Category: Concrete Cutting

Concrete sawing is generally seen as a manual task but like so many other jobs out there today there is a growing movement towards using technology to make life easier.

The earlier generations of electrical concrete saws and petrol saws were loud, noisy, and cumbersome.

It was difficult to make precise cuts, with these saws mostly being used for the most rough and ready jobs.

The Evolution of The Concrete Saw

Today, all that has changed. Modern saws have improved precision and are much easier to manipulate.

Many modern saws take a lot of the measurement burden away from the operator, which reduces the instances of human error.

In addition, they cut more quickly and offer a cleaner finish thanks to improvements in the quality and toughness of the blades.

Concrete saw blades can look rather primitive, but there has been a lot of work put into making the blades that we use today.

Blades and bits are usually made from a steel core or tube, with segments that are then welded to the core using high-precision laser welding.

The segments are made from very hard materials (usually diamond or cobalt).  

Blades can be up to 84 inches across, and a high-quality blade can cost thousands of dollars, but it is worth the money.

What Makes a Good Blade?

A good blade will have very strong segments. The fewer segments that the blade has, the lower the friction and the faster the blade will cut.

Depending on the intended application, however, a low number of segments may not be desirable.

In some cases, the operator may prefer a blade that has more segments since this means that the blade will last longer before it needs to be replaced.

In addition to the number of segments on the blade, another thing which will need to be considered is the RPM.

Even at comparatively low RPMs, blades can still get very hot. For this reason, blades are water-cooled.

Existing water-cooled saws use up to 2,000 litres of water per hour to keep the blades cool.

Reducing this level of water waste is something that companies are investigating.

The type of concrete being cut is another consideration. The type of blade that you choose may be influenced by the type of concrete that you are working with.

The most common kinds of concrete are hard-rock and limestone.

Limestone concrete is quite easy to cut, being relatively soft and porous, while hard-rock concrete is tougher to work with.

Cutting in Difficult Environments

Working with a difficult type of concrete is just one challenge.

Another area where concrete saw manufacturers have been forced to innovate is that of limited access cutting.

There are many environments where it is difficult to cut because the environment is cramped.

This not only makes maneuverability difficult but also means that the excessive amounts of dust cause ventilation issues.

There are many techniques which can be used in those environments.

For example, wall sawing is something that is often used not just for concrete walls but also working with concrete floors as well.

Using ‘track sawing’ and powerful saws with diamond blades can offer precise cuts in environments where other saws may not be suitable.

Concrete cutting is a challenging task and it is important to choose the right tools for the job.

Safety gear is essential because of the high RPM of the tools, and the amount of dust that can be produced even when water is used to reduce friction and cool the blades.

The best contractors stay abreast of the latest technologies to ensure that they are using the safest and most efficient tools for the job.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw  on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website www.megasaw.com.au/contact-us/

Patterned concrete driveways are becoming increasingly popular because they offer an easy way of creating an appealing design for your driveway or floor.

Patterned concrete floors are low maintenance and are perfect for large open spaces. However, cutting even patterns into concrete is a painstaking task.

You can create scored concrete patterns using a handheld saw, but you will need to work carefully. It can be so easy to make a mistake and ruin the whole job!

Stains and Cuts

To get the best look for your concrete it is a good idea to use a combination of stains and cuts.

Stained concrete will have a nice textured look to it and is more colourful than unstained concrete. You can then score a pattern on top.

How to Stain and Saw Your Concrete

The exact method that you use will depend on the plan for the final design.

If you expect the floor to be all one colour, then you can pour and stain the concrete, then cut the lines into the concrete once the staining is done.

However, if you want multiple colours that will change at the line, you should cut the concrete then stain it because this will give you a crisper look[1].

Cutting Techniques

Cutting concrete can be tricky. For best results, you should mark out the area you want to cut with a guide, and then cut following that guide.

It is much easier to cut straight lines than it is to cut curved ones, and a continuous straight cut will be easier too.  

When cutting, try to be gentle. Don’t push too hard, and don’t twist the blade. Try not to let the blade spin in the cut, as this could cause excessive wear on the blade[2].

Smaller cuts that are done for cosmetic purposes can kick up a lot of dust and debris, which may be harmful to your eyes and lungs.

Safety glasses are a must when cutting concrete, and it is a good idea to wear a mask or respirator that is rated appropriately for the job.

This will help to protect you from the dust that is kicked up while you are cutting[3].

Radial Cuts

If you need to make more detailed cuts then you will need a saw that is designed for the job.

Small cuts can be made by hand, but for longer cuts, you may want to use a trolley to guide the saw in a straight line.

There are also special tools for making radial cuts which may be useful as well.

Choosing the right tools for the job is a must because cutting concrete for decorative purposes requires more skill than just ‘following the lines’.

You may need several different sizes of blades to cut a detailed pattern. Some blades will be more suitable for bevelled edges, while others will be better for straight lines[4].  

Some cuts can be made with angle grinders, but this is hard to do this if you are a beginner. Angle grinders are handy for touch-ups, but they produce a lot of dust.

This means that it is harder to see what you are doing when you are making longer cuts. One mistake and the whole job could be ruined.

Cutting circles can be done with a saw that has a centre pivot attachment.

This turns a complex and detailed job into something that can be done relatively easily by one person.

However, it is still important to measure, mark and review every cut before it is made. It is very hard to undo mistakes.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw  on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website https://www.megasaw.com.au/contact-us/

Are you on the hunt for the best concrete cutting services for your upcoming project?

If so, then you must be aware that there are numerous companies offering these services.

However, you will also be aware that only a few of these companies are capable of catering to your specific needs. So, how do you find the best service provider?

How do you ensure that you have opted for a company that has the expertise, passion, and knowledge to provide you with an unparalleled service?

In this post, we are going to give you a few tips to ensure that you are hiring a concrete cutting company that you can trust.

Reputation

Nowadays, it’s relatively easy to find out what kind of reputation a firm has.

Thanks to the internet, review sites and forums that discuss the experience of current and past clients is just a few clicks away.

Of course, it’s not possible to please everyone, so do not fret if you come across the odd negative comments about a company that you’re considering.

Keep in mind that when it comes to concrete cutting, you require exceptional workmanship. Do not even think about settling for a company that is second best.

Reliability

Picking a reliable concrete cutting company doesn’t simply mean choosing one that’s known for the most competitive or lowest price.

This only promises an aspect that’s related to your budget but says very little in regards to the quality you expect.

As a matter of fact, the cheapest is not always best when it comes to concrete cutting. It’s not just about looking for a company that offers the lowest rates.

What is important is that the company is also delivering within the agreed upon timeframe, and with the level of quality you expect.

The Best Equipment

Regardless of how the concrete needs to be cut, it is a tough gig and it can be dangerous.

However, the use of specialised tools and the best equipment reduces the risk involved.

The machinery, which includes demolition tools, blades, etc. all need to be of the highest quality you can find if you want the best results.

A company that utilises the latest equipment is an indication that they care about providing the best services and can be trusted for ideal results the first time around.

Safety

This is one of the most crucial aspects of your project and always requires careful analysis and consideration.

You need to look for a concrete cutting company prioritises safety on each and every project.

Firms that go the extra mile in reducing risk and don’t have a history of accidents on the job should be the obvious choices.

Keep in mind that safety is everything for everyone concerned. Avoid companies that don’t treat safety as a priority.

The concrete cutting industry by nature carries a high level of danger. Safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

Reputable companies know this and that is why they win the business because they care.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best equipment to get the job done safely and properly, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website: https://www.megasaw.com.au/contact-us/

If you are in a business where you are constantly cutting concrete, you will realise that there are many hazards that you may face.

These hazards are not limited to injuries that could be sustained from the blade of the saw.

Hazards such as saw kickback, silica dust, collapsing walls, and toxic exhaust fumes are just a few of the many problematic situations that someone cutting concrete will face.

There are ways to avoid many of these problems, especially if the equipment is used properly.

Additionally, safety equipment must also be utilised in order to ensure the safety of those that are cutting through concrete using a concrete cutting saw.

What Are Some Of The Most Hazardous Situations When Cutting Concrete?

Some of the most hazardous situations involve what are called pushback or kickback.

As you are cutting through, you may suddenly feel that the saw is not moving as it should.

Sometimes the force can be so strong that it can displace the saw, causing it to move out of its fittings, leading the saw to run freely across the ground.

It’s not uncommon for obstructions beneath the concrete that can’t be seen above the concrete.

This will also cause some type of a kickback, or even pull the saw in, based upon the resistance provided by the unknown substance.

Pinched cuts, off-line cuts, and blunt cutting edges can also lead to injuries that can be severe if the operator is not careful.

How To Avoid Some Of These Situations

Some of these situations can easily be avoided if proper precautions and preparations are made.

For example, hazardous dust is going to be on each and every job site that you do.

This could simply be dust from the concrete or the dust that is produced by cutting through a material such as asbestos.

However this dust is produced, it can cause initial and future problems for the operator.

To avoid this, the operator must wear the proper safety equipment which will include a mask or respirator which prevents dust from getting into their lungs.

Another problem that can be avoided occurs most commonly when cutting through concrete pipes.

There is often increased pressure on the saw, causing it to pinch as it is almost through the pipe, leading to kickback injuries or even the blade shattering.

To avoid this problem, ample pressure must be applied to the pipe to keep it even, preventing any type of pinching from occurring.

This involves proper preparation, and the knowledge that pinching can occur when operating a concrete saw when cutting through different diameters of pipe.

By using proper safety equipment, and preparing for every job thoroughly, you can avoid many of the problems that have been mentioned.

The key is to be prepared for each type of job and to be aware of the potential problems that can occur in each situation.

As long as you have proper safety equipment, a breathing apparatus, and awareness of potential problems, many of these injuries can be avoided very easily.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw  on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website https://www.megasaw.com.au/contact-us/

Cutting concrete is something that you normally would never want to do, but it is something that you may have to get done. However, what you will find is this can be more of a challenge than what you think and often you will be left asking yourself why do you have to saw cut concrete, instead of trying to do the cutting with a different tool or something else.

This is when you should know more about why you would want to saw cut the concrete and then you will get an understanding of how this is the most efficient method for you to use to get your concrete cut properly and quickly.

Provides Better Control Over The Cutting Edge

Edge control is something that a lot of people tend to overlook when they are cutting concrete. However, it is definitely something that a lot of people are going to need to know about. Since this is the case, people need to realize this is one way that they are going to be able to control the edge quite a bit better than what they were expecting. This makes it easier for you to get the edge cut properly and in the line you want to have.

If you are using a jackhammer or other method to cut the concrete up, you will find that you cannot really get the edge controlled that much compared to a saw. The best way to think about this would be using a ruler to draw your straight line versus using a large crayon with no ruler and only creating dashes on the paper that you are drawing the line on.

Helps To Prevent Widespread Cracking Of Concrete

Concrete is very susceptible to what is called spalling. This is where you will be heating up part of the concrete and it will crack further down the line. When you are using a saw to cut the concrete you do have a chance to control the concretes temperature quite a bit because you can have water sprayed in the cutting line. This will allow the concrete to cool off and not have to worry about the concrete getting so warm further down that it will start to have the spalling issue that will cost you time and money in making repairs.

What else is nice is like the jackhammer, you are going to control where the concrete will start to have some cracks. By having more control over this it will allow you to be more precise in what you are going to do with the work but also know more about where the cracks will show up. Without this, you could end up having some issues with the cracking being caused throughout the entire slab that you are working on because it was not properly prepared or controlled in the manner of cutting you were doing.

Helps To Control The Depth Of The Cut

The depth of the cuts when you are working on concrete is very important. If you do not have the proper depth you may not be able to do the job that you need to get done. However, if you are going too deep in the cutting you could have some issues with the concrete starting to get some issues later on. This is when you should know more about the fact that you can use the depth control to really help you out in getting the concrete cut and avoid any future damage.

ALSO READ: Concrete Cutting Sufficiently Explained

Something else that is nice about being able to control the depth of the cut with the saw is you are able to set what you need in the concrete at the proper depth. For example, if some of the pieces that you will be putting into the concrete is a drainage tube, you would want to make sure the concrete is going to have the proper depth cut into the ground to get the drainage pipe at the proper depth. Then you will not have to worry about the tube not being at the right level for the work you are doing and you will not have to worry about going too deep either because the saws do make it easier to control the depth.

Being able to get your concrete cut is a good thing. However, understanding why you need to use a saw to cut the concrete is a good thing. By knowing about this, you will not mind contacting us to handle the work for you. Then you will know that your work is going to be done at the proper level, but it will also have the professional quality that you want to have done on the work and know it will be done properly and with the assurance that the work will meet what you want to have done.

It is often required to remove some parts of concrete structures for creating openings, inserting services, or other purposes. While earlier methods of removing or cutting concrete, used brute force through the use of chisels and hammers, or even jackhammers for a mechanical application that produced the same action, modern-day concrete cutting is done through a controlled process of sawing, drilling or core cutting. The machinery needs to be used by skilled operators, with saws that have diamond or other hard abrasive cutting edges.

Concrete Cutting Techniques

Earlier methods of concrete cutting led to jagged edges that often required refinishing, but the use of modern concrete cutting tools leaves smooth finishes that do not require any further work. Most of these tools use water or other suction devices to greatly reduce the dust or mess that concrete cutting can lead to. Concrete cutting can be flat slab sawing, wall sawing or the drilling of cores. Concrete cutting can also simplify the operations required to dismantle concrete structures, by creating fairly large individual portions of concrete that can be then lifted out by cranes or other devices, without the need for dismantling the concrete into very small pieces.

Dry sawing, without the use of water, is used for large outdoor projects. This process of concrete cutting uses large diamond blades that have their own properties that allow them to reduce any overheating caused by the abrasive cutting action. These machines can produce a lot of dust, but if they are outdoor they will not cause great inconvenience. Operators do need to wear respiratory gear and other protective devices that increase the safety of operations. These sort of tools are used for jobs that are prolonged in nature and where the concrete is very dense.

The sawing and drilling technique of cutting concrete that is more widely prevalent all over the world uses water to damp down the produced dust and can be of great help to operators and ensure their respiratory health. This use of water helps to prolong the life of the cutting saws or blades, by keeping them cool and also makes it easier to break through the concrete. Besides blades, some saws are in the form of wires that are embedded with diamonds. They offer a great degree of flexibility to the cutting operations and can greatly reduce wastage. Wire sawing also does not produce a lot of vibrations, as blades will do, and this reduces the chances of any cracks forming around the openings that are required to be created.

Slab sawing for the cutting of concrete floors uses circular saws mounted on machines that can be walked behind so that they are properly guided to create any required cuts in concrete floors, foundations or other horizontal surfaces. Wall sawing will have similar machines mounted on tracks that are attached to the wall that needs to be cut and is useful for creating doors and windows in concrete walls. Ring or core sawing creates small circular holes in slabs and walls that allow for passage of utilities, to create increased ventilation, or sometimes used to extract cores from concrete to test its strength.

ALSO READ: Concrete Sawing – Handheld Concrete Saw or Walk Behind?

Concrete cutting equipment can be powered by electricity or by engines. Electrical equipment can be light, handheld and is easier to use, but engine driven saws are more useful for heavy duty work and can be used on outdoor projects where there is no provision of electricity. Blades used in concrete cutting can be made of an abrasive material on very hardened steel surfaces. Diamond blades are expensive and useful for large works. Diamond blades cut faster and their thinness helps to increase the speed of cutting, as lesser concrete then needs to be removed.

Safety of operations and the need for skilled operators is very important in concrete cutting. Operators must be fully aware of the limitations of the machinery that is being used and must check the condition of the blades before they start the machines. They must ensure that there is adequate water supply, as well as proper drainage for the water so that the work areas are not flooded. This flooding can often lead to unsafe situations for machinery that works on electricity. They must also wear gloves, hard-toed boots, hard hats, eye protection goggles and other safety gear. Operators must ensure that they have a clear field of work and that the area of operations is barricaded and prevents the entry of unauthorised personnel.

When you require concrete cutting at home, you can call in for the services of a specialized company that undertakes such work, and who will give you a quotation after inspecting the site and the work involved. It is also possible to hire such concrete cutting tools for self-use, but you need to be aware that they do require careful handling and adequate attention to the required degree of safety.

Concrete is one of the most common items you will find in a sidewalk, slab foundation, or even in different areas of the cities. However, one thing that you will see in a lot of these concrete settings, even in the parks is the fact that you are going to have a chance to see the concrete tends to have lines that are cut into it at different spaces. Now, if you are like most of us you just overlook this and shrug your shoulders.

However, some people are going to want to know why the concrete does have the lines cut into it and how this is going to make a difference with the concrete and how it actually helps the concrete out.

Contraction Can Happen

Contraction of the concrete is a major issue and it will cause quite a few cracks in the concrete and at the time it will actually cause the concrete to be ruined. So you will love the fact that the lines are going to be cut in the concrete. These lines are called contraction lines and this is going to help in relieving the stress that is going to cause the cracks that are going to be present in the concrete.

You may notice these are going to vary in depth, but the concrete line depth is fairly universal in how deep they are going to be cut. However, it is important that you look at this as it will make a difference in letting you know how the concrete will work and even if the stress from the freezing and moisture inside of the concrete will cause the cement to crack or not. What else you will need to realize is the concrete has a tendency to be fairly uniform in the work they are going to have done.

Allows For Expansion

The concrete you will find is going to expand over time as well. While this goes along with the moisture, you will notice the expansion is going to cause cracks in the concrete and if you have been walking down some sidewalks where you see some of the pavement jutting up, it is because it was not cut right. So you will like the fact that you are able to get the cuts down to allow for expansion here and this will make it quite a bit easier for you to get the cutting done on that you need to have done and know it will allow the concrete to expand outward as it needs to, without meeting the resistance that is going to cause the concrete to start to crack and have some major issues.

You may notice that you will find that you are going to have some expansion issues at times if the concrete cutting lines were not done properly. Since this is the case, you need to realize the depth of the cut will vary depending on the slab size, but also on how much concrete was used and the weather conditions. All of these are going to be important for you to consider when you are asking why the lines that are cut in the concrete will vary so much.

Makes It Easier To Make Repairs To Concrete

Sometimes you will notice it is going to be very difficult for you to get the concrete working properly because it has been damaged. However, what else you need to realize is when you do have to make some repairs to the concrete it would not make sense to put a patch over the concrete, but it may make sense to replace a section of the concrete. when you have the crack or lines that are already cut in the concrete properly, it allows you to remove the part of the concrete that you do not need to have anymore and replace it without damaging anything surrounding the damaged section. If you do not have the cuts that are already made, then you could have some problems with the concrete being damaged and having to replace an even larger section of the concrete slab.

Being able to understand why the lines are cut in the concrete is a good thing. The problem is not many people really understand why the lines are being cut in the concrete and this means they are often left trying to figure out what the problem is with the concrete or thinking that it was a major waste of time to lay all the concrete and then end up making the cuts. By knowing about how important this is, though, it will be very easy for people to see why the lines are cut in the concrete and how this is going to help, but also why so many people contact Megasaw to get the lines cut properly.