Category: Concrete Cutting

Concrete is one of those materials that is guaranteed to crack over time.

With that said, there are some who choose to create intentional cracks instead of sitting around and waiting for trouble to brew.

If you are not familiar with how to do this and you would like a bit more of an insight, it would be best if you continue reading.

Reasons For Controlling The Cracks

One reason that some people try controlling cracks is for aesthetic value.

They like the look of cracked concrete and they do not want to sit around waiting for nature to take its course.

Instead, they crack the concrete on purpose to achieve the desired look.

Another reason is to control the way that the concrete cracks as far as the size of the cracks and the multitude of them.

It is also a wise idea to have some control over where the cracks occur.

For instance, you can ensure the corners and edges of concrete will crack instead of having a large crack down the middle.

Cutting It Yourself

If you are savvy enough, it is possible to complete this task on your own.

It will be necessary for you to do one of two things: You can rent a saw and add some cracks or you can install joints during the finishing process.

If you choose to do the former, you may want to hire a saw from someone else since there is a chance the job will make blades become blunt.

If you lease a machine from elsewhere, that means the sharpening of the blades won’t be your responsibility.

It is crucial that you know where you are cutting since you do not want to cause any structural damage.

If in doubt, you should digress and hand over this responsibility to a professional.

In the event that you decide to install joints, this is a bit more complicated and you will need to be certain that you know what you are doing ahead of time.

Otherwise, you may make things worse than expected.

Hiring A Professional

In the event that you feel this project is beyond your scope, you should not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

While you might believe this shows a lack of skill, it is better than making an error that can not be fixed right away.

When hiring a professional, it is important to do your research in order to ensure you are dealing with the best possible company for the job.

While this is not an inexpensive decision, it is one that you are likely to find is more than worth the investment.

Safety First

Before beginning any construction projects, it is imperative that you know how to keep yourself safe in the process.

These rules apply to those who decide to cut the concrete with a saw:

• Make sure that the blade is sharp. A dull blade has the potential to be more damaging than you think.
• Always wear safety goggles. This process will create a lot of dust and you do not want any of it to get into your eyes.
• Wear a mask so that the amount of silica dust your lungs are exposed to is minimal. This can be extremely dangerous.
• Never operate equipment while under the influence of drugs, alcohol and certain medications.

This may seem like common sense, but it cannot be stressed enough since it will assure maximum safety.

Whether you want to change the way your concrete looks or your concern is more about saving its integrity, it may be necessary for you to cause intentional cracks.

Hopefully, this guide has given you an understanding of why this is necessary, how to do it and how to keep yourself safe during the process.

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/

Concrete cutting is something that is used extensively in construction to make holes and openings in ceilings, walls, floors etc.

Concrete cutting can be a complicated task, and it requires special equipment that is powerful enough to cut through the material while producing clean, straight edges.

As such, there are a few different types of concrete cutting. This can be divided into two broad categories – wet sawing and dry sawing.

Further to this, there are more focused types of sawing techniques for specific situations, such as ring sawing to cut smaller holes, and wire sawing for making very accurate cuts.

Dry vs Wet Cutting

Dry sawing is a quick and easy way of cutting large amounts of concrete, and a lot of contractors will employ this technique for large-scale projects.

The main downside to dry cutting is that it produces huge amounts of dust. This means that it is only useful in areas where there is good ventilation.

Dry cutting must be done with diamond blades that are designed to reduce dust buildup so that the saw does not overheat.

Workers should wear protective masks at all times so that they do not inhale the dust.

Wet cutting, on the other hand, is used in areas where dust is more of an issue. A steady stream of water is directed towards the blade.

Wet cutting helps to prevent or minimise the production of dust, and it also helps to keep the blade cool which can prolong its life.

Wire Sawing

Wire sawing is a cutting method that is used when you want to make an accurate cut into reinforced concrete.

Wire sawing is useful if you want to make cuts in a specific shape or to a precise size. This uses diamond-embedded cables to make cuts into tough materials.

The wires can cut not only cut concrete but also steel. One of the key benefits of wire sawing is that it can make precise cuts while keeping vibration to a minimum.

Specialist Concrete Cutting

Older methods of cutting concrete produced jagged edges, which then needs to be re-finished.

The nature of the cuts would sometimes damage the structure, and repairing it was costly.

More modern cutting methods, especially ones which use diamond blades and water, will reduce the amount of dust kicked up by the cutting process and can also help to make the cut a lot smoother.

Wire sawing produces fewer vibrations than blade sawing, for example, and slab sawing using a circular saw is useful for cutting perfectly straight lines.

Handheld Saws vs Walk Behind Saws

Cutting concrete is a physically demanding job.

While modern handheld saws are lighter than their counterparts from even a decade ago, they are still awkward to handle for longer cuts.

Walk behind saws can be useful for cutting into large slabs. These devices cut more quickly than their handheld counterparts because they produce more horsepower.

Because the operator is not having to hold the saw and control it themselves, they can turn the power up further, enjoying a more powerful and sharper cut.

The blades on a walk-behind saw tend to be positioned to one side, too, which means that you can cut closer to a standing wall, making them handy in areas where space is at a premium.

It is still important to choose the correct blades and to use water or suction to manage dust.

The tools are out there to enable DIY enthusiasts to do their own concrete cutting, but in many scenarios, it is a good idea to bring in the experts for safety reasons.

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/

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.