2015 - Megasaw

Megasaw30 November 2015Concrete Removal

Saving Money on Concrete Removal

removing concrete

Jobs like having to break up and remove segments of concrete is a huge task but getting rid of the concrete is another problem.

The first thing that has to be determined before any concrete removal job is taken on is determining if there is a need to break up and remove the concrete. It has to be determined if demolishing the concrete is the most economical way to go or is a concrete repair or resurfacing a better alternative. In most cases if the concrete is deeply cracked or has begun to sink then concrete removal and replacement is usually the only option.

Selecting the right equipment

It all begins with using the right demolition tools for the job as each concrete removal job has its own demands. There are many different types of tools that can be used for this job such as a chipping hammer which are handheld concrete breakers ideal for concrete removal that is vertical or in the overhead services.

A demolition hammer is another tool that may be required which is different from Rotary hammers. In this case this particular tool can deliver a hammering action to help break up the concrete for easier removal. The decision will have to be made between using a demolition hammer or a rotary hammer.

Another tool that may be required is the diamond wire saw which is sometimes more efficient than the circular saws. The one advantage of this particular saw is its ability to cut concrete no matter how thick it may be.

There is also the possibility that a hydraulic concrete crusher may be the best option. The advantage of using this tool is that it will break the concrete down into smaller pieces which are easier to handle and dispose of.

There are many different tools that can be used for wall sawing or concrete removal, and it is important that the right tools are chosen. It is also equally important that the individual operating the tools has the expertise that is needed. We recommend that only those that have been properly trained carries out the work in order to get the job done correctly and to keep safety as the priority.

No doubt purchasing any of these tools can be very expensive and adds to the inventory of the businesses that may require the need of them. Not only is there a cost involved in the purchase, but also in the storing, maintaining and repairing of the tools. Many commercial entities that have a need for concrete removal find that farming the job out to professionals like ourselves, that specialise in concrete demolition and removal is a far more economical way of getting the job completed.

save on concrete removal

Turn to the professionals

While many commercial entities have a need for commercial demolition and concrete removal there are many home owners that often find they have a need for concrete removal as well. A good example of this can be if their driveway needs replacing. We recommend that those who need to remove the concrete from their driveway get the opinion of professionals such as ourselves to determine the amount of work and the feasibility of this type of project.

What most people don’t realise is that concrete will always eventually crack and at some point in time will need to be replaced. Most often individuals who like to work on their home themselves feel they can attack this type of job alone but often run into many difficulties. This is one of the reasons that we highly recommend using professionals such as ourselves to complete this type of significant task. In the end, it can save a lot of money by preventing the many errors and problems that can take occur with concrete removal.

The size of the job is going to dictate whether you need a professional to do this for you. If you are only looking at a small home project such as removing an old walkway then with the right instruction and tools you most likely can do this yourself. It should not be thought that because you are capable of doing the small jobs, however, that you have developed the expertise for taking on the bigger ones like replacing your driveway or if you are replacing or demolishing concrete walls.

Safety precautions

If you have to do any digging then it’s really important to check there are no wires, pipes or cables that may be underground. You need to call the necessary people to ensure this.

Planning a concrete removal project also requires you to look at the proper measurements required for the job. It is most disappointing to build your patio and then once completed wish you had made it bigger. If you are in doubt, we highly recommended that you speak to professionals such as ourselves concerning your project so that we can advise you as to your best options.

Safety is a big factor when working with concrete whether you are demolishing it or installing it. We highly recommend that you are aware of these potential dangers and that you also use the proper equipment for your job at hand, as well as wearing the proper safety equipment.

Be sure to call us as we would be most happy to discuss your concrete job with you and how we may be able to assist. If there are ways that you can do this yourself safely and cost effectively we will certainly tell you. However, if it is a job that we feel you require the help of professionals then we can be at your service.

Megasaw25 November 2015Wall Sawing

Tearing Down and Repairing Walls Safely

tearing down a wall using concrete saw

Tearing down any walls within the home is a big job and one that has to be done with safety in mind. There are many different things that have to be considered and careful planning is a must. There may be several different reasons as to why you want to take down a wall, but the most common one is that many individuals like their homes to have the open concept. This means taking down one or two room dividers to achieve this which may involve wall sawing and concrete cutting.

Planning is key

You should give some thought to the overall planning of the wall removal and what your expectations are. Study it carefully to see if it is really going to give you more room, or perhaps your purpose is to create more light and a better flow throughout the home. Try to visualise this space as it will be when it becomes open, and this will give you a better idea of whether you are making the right move in removing the wall. You also want to consider if you are going to use this new space for additional seating. If so, then you need to determine that this is going to flow nicely into the room that the wall was dividing.

The first important step is to determine if the wall that you are going to remove is a load bearing wall. This is critically important because it’s providing support for the structure of different segments of your home. Removing this can be devastating and cause serious damage and even personal injury. If you are not sure whether the wall you’re removing is safe to do so, we highly recommend that you speak to a professional that is well-versed in wall sawing or concrete cutting.

Once it has been determined that the wall can be removed then you are ready to go on to the next step. You may be in for some surprises when you open the wall, as chances are you do not know what exists in the interior of it. You may come across items such as old light switches, a vent, or thermostat for example. We recommend that you use the proper tools for determining what may be within the walls. For example, an AC voltage detector or a voltmeter will help you determine if there is any live wiring that may be in the wall. If you do find there are electrical components within the wall that you are removing, we recommend that you use an electrician to remove these or redirect them. You don’t want to run the risk when wall cutting, or concrete cutting that you cut into these.

Safety steps

Before you begin removing the wall the first thing to do is to make sure you are personally protected and you are using the proper safety gear. Ideally a hard hat and safety goggles are something that we recommend.

You are probably going to want to use a crowbar to remove items such as the trim and the panel so you can get down to the wall structure itself. It is really important to be careful when working up against the adjacent walls that you do not damage them while removing the one wall that you want to get rid of.

Removing the drywall

To break down the drywall, which most walls are comprised of and are also called plasterboard,you can use a hammer or wall saw. Once you have broken down all of the drywall, we suggest that you get rid of this as it begins to build up as it could be a safety factor and you could end up tripping over it.

Once all of the drywall has been removed then you are ready to start working on the studs. You need to be extra cautious here as you will not only need to do some wall sawing, but you will be coming across nails as well. When you are working all along the wall lines you may want to use a reciprocating saw as this will give you better control and allow you to cut a straight line. It is most important that you work carefully when you get to the adjacent structures, otherwise the amount of work that you are going to have to do by way of touch-ups could be quite substantial.

Removing brick or concrete walls

An even greater task can present itself when the wall that you’re going to remove is brick or concrete. The same preparatory work must take place when attempting to remove the concrete wall. Again you need to be sure that it is not a load bearing wall and that you are wearing the proper safety equipment, and using the proper tools for concrete cutting. You want to work from the top down and again use the same clean-up precautions. There are several different tools you should be working with such as pneumatic jackhammers, hammer chisels or you can resort to a sledgehammer and a pry bar and chisels. There is no doubt that this is a big job and takes a fair amount of expertise.

Here at MegaSaw we have the skills and expertise to get this job done for you. Hand sawing is our specialty and we use the latest equipment for tough jobs such as wall sawing and concrete cutting. Rather than take this task on yourself we highly recommend that you hire our professionals to get the job done for you quickly and easily and to your utmost satisfaction. This is going to save you time and most probably money in the long run, and will allow you to get on with the better part of your project which is planning for your new space.

Megasaw26 October 2015Concrete Cutting, Concrete Removal

Why Concrete Cutting Solutions Are Key to Earthquake Responses

rescuers on earthquake rubble

Over the centuries, thousands of natural disasters have left their scars on communities. Of the types of disasters, the earthquake remains one of the most destructive, especially in urban areas. As a result, concrete cutting solutions are a core response feature.

There can be no doubt about the degree of destruction caused by an earthquake. This destruction is most evident in urban areas, where buildings, roadways and pavements can be both seriously damaged and completely destroyed.

In Nepal in 2015, over 9,000 people were killed in one of the strongest earthquakes in recent decades, measuring 7.8 magnitude. The capital Kathmandu saw historic pagodas, churches and temples collapse, as well as multi-level office buildings in downtown areas. Secondary effects, like delayed building collapses, were a constant concern.

The 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand claimed 185 lives, and its impact on structures in the city was severe. The six-storey Canterbury Television building and the four-storey Payne Gould Guinness House were amongst the most prominent buildings to be destroyed – both built using reinforced concrete.

Why are concrete cutting solutions so important?

The only safe way to deal with such urban destruction is to break down and remove the ruins and rubble. Initial efforts are done in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake to improve safety conditions while rescue operations are in full swing. But afterward, the work continues to clear areas to allow reconstruction to begin.

Often, buildings succumb to the impact of an earthquake in the weeks, months and even years, following the disaster requiring concrete cutting solutions as part of controlled demolition strategies. For example, in the period from the 2010 Canterbury earthquake to February 2015, some 1,240 buildings were demolished, including the Hotel Grand Chancellor and the 21-storey PricewaterhouseCoopers building.

But what can concrete cutting services actually do as part of an earthquake response strategy? There are three main tasks concrete cutters are ideally suited to:

1. Creating space to operate In

With the level of destruction that typically follows a strong earthquake, it can be very difficult for rescue teams to access the disaster area. Fallen buildings create mountains of rubble, impeding essential machinery like cranes and diggers from moving to the spots where they are needed. Concrete cutting solutions address such problems, cutting pathways through the debris, allowing passage through. There may also be issues with narrow locations, where the arm of a crane does not have sufficient room to rotate. Cutters can also be used to widen the space by removing segments of ruined walls or floors. Cranes can then fully rotate to lift and safely remove rubble and other debris.

2. Increasing Safety for Rescue Teams

By definition, rubble is never secure. But rescue teams often have to work on top of mounds of broken bricks, concrete slabs, pillars and girders. In some cases, the remaining structures in the devastated area can be dangerously close to total collapse, and semi-collapsed floors high above the rescue operation may teeter on the verge of complete collapse. That means they have to work in conditions that are unsafe. Concrete cutting solutions also address this threat, allowing rescue teams to cut away any hazardous elements on the scene, like the shattered end of a concrete floor. In this way, the area can be stabilised, making it easier for rescue crews to concentrate on the job at hand.

3. Gaining access to survivors

A third reason for having concrete cutters on hand is they can cut through debris to get to trapped survivors. Cutting through this concrete – in a careful and strategically secure way – creates a path for rescue crews to rescue these people and lift them to safety. Where victims are concerned, it allows them to be recovered and returned to their loved ones for burial.

Types of Concrete Cutters used

Hand Saws – The most practical concrete cutting saw, and therefore the most essential for concrete cutting solutions, is the hand saw. They can typically cut at depths of around 150 mm – so through floors and walls. Because it is hand-held and highly versatile, it can be used on almost any gradient and in the tightest of corners.
Road Saws – Road Saws is part and parcel of any concrete cutting kit dealing with paved walkways, pedestrian bridges and passageways. It is bulky, so is limited in regards to where it can be used. But its power when cutting through asphalt and concrete surfaces makes it ideal for removing damaged sections of roadway, and cutting through suspended concrete slabs.
Wire Saws –Concrete wire saws are powerful machines that can cut through massive concrete blocks, successfully separating large sectors of concrete and steel that may be hampering rescue operations. Using a highly effective diamond wire it can cut through thick broken slabs such as those found on modern bridges, or through thick concrete pillars. But it can be used on semi-collapsed buildings too. Perhaps its biggest advantage is that is can be used effectively in confined spaces.

Concrete Cutting Solutions from the experts

Clearly, concrete cutting is a vital service in any emergency response strategy after an earthquake. With the degree of structural damage to buildings, and the tight confines of many locations, concrete cutting saws have genuine uses at the scene. But it’s not something anyone can do.

Here at MegaSaw, we have been providing concrete cutting solutions to clients throughout Melbourne for almost 40 years. We know from our own experience that professional service providers are the only safe option when handling a location covered by rubble and damaged structures.

For more on our concrete cutting services, contact us either via email at info@megasaw.com.au or by calling one of our team at 1300-920-419.

Megasaw21 October 2015Paver Cutting

5 Steps To Cutting Pavers Around Curves

cutting paver

There is nothing new to having paved driveways and parking areas in either residential or commercial areas. But the popularity of paver bricks, with their array of textures and colours, requires laying them with a certain amount of expertise. In particular, the range of layouts and designs requires cutting the pavers to fit around curves is a common requirement.

The technique applied when cutting pavers depends on the radius of the curve itself. The larger the radius will be, the slower the curve. Curves with greater than 1800mm radii, it is possible to cut clearly in one smooth arc. This is because the blade can be adjusted gently to match the curve line. This is ideal when laying pavers for a larger circular space, just like at the end of a driveway where cars may be parked.

But when the arc is fast (meaning the radius is small and the arc is severe), then several cuts will be needed. An example is a curved garden path through a lawn area or around flower beds. It could also be a laneway along the side of the home, linking the front and the rear of the property. Handling these faster curves is where the skill and experience of the saw operator comes into play, as they can be the trickiest to negotiate.

Types of Curves

When dealing with the tricky fast curves, there are 2 things to consider. These are the convex (external curve) and the concave (internal curve). With each, the pavers need to be laid first so that the curve can be mapped onto them.

When creating a large open space, the curve is going to be mostly convex, unless the design dictates otherwise. Where pathways are concerned, both types of curves apply as the opposite side of the paved pathway will be the opposite curve type. For instance, convex on the left side will juxtapose concave on the right.

Cutting Convex Curves

If the arc line projects outward, the task of cutting pavers convexly is easier than cutting concave curves. When laying the pavers down, mark the curve lines on them. But with a straight cutter blade, you may need to draw 3 or 4 straight lines to follow, using the curve as the guide. The angle change between lines should be less than 10 degrees to create a neat curved look.

Cutting Concave Curves

To cut a concave curve, a considerable amount of care should be taken. Again, the curve must be mapped onto the pavers and then a series of lines must be drawn also to complement it. Generally, just 2 lines are needed with one end of each line beginning on a free edge of the paver, intersecting inside it. What is important is that the arc or section of the arc is aligned accurately.

But while the geometry involved might seem a little confusing to those unaccustomed to working on such projects, the whole procedure can actually be broken down to just 5 simple steps. Here is a quick guide to cutting pavers to fit curves.

5 Steps in Cutting Pavers around Curve Edges

1. Map out the area

The area where the pavement should be placed needs to be clearly marked. Then, dig out and level the surface by spreading sand. If the area is to have some straight lines, use an edge restraint to clearly mark them. Doing this leaves spaces where the curved areas can be accommodated. On circular areas and winding pathways, the straight lines can be used to frame the curves.

2. Lay out the curves

This can be tricky but there are a few ways to make it a little simpler. Firstly, for large slow curves, use some garden hose instead of twine and pegs. This is because hoses curve smoothly. Then, sketch the curves on the ground using a piece of chalk. The garden hose technique suits the winding pathway too. However, the curves will be faster and the hose would need to have greater flexibility. Use pegs to fix the hose in place, then, mark the curves using the chalk.

3. Lay on the pavers

The next step is the easiest. Lay on the pavers as though filling a square or rectangle. The pavement can be practically completed without having to worry about cutting pavers to complement the curves. Just be sure that the pavers are properly laid, are flat and extend adequately over the curve lines. As you lay the furthest pavers, etch the curves over them. That way, you can easily follow the chalk markings beneath.

4. Spray pavers with lacquer

Spraying the pavers with lacquer can protect the guide line while cutting. Pavers can produce a lot of dust when they are being cut. These dusts fall back down onto the paver surface, hiding the lines. It is important to have a clear view of the guide line at all times. When you cut slow curves pavers, simply follow the line as drawn. But when the curve is fast, then it may be necessary to lift the pavers and cut before replacing them. Again, this depends on the desired design.

5. Install a flexible restraint

The final step would be to secure the shape of the paving. The narrow gaps between the pavers should be filled with sand and then compacted using a power tamper. But the tremors caused by tampering can easily shake the pavers out of place, unless they are properly secured. You need to fix flexible restraints using a mallet and metal pegs. To finish the job, cover the restraints with soil or grass sods whichever is appropriate for you.

Trust the Experts

Clearly, cutting pavers around curves is something that a novice is going to struggle to complete well. Hence, you need the help of the expert in paver cutting services. At MegaSaw, we have been providing excellent quality paver cutting services to clients throughout Melbourne for almost 40 years.

We apply a number of different techniques and use specialised saws as well as grinders equipped with diamond blades. We are fully prepared to deal with the specifics of the project and create cuts that are smooth and accurate.

For more information on our paver cutting services, contact us either via email at info@megasaw.com.au or by calling one of our skilled teams on 1300-920-419.

Megasaw30 September 2015Concrete Cutting

How to Choose Your Professional Concrete Cutter in Melbourne

If you require a concrete cutter some of us may imagine it being a difficult job full of mess and noise, we may think it will be dusty as we imagine drilling down, cutting down, smashing down, knocking down of established concrete followed by the collecting and clearing of the whole mess to get the site ready for whatever is planned for it. We may even visualise burly workmen pounding their huge metal mallets on the wall or pavement, after probably drilling their way to create cracks to facilitate the demolition.

Concrete Cutting

These images don’t have to be a reality. With the proper equipment and skills of trained personnel and technicians, such as what we have at MegaSaw, concrete cutting, including the removal of the debris, can be a much cleaner and efficient job.

The key is in the cutting. Where we would think of cutting or sawing as something that is done only to wood, there are now equipment that can preserve good structurally-sound concrete parts such as walls, pavements and floorings and allow their re-design without destroying these concrete parts altogether.

A Cutting Tool for Every Cutting Job

At MegaSaw we have every type of equipment to do any kind and size of cutting job; a professional competence that we have developed over 40 years of being in business. We have the handsaw which is a most useful concrete saw for projects that larger equipment cannot access such as storage areas and bathrooms. With the handsaw, we can cut windows and doorway spaces without knocking through the wall.

We also have the road or floor saw, used appropriately for cutting through large portions of concrete flooring, pavement or even bridges. We also have several specialist tools for tricky and sensitive jobs that require a depth of cut. Examples of these tools are the ring saw, the wall saw and the wire saw forming part of our latest additions to our cutting-edge equipment.

professional concrete cutting

Higher Cutting Quality

Concrete cutting has thus elevated itself a notch higher in its professional classification. With high-technology cutting, a lot of things can be preserved, even as changes in design are being introduced. Cutting has not only been made high quality; cutting can in fact be assumed to have entered a new field altogether, providing fresh options to work in restorative construction.

Selection of Service Provider

To achieve the best results in concrete cutting, one critical step that must be undertaken is the selection of the professional cutting services provider. The new design concepts may only actually be executed if the cutting is done professionally. In making such a choice for the concrete cutter, the following are suggestions for consideration:

1. Professional competence

The cutting service provider you choose must possess the knowledge, experience and skills needed to execute even the most delicate and difficult design as specified. Included in this consideration is the professional accountability of the provider for the work it performs. Preference should certainly favour the providers who are accredited with the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association of Australia (CSDAA).

2. Equipment and technology

The provider you choose must have the complete facilities to undertake the project to the finish and must possess the technological knowhow to execute the work with efficiency.

3. Concern for the environment

Choose a cutter who cares for the community where it resides. There are many ways a provider can express its environmentally green credentials and given the materials and processes by which it is involved, it must lead the way in promoting sustainability by pursuing green initiatives that reduce its carbon footprints. If it cares for the environment, it cares for you.

4. Customer service excellence

You need a provider who is available as well as being professional and caring; one whose services are within your reach whenever they are needed. You need a provider who puts you ahead and on top of other interests.

These are just few of the critical factors that can serve to identify the characteristics of the concrete cutting provider that will be suitable for your concrete cutting needs. Cost is not included as a selection factor because in the end, what matters is the quality of the work that is completed. If the work is satisfactory or even exceeds satisfaction, wouldn’t cost be the least important?

MegaSaw and Concrete Cutting

We at MegaSaw would love to know how we can be of service and value to you, not only for your concrete cutting requirements but for your other cutting or sawing needs. We would love to have you contact us on 1300 920 409. Or you may drop us an email at MegaSaw@bigpond.net.au.

Megasaw28 September 2015Concrete Grinding

Four Key Steps in Concrete Grinding and Polishing

Did you know that the concrete slab underneath those expensive marble, granite and wooden tile coverings on floors can also be made to look like the elegant finishes they display at exceptionally lower costs and by a process that offers much respect for the environment?

The process of polishing concrete to produce an elegant polished concrete finish will eliminate the need for the overly expensive and high energy consuming marble and granite tiles, and even the wooden and vinyl tiles whose production processes disrespect our earth’s natural endowments. This renewed interest for concrete grinding and polishing is not only observed in Melbourne but elsewhere around the world.

Steps to Polished Concrete

polished concrete

The steps to produce polished concrete may range from a few steps to several elaborate steps depending on the level of quality desired for the concrete finish. Basically, there are only four major steps involved: surface preparation, surface grinding, surface sealing and surface polishing. Any additional step will just be a repetition of a major step to achieve the finer finish quality.

1. Surface Preparation

There are possibly two surface preparation types: one for a new concrete slab and another for an existing concrete slab. A new concrete slab will certainly involve less costs, since the mixing and the pouring of the concrete can already include some of the initial steps in polishing such as the addition of the decorative finish.

There is need to clean and clear the slab for any existing topping or sealer and to replace this with a new topping aggregate of at least 50 mm in thickness. This topping can contain the decorative elements you want to see on the final polished surface and is the equivalent to the topping that would hold the marble or granite tiles if these were to be used.

2. Surface Grinding

As soon as the topping has hardened and is ready to work-up, the grinding process begins with a 16-grit diamond grinding machine, and progressively repeated, each time increasing the fineness of the grit until it reaches the 120-grit metal segment. The low number code in the diamond grit indicates the coarseness level at which the surface is to be scraped or ground. Judgment is needed as to how many grinding cycles are to be repeated. Increasing the grit number refines the concrete surface to its desired smoothness.

The grinding, and consequently the polishing, can be done either dry or wet, although the wet method is gaining more popularity in obvious avoidance of the adverse effects of the dust powder on our health.

3. Surface Sealing

During the grinding process, and prior to the polishing, a sealing solution is applied to fill up any cracks, holes or distortion that may have been created on the surface from the initial grinding. Likewise, a densifier hardener solution is added to the concrete surface to further solidify and strengthen the surface as it is subjected to polishing. A densifier is a water-based chemical solution that penetrates into the concrete and increases its density to make it liquid-proof and almost scratch-proof due to its newly acquired abrasion resistance.

4. Surface Polishing

After achieving the surface smoothness level from the metal grinding, the polishing begins with a 50-grit diamond resin pad. The polishing cycle is repeated progressively as in grinding, except this time various increasing grit level pads are used. Suggested grit levels after the first 50-grit are 100, then200, 400, 800,1500 and lastly 3000 grit. As in the grinding, judgment is needed as to the final grit level to be used. What is important is that the concrete achieves a gloss that is comparable to most commercially available surfaces.

The Polished Finish

Polished concrete is increasingly becoming the more popular floor finishing option nowadays not only because of its economy in application but also its evident sustainability feature. It is considered a green solution. Additionally, polished concrete is a low maintenance finish. It is easier to clean. Due to its acquired impervious quality, it is impenetrable by most liquids. With just a soapy water on a weekly round, it can be kept to its original sparkle and gloss. Polished concrete also has life span that is longer than most other finishes.

Most notably, polished concrete comes in several beautiful designs that can match or compete with designs of commercial expensive tiles.

MegaSaw for Grinding and Polishing in Melbourne

We at MegaSaw love to contribute to the preservation of the environment. We always look forward to a continued green environment for our children. We live by our advocacy by recycling and reusing as many of our consumables as possible and making sure we help in achieving our environment’s natural balance.

We have available grinding and polishing equipment and parts as well as other products and tools that may be useful in turning up the elegant polished concrete that you desire for your flooring. Or for any job that involves meticulous cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing.

Megasaw30 June 2015Concrete Cutting

How We Maintain Excellence in Our Concrete Cutting Services

Over the years, MegaSaw has become a leading name amongst concrete cutting services, not just here in Melbourne, but across Victoria State and in our neighbouring states. We have worked hard to accomplish this and it certainly has not been an overnight accomplishment. But there are certain aspects to our operation we believe have allowed us to maintain our reputation for excellence in this particular area of expertise.

Today, we are a one-stop shop for concrete-related solutions in construction, demolition, conservation and renovation projects and we count multinational property developers and local authority departments amongst our client base. In fact our range of concrete service expertise includes:

Concrete cutting
Concrete drilling
Concrete sawing
Concrete grinding

But being able to do the work well is not enough to earn a reputation for excellence in this business. We believe there are five particular factors that have contributed to it.

1. Professional Personnel

There is no substitute for knowledge, experience, skill and professionalism. In our 40 years in business, we have been lucky to have some of the most skilled and professional people in our team, ensuring the highest level of customer service at all times.

The consistency in quality in both the work we do and the personable, friendly customer interaction we are famed for, is hugely important to use. Maintaining it requires constant vigilance but through these four standards we insist upon ourselves, that job becomes easier.

Knowledge – We stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, technology and materials to make sure we are on top of our game
Experienced – Our personnel have years of experience in the industry
Skilled – We are properly trained in the skills necessary to achieve the best possible results
CSDAA Accredited – We are no rogue operators but a recognised leading concrete cutting service provider within the industry and a member of the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association of Australia (CSDAA). We are completely accountable so you can have total confidence in everything that we do.

2. Modern Equipment using Leading Technology

MegaSaw core drilling service

It’s a pretty obvious observation but the quality of any job done is heavily dependent on the equipment used to do it. At MegaSaw, we always make sure we have the right equipment so that the job is done right and our reputation as leading concrete cutting service providers remains safely intact. It’s the reason why we choose to use Husqvarna cutting equipment as our primary tools because of their reliability, technologically advanced components and greater efficiency levels.

So what are the different types of concrete cutting saws we use on our projects? Well, here’s a breakdown of what we have and how we use it.

Hand saws – Arguably the most used of our collection of saws are these hand-held ones. They are so popular because they are hand-held, they are very portable and can be used effectively in places that larger saws cannot get to. These locations include indoor spaces, like storage areas, laundry rooms and interior bathrooms. They are perfectly suited for cutting windows and doorway spaces in existing concrete walls, slashing the time it would take a construction worker to ‘knock through’ the required space – this is especially important when working to tight deadlines.

Our Husqvarna Hand Saw is petrol powered and cuts to a depth of 150mm. It’s on the cutting edge of saw technology, boasting a built-in automatic filter that lowers fuel consumption without losing power, thereby making it more fuel and cost efficient. They are perfect for cutting a variety of concrete surfaces and items like:

Floors and walls
Cast concrete
Blocks or large segments
Kerbstones
Pavers

In spaces where ventilation is a problem, we opt for the hydraulic hand saw. This is to remove the fuel fumes that might otherwise build up and make the air unbreathable. These saws have a capability to cut to depths of 210mm.

Road or floor saws – When it comes to cutting through large areas of concrete floor, pavement, roads or even bridges, efficiency is a key issue. We use the latest technology to ensure those efficiency levels – in fuel consumption, time and labour required, and in overall cost – is achieved. Of course, when a floor is in a confined location, then the handsaw is usually the best option, but outdoors, where there is space and ventilation, a more powerful saw works best.

Some of the aspects of our concrete cutting service where a road or floor saw is needed include:

Road works
Driveway and kerb removal
Slab removal
Cutting trenches for plumbing and drainage
Concrete slab cutting for removal
Concrete repairs
Loop cutting for boom gates and traffic lights

Once again we use Husqvarna road cutters, a brand that is proven around the world for developing machines that are faster, cleaner and smarter. The powerful modern diesel engines have low emissions and provide fast, efficient sawing. The new, intuitive digital control panel and other smart features help you work more efficiently.

Compact and manoeuverable, these powerful machines can cut to depths of just over 370 mm, and is perfect for the range of floor and road-side projects that we take on regularly. With an advanced fuel-efficient diesel engine, it also has a diesel particle filter that keeps CO2 emissions low.

Ring Saws – Some jobs require more specialist tools and this is where our ring sawing services come in. This technology is an essential part of our overall concrete cutting services, because they are specifically designed to handle tricky concrete and masonry cutting tasks in very tight areas but with a considerable amount of depth required. For example, a ring saw can cut to depths of as much as 270mm, ensuring even thick concrete surfaces can be cut and removed more quickly, and where other materials pose a more difficult task for a hand saw, like:

Double brick walls
Door and window openings
Concrete pipes and manhole covers
Cutting in confined spaces

Our Husqvarna ring saw boasts lasting power, resilience and high-end technology to ensure the surest deep cutting available (270mm). Meanwhile, the 355mm abrasive blades that our ring saw uses is ideal not just for cutting through concrete, but also limestone, lava rock, slate rock, shale and sandstone.

Wall Saws – Whether we are working on a commercial project for major property developers, or on a residential project with homeowners looking for major renovations to be made, the challenge of quickly and efficiency cutting into walls is something we have lots of experience in. But while hand saws are sometimes used by our competitors we know that a specialised wall saw is needed, making them important elements in the arsenal of our concrete cutting service.

Wall saws have been developed to ensure precision and efficiency when cutting through a standing wall. This is normally difficult because the face of the concrete is vertical, and keeping a straight line with just your eyes is no easy task. But the Husqvarna wall saw we use is track mounted, allowing it to maintain a straight cut from top to bottom, What is more, the cut can be as deep as 530mm, which means it can make light work of narrow walls.

The wall saw is ideal for making space in solid walls – even reinforced concrete and brick – safely and cleanly, but the versatility of the mount frame means that more than just straight cuts can be achieved. This means it’s highly efficient in achieving:

Door openings
Window openings
Ventilation channels
Dovetail cutting
Flush cutting

Wire Saws – One of the most recent technological developments in concrete cutting services is the use of the wire saw. Its name might suggest a flimsy machine and in the past it has been associated more with very soft materials like wood. However, advances in wire technology has led to the availability of diamond wire saws which offer all the versatility of a traditional wire cutter but the hardness and cutting efficiency of diamond blades. These wire saws can cut through large, dense concrete blocks and even steel.

As a result, MegaSaw is perfectly equipped to safely cut segments from large concrete constructions or structures, like bridges and pillars. The Husqvarna wire saw we use allow for flexible set ups increasing the number of locations they are practical in.

Concrete block cutting – The uses of concrete slabs and blocks have many uses, not simply to use in the construction of a home or office building. So, it’s understandable that they would need to be cut to suit a particular purpose. At MegaSaw, we have become one of the leading providers of concrete cutting services because of our expertise in every area of the sector, but we cut our teeth in cutting concrete blocks to size. Once again, we trust in the superior design and efficiency of Husqvarna cutting equipment to ensure the highest quality work is completed for all our clients. So, whether you are installing a concrete post fence, a retaining wall, or a large slab, we can cut and shape to the specifications you require.

3. Mobility

MegaSaw van

Getting onsite quickly with all of the necessary equipment on hand is a cornerstone of any efficient concrete cutting services. It does not take a rocket scientist to work that out, but you’d be surprised how many of our competitors place having a fleet of fully-equipped transit vans way down the list.

At MegaSaw, we have a fleet of 10 such vehicles, always fully serviced and ready to go, and always fully stocked with the saw, blades and other equipment needed to get the job done. Though small and manageable, the vans have ample space to load our road saws and wall saws onboard without any hassle, while the available interior space is also carefully managed and maintained to ensure every component has a spare on hand.

Think about it. When has failure to be prepared ever been a wise move? We are never unprepared and it’s a key reason for our clients to stay with us, knowing they can count on us – whatever the job, and every time.

4. Green Solutions

Just like every Australian, we wholeheartedly embrace our responsibility to the environment. And let’s face it, anything to do with construction, demolition and cutting up concrete is not going to be neat and clean by definition. We make every effort to ensure that what we do is done in an eco-friendly way.

We minimise our CO2 emissions. For our hydraulic and air-powered saws, we use compressors that enjoy a high level of fuel efficiency, thereby lowering emissions and the carbon footprint.
We recycle waste materials wherever possible, with metals and concrete segments sent to be recycled. Recycling concrete can make a huge difference to the Australian environment. We reuse materials too – or at least, send them for reuse, like large metal segments in reinforced concrete.

Our stance is pretty simple. A greener tomorrow is a better tomorrow for everyone and we are proud to contribute to a greener and environmentally cleaner Australia.

5. Our Values have Never Changed

We feel this is the biggest reason we have retained our reputation for excellence as a concrete cutting service provider. It’s easy to point to the projects we have competed, especially the large ones working for major national, international and even government clients, but getting there required a set of values in the first place.

Our values have not changed. We started as a local operator and despite our growth, we remain as focused on satisfying the demands of our locally-based clients – be they commercial or residential clients. We are always contactable and always accountable and when it comes to response time, we can confidently say we are unbeatable.

In fact, we are so confident that we encourage all prospective new clients to speak to our former clients and get a full report from them. Just check out the work we have completed.

To find out about any of our range of concrete cutting services, including our concrete removal service, why not speak to Steph at 1300 920 419 or email us info@megasaw.com.au.

Megasaw19 June 2015Concrete Cutting

5 Reasons You Should Hire Local Professional Concrete Cutters

Concrete surfaces and structures don’t last forever, so the need for skilled and properly qualified concrete cutters is pretty high wherever that popular building material is prominent. But as is the case with almost all trades, a debate rages over whether it is better to hire local professional concrete cutting services or to go to larger companies based further afield.

On the face of it, the obvious answer is to go to the biggest one. The company with the best equipment, biggest budgets and greatest resources, but in fact this is not always the best choice. Hiring locally-based concrete cutters with a proven track record often satisfies the basic criteria best when making such choices.

concrete cutting using hand saw

At MegaSaw, we have always valued our role as local service providers, even though we have grown since first embarking in the sector, to become a leading name much further afield. Why have we retained our local-focus? Because we are so much more than a local concrete cutting service.

5 Reasons you Should Hire Local Professional Concrete Cutters

1. A Good Local Reputation

For any professional operating in a local area, the priority is to build a positive reputation. It’s why every consumer expert advises shopping around. There is also more than one option out there and when it comes to choosing between them, a reputation for things like quality of work, meeting deadlines and even personal skills, can be the deciding factors.

Checking out the reputation of a local professional concrete cutter is pretty easy, with a few different avenues to take (though we would recommend taking them all)

Check out their website – competitive, top quality companies have top quality websites.
Check with the relevant trade associations – your choice of concrete cutter should be affiliated to an association. For example, MegaSaw is an accredited contractor with the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association of Australia (CSDAA).
Check the company background – contact the local chamber of commerce for any complaints they may have received about the company
Seek first-hand recommendations – talking to someone who knows the local operators from first-hand experience is the best thing to do. Their recommendation is gold so, ask friends, family and workmates who have had work done on their concrete driveway or walls.

2. More Affordable

There is a tendency to expect that local professionals – whether they are concrete cutters or another tradesperson – charge higher rates because they are smaller operators. However, this is not always the case. Remember, international and regional companies have bigger budgets and larger teams working on their projects, which means more resources to call upon. Local operators have to compete with that and for that reason, have to be affordable. They have to be highly efficient too, with smaller teams working on individual projects but with experience and high-quality tools ensuring the best job is done. And because there is always more than one competitor in the area, the rates have to be more affordable, the operation has to offer some flexibility and value for money has to be extremely high.

3. On Hand for Emergencies

By definition, local concrete cutters live in the general area, so they are perfectly placed to come to your aid whenever there is an emergency. Most types of damage to concrete take a long time to manifest themselves. For example, chemical damage caused by leaching or the corrosion of metal reinforcement bars can take months or years to show. But there can be sudden damage too, such as cracking caused when a heavy object falls over onto it, or if there is an accident involving a major impact on a concrete surface.

Of course, even when concrete gradually degrades, there comes a time when it’s now or never and immediate attention is required. Perhaps the damage is weakening an overall structure (say, in a wall) or makes everyday living or working impractical. A local professional concrete cutting service provider can get to the site, cut away the damaged area and have everything ready for the offending space to be filled in again. With many providers (such as here at MegaSaw), emergencies can be dealt with overnight if necessary, and a 24-hour turnaround can be guaranteed.

4. Building a Relationship

One of the great advantages with hiring a local concrete cutter is that a positive working relationship can develop. Local operators know the area, know the people and tend to take a genuinely amiable approach to working with clients. And because they are professional, they are not satisfied with delivering anything less than the highest standard quality of work – every time.

From your point of view, it’s a win-win situation. Not only do you get a high quality of work from a professional that you know you can trust, but you are also hiring someone who is close by and can be approached whenever their services are needed.

5. Accredited with Progressive Association

You might wonder how finding a local concrete cutter that is accredited by a national or international body can benefit you. Well, it’s not so much the badge they can show off, but the value that being a member of that association or federation has to the services and expertise they offer. For example, many progressive associations provide

Training schemes – so their members’ skills are always up-to-date and relevant
Quality ratings – so their members’ quality of work is kept consistently high
Best practices guides – so their members adhere to standards in a range of areas
OHS advice – so their members’ personnel adhere to safety regulations

What is more, associations often provide a list of recommended service providers in specific states, cities and localities. Here is what the CSDAA does for the concrete cutting sector.

Also, the International Association of Concrete Drillers and Sawers (IACDS) is an umbrella organisation representing professional concrete drilling and cutting service providers in nine countries, including Australia. They list the main advantages of choosing only professional services, whether for large or small contracts.

Concrete Cutting Services from MegaSaw

At MegaSaw, we’ve been providing concrete cutting, drilling and removal services in Melbourne for more than 20 years. Yes, we are one of the most trusted professional concrete cutters in the city, the state of Victoria and beyond, but we retain the same local values that has been the key to our success.

We provide the complete concrete service for Melbourne, using the most advanced concrete cutters, from road saws to hand saws, to ensure the greatest efficiency, both in terms of cost and time. We also include environmentally friendly concrete removal as part of our service, meeting our responsibilities to the environment and ensuring a clean site greets our clients after we’ve left.

If you are interested to learn more about our stone and concrete cutting services, concrete wall sawing services or concrete removal services, please call 1300 920 419 or email info@megasaw.com.au for a quick response within 24 hours.

Megasaw16 June 2015Diamond Grinding, Tools

Handy Tips for Diamond Grinding Services and Keeping Tools in Top Condition

To the uninitiated, it does sound like a rather luxurious surface maintenance technique. But to those in the know, diamond grinding is one of the toughest, most efficient and most effective methods of enhancing a dull or damaged concrete surface.

The track record that diamond tools have is impressive. It is not only that the hardness of the stone in question is so great that cracked, stained or uneven pavements and concrete floors (indoors and outdoors) can be rehabilitated quickly and effectively, it is also a cost effective option. And provided the equipment used is up to scratch, the demands on labour is eased considerably.

But such positives come at a price. The wear and tear on the diamond disks that do the actual grinding and polishing is typically extensive, so your diamond grinding tool needs to be properly maintained if its effectiveness – both in terms of job quality and cost – is to be consistent.

Over the past four decades, we at MegaSaw have built up a considerable reputation for providing diamond grinding services of the highest quality. But we have also learned the importance of maintaining the equipment and tools needed to get the job done. So, we have put together some tips how best to keep your diamond grinder in tip-top condition.

Why use Diamond Grinders?

newly grinded concrete floor

The bottom line is that the technology makes cleaning and evening a floor or pavement surface pretty easy. Diamond grinders use horizontally rotating discs encrusted with industrial diamonds to clean, level and smooth the concrete surface. A vacuum serves to lift away the minute debris, leaving behind a smoother, cleaner surface.

Diamond grinding tools offer considerable advantages over alternative options when it comes to repairing and enhancing concrete surfaces.

High efficiency, low force – The grinding process does create heat, but because there is a hole in the grinding process less heat is generated. This in turn lessens the chance of cracks developing on the workpiece surface, thus decreasing the machine’s energy consumption and the rate of wear and tear. So, the lower force results in a higher level of efficiency.
Low wear rate – As already mentioned, diamonds are extremely hard wearing so it stands to reason that the wear rate on the diamond cups and disks is very low. The machine only grinds away a thin layer of the surface with great grinding precision, a fact which also helps to ensure the lowest possible wear rate.
Long lifespan – Of course, if the lifespan of the diamond grinder you use is long, then the cost efficiency is going to be pretty good. Short-lived machinery have a great net cost. And the fact that the diamond workpiece lasts long makes the work efficiency rate high too.
Low labour intensity – Using a grinder to improve or repair the state of a concrete floor or pavement removes practically all of the hard work. All you need to do is control the machine as it glides over the area grinding out the broken and uneven segments. It means the labour intensity is low, making the work experience easier.

Maintaining your Diamond Grinder

Every cleaning process takes its toll on the technology used to accomplish it. When it comes to diamond grinding, there are a number of issues that can develop over time and use which require maintenance. More often than not, these are related to the surface the grinder is used on, and not understanding how the different segment options and surface preparation techniques impact on the floor in question.

4 Tips to Top Diamond Grinder Maintenance

1. Know Your Surface – It would be nice if your diamond grinder could handle every type of surface with ease, but it does have its limitations. Despite the hardness that diamonds boast, a grinder is not suitable for aggressive profiling, so it should only be used to remove light, thin layers. Forget about removing patches of vinyl, or paint or some other floor coatings.

2. Prepare the surface – If the floor or pavement area to be worked on has some coatings over it (even small patches), those patches need to be removed. This may require some elbow grease but will save you time in the long run. It is also important to know that one run over is never enough, and a proper surface rehabilitation job can only be done over several steps, each graduating to the next to ensure a smooth finish to the floor. This relates specifically to the grit chosen, but preparing the surface properly (sweeping clear dust, dirt and debris, filling cracks and holes etc) is an essential starting point for what follows.

3. Choose the right diamond segment – The particular material or a floor or pavement is going to dictate your choice of diamond segment. Choose the wrong one, and the wear is higher, efficiency lower and maintenance cost greater.

There are a number of elements that influence which diamond segment is appropriate.

The bond is the metal that holds the diamonds in place, but also to wear away to ensure a layer of diamonds is always exposed. A hard bond is best when dealing with abrasive material like soft concrete or rain-damaged pavement. Medium bond tends to perform poorly with hard materials, but wears away more quickly on abrasive materials. Soft bonds are perfect for use on hard materials because it wears away quickly ensuring there is always a layer of hard diamond exposed to handle the surface.
Grit is the diamond size in the metal, ranging from coarse (30-40) to medium (70-80) to fine (140-150). As mentioned above, an effective diamond grinding job starts with a well-prepared surface and the right grit. Using the wrong grit at the wrong stage can result not just in a poor quality job, but also in unnecessarily intensive wear and tear on the diamond grinder. Generally, you would start with a coarse grit (16-30) to remove the hard breaks and uneven areas. The grit size then doubles with each stage, gradually breaking down the surface irregularities until the surface is sufficiently smooth. Polishing the concrete requires a switch from a diamond metal cup to a resin pad and can involve as many as seven stages (50 grit to 3,000 grit), depending on the finish you want.
The shape of the diamonds used can have an impact too. Arrow heads have sharp leading edges for slicing, so are effective for glue removal. Square segments have a long leading edge, so are ideal on uneven concrete. Round headed diamonds have a subtle leading edge so are perfect for working with finer grits.

4. Consider grinder weight – When diamond grinding, the weight of your machine can have a say on the wear and tear it experiences. Heavier units are more aggressive on the surface because the diamond cup or disk is slightly closer to the floor. You may want to look into adding ballast weights, especially when it comes to dealing with hard materials.

Diamond Grinding Services from MegaSaw

We are one of the leading names when it comes to concrete diamond grinding services in Melbourne, and Victoria State. Recognised specialists in the field, we have completed projects quickly and cost-efficiently for domestic, corporate, local authority and government clients. So, whether you need the concrete flooring in your garage professionally restored, or your supermarket, warehouse or section of street pavement smoothened, MegaSaw is a name you can trust.

For more on our concrete diamond grinding services, and what we can do for you, call us on 1300 920 419. Alternatively, you can email us at info@megasaw.com.au with your query. We’ll be happy to help you.

Megasaw5 June 2015Rock Drilling

How Using Air Powered Drills Makes MegaSaw Rock Drilling Services No. 1

It has been said that a workman is only as good as the tools he uses. There is some truth in this old adage, though the skills of the worker are clearly important too. At MegaSaw, we know from experience that the performance of the tools we use is the key element in the quality of the rock drilling services we provide.

Establishing a reputation for excellence is something that we have taken extremely seriously throughout our 40-year history. We have achieved this by taking a careful look at the quality of the tools we use. It would be wrong to believe that every company drills rock in the same way, with some providing both time and cost efficiency that is superior to others.

Our choice in using air powered rock drills has helped is to provide a service that boasts a consistency in the quality you demand and a reliability that makes meeting deadlines a certainty. But why is the role of air-powered drills so significant in our rock drilling services? And what are its qualities that place it above its hydraulic cousin?

What are Air Powered Rock Drills

air powered rock drilling

Air powered machinery is probably better known as pneumatic machinery, and uses the energy contained in compressed air as its power source. It’s pretty self-explanatory to be honest, but the technology is much more common than people think.

For example, every time you ride a bicycle you are benefiting from pneumatic technology because it is the air in the inflated tyres under you that is keeping you moving smoothly. Without it, the energy efficiency in a bicycle would fall dramatically, with considerably harder peddling needed to keep the wheels turning. Of course, pneumatic also relates to other gasses, not just air. Steam engines use high pressure water vapour (steam) to drive their parts as well as the helium in balloons too.

These drills are supported by a portable air compressor, which usually runs on the power created by a diesel engine. The air is compressed and pushed through tubing and into the drill, with the air forcing an element of the drill (known as the chuck) downwards. The chuck, in turn, forces the attached drill bit down and when the air has passed, the chuck lifts up again, allowing the bit up too. The rapid repetition of this action is what makes the drill-work break up hard surfaces.

Hydraulic machinery uses liquid as its power source. Think of an old-fashioned flour mill, with its huge water wheel on its exterior being turned by the water current in the river it dips into. Through this power, the wheel turns and through an intricately designed mechanical structure comprising shafts and cogs, a mill stone is turned to crush the wheat and powder into flour. A hydroelectric power station is a more modern example, with the power of water turning turbines to create electricity.

The Advantages of Air Powered Rock Drills

While hydraulic powered rock drills have for decades been a trusted option, there are certain advantages that an air powered rock drill offers that has convinced many of us to use them for our rock drilling services.

The key advantages this option provides include:

1. Greater Versatility

Our choice of air powered tools effectively allows us to deliver a higher quality service. The technology provides a precise drilling capability, which means we can complete a more complex operation that meets the demands of some very specific projects.

2. Strategic Drilling

An air powered rock drill is capable of creating very precise holes in hard or soft rocks as well as in concrete. This is particularly important when drilling in standing structures, such as bridges and buildings, where demolition is not required but where strategic holes are required to accommodate the installation of strengthening materials or corrosion prevention electrodes in concrete beams.

3. Greater Drill Efficiency

The Rate of Penetration (ROP) of air powered rock drills can be higher than that of rotary drills. In fact, up to 5 times greater ROP according to some estimates, and depending on the hardness of the material it is drilling through. This is down to the frequency that the bit impacts on the material – 40 times per second (pg 15) with air powered rock drilling. What is more, the system is more efficient because they remove rock fragments by the hammering motion – with tri-cone rotary drilling, for example, the fragments are pushed out between the heads, which can slow the drill down.

4. More Economical

With the ROP so good, the economical aspects of the air powered rock drill is also more impressive. Its efficiency means it produces at a higher quality in a shorter period of time, the drill breaks down less often and drill bits need replacing less often. What all this means is that costs are kept low, which is better for your budget.

Rock Drilling Services from MegaSaw

It is no secret that MegaSaw has built a reputation for high quality work, in everything we do. It’s a cornerstone of what we are about and in an industry that has developed so rapidly with a litany of technological breakthroughs, it is something we continually strive to maintain.

The use of air powered drills is an important part of our rock drilling services for the reasons put forward above. They allow us to provide a service that offers:

greater reliability
superior strategic accuracy
greater time efficiency
lower cost

The experience of MegaSaw as a company and the skills of our individual team members, will only get us so far. The rest is down to the effectiveness of the technology we use. It is why we are one of the most trusted rock drilling service providers operating in the Melbourne and Victoria State area and is used by clients from across the board – domestic, corporate, local authority and government.

For more on our rock drilling services, and how our expertise can be the solution to your drilling project needs, call us on 1300 920 419 and speak to one of our team. Or you can email us at info@megasaw.com.au with your query. We’ll be happy to help.

1 2 3