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