How to Cut Straight Using a Circular Saw

Circular saws are powerful and can cut through almost anything. However, cutting in a straight line with them can be tricky, especially when you are making freehand cuts.

Circular saws use abrasion to make cuts and this means it can be tricky to keep the direction of the saw perfectly accurate.

If you want to make a perfectly straight cut through a long piece of concrete (such as a wall, or even just large paving stones), you should not rely on guesswork alone.

The tips below will help you to keep your cuts true and straight.

Use a Guide Line

Instead of guessing, draw a thick guideline with a ruler so that you have something to aim for and to help you keep the cut accurate.

Hold the Saw Properly

If you are cutting an object that is laying flat on the ground, hold the saw with one hand on the handle, and the other on the shoe.

Press your thumb against the tab on the shoe and put your index finger underneath the board you are cutting. The handle of the saw should be facing you, with the blade behind the shoe.

This will ensure that you have good control of the blade and that your fingers are properly protected.

Keep the Saw Lubricated

If you are cutting concrete, you will find that the saw performs much better if it is lubricated properly. Use water to wash away any dust, cool the blade and keep it performing at its best.

If you feel that the saw is starting to ‘chew’ when cutting, consider replacing the blade. A fresh diamond blade will cut more quickly and will be more likely to cut true as well.

For Smaller Cuts, Use a Straight Edge as a Guide

An alternative is to use a straight edge as a guide. This can be a good option if you are just cutting a small block. Use a piece of straight wood as a ‘fence’.

Position the wood so that when you are cutting, the fence acts as a guide and stops the saw from going off course.

The blade will be able to cut the wood that you are using as a guide just as easily as it can cut the concrete, it is not a ‘barrier’, it is simply a guide to help keep the blade on track.

If you use this method, remember that you should push the saw against the straight edge, rather than pulling the saw towards you.

The straight edge is a guide and will keep the saw moving smoothly.

When Cutting to Increasing Depth, Use Dry Cuts

As mentioned earlier, when cutting thick, strong materials you might want to use water to lubricate the blade as you cut. This will allow the blade to move more quickly and smoothly.

If, however, you are making a series of cuts that are increasing in depth each time, use a dry-cutting blade instead.

Gravity is Your Friend

If you ever need to make a cut into a wall, cut down, not up. This will help you a lot because gravity will be on your side, pulling the saw straight down, so you are less likely to end up off-course.

Circular saws are a great time-saving tool. Set your guides up properly to begin with and the saw will do all the work for you.

Make sure that you are using a good blade, and wearing proper safety gear at all times.

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

The 3 Common Methods Of Cutting Concrete

Are you involved in a major construction or renovation project? Are you wondering what concrete cutting method is right for your project? Please read below for more.

When you are involved in a major construction or renovation project, you may need to cut through concrete at some point.

You may have to cut through a concrete wall to create space for windows or cut through a concrete floor to install pipes. Concrete cutting isn’t the best DIY project for an inexperienced homeowner.

There are several methods of cutting concrete. Each method uses specialised tools that are dangerous if you lack the expertise to operate them.

This article provides information on 3 common methods of cutting concrete.

  • Wall sawing
  • Slab sawing
  • Wire Sawing

Wall Sawing

This method helps cut through concrete walls. Wall sawing features a diamond blade similar to slab sawing. The latest wall saws can cut through concrete that’s up to 21 inches thick.

You can use this method instead of slab sawing to cut through concrete floors too. Most contractors use wall sawing to cut through concrete floors.

When you have a sloped floor, a wall saw is the best tool to cut through it. You can also use this tool to make openings in ceilings in your home. There are two types of wall saws out there.

Electric saws and truck-mounted hydraulic saws are these two types.

Even though hydraulic saws are more powerful, electric saws are easier to use because they are lighter and quieter when operating.

Slab Sawing

Slab sawing is also known as flat sawing and is used to cut through flat concrete surfaces such as decks, floors, and driveways in your home or office.

There are two basic types of slab saws such as heavy-duty riding saws and walk-behind push saws. These saws are operated using gas, electricity, hydraulic power, diesel, and propane.

A diamond blade is used in the slab saw to cut concrete. A diamond blade is beneficial because it cuts through concrete quietly and quickly.

It requires less water compared to other concrete cutting blades. The latest slab saws can cut concrete that’s up to 30 inches thick.

Slab saws produce precise cuts compared to other concrete cutting saws out there.

Wire Sawing

Wire sawing is the third method of cutting concrete. When wall sawing or slab sawing doesn’t work, contractors use wire sawing. This method is ideal for large scale projects.

It can also be used to access areas that are hard to access through other concrete cutting tools.

A wire saw has a metal wire covered with diamond-tipped beads which makes it more effective than most of the other concrete cutting tools.

Wire sawing is used to cut through reinforced rebar, steel-encased concrete or retaining walls. It can make precise cuts in concrete without producing any vibrations in the process.

It can cut irregular concrete shapes with impressive accuracy.

Concrete cutting is a complex process that requires professional assistance. Concrete cutting isn’t the best DIY project for an inexperienced contractor.

The process involves several different tools and methods. You need to choose the right concrete cutting method depending on your specific project.

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

Ring Saw Blades – What Are They Made Of and How Do they Work?

Do you know what ring saw blades are made from and how they actually work? You might be interested to learn more about these specialist tools. Please read below and we look into this further.

Ring saws are a highly specialist form of saw for cutting very hard materials. They are similar to band saws, however, instead of a flexible oblong band, they rely on a circular blade with an abrasive coating.

How do Ring Saws Work?

Unlike traditional saws which have teeth that will ‘cut’ into the surface, ring saws use an abrasive coating. They essentially ‘sand away’ the area around the insertion point so that they can cut.

Unlike some other types of cutters, which vibrate, ring saws spin in a circle, which reduces the risk of chipping the material, and also produces more even wear on the blade.

Abrasive saws can be used to cut a number of surfaces. They are used to cut glass, for example, but they can also cut wood, brittle and hard minerals, and concrete.

They are so strong that they can even cut reinforced concrete. To do this for larger cuts, however, they will need lubrication.

What is a Ring Saw Blade Made From?

Ring saw blades are usually made from diamonds. Very small, industrial-grade diamonds are glued to the cutting surface.

Diamonds are incredibly strong and will not break or shatter even when they come into contact with something that would be traditionally thought of as very hard (such as concrete or steel).

There are a huge number of diamonds stuck to the cutting surface, and they give a smooth, fine finish. However, the abrasion process generates a lot of heat and dust.

The glue that is used to hold the diamonds in place can melt and form a coating over the diamonds, and the dust from the cutting process can build up in between the diamonds themselves, making the blade feel smooth.

When this happens, the blade will not cut as effectively. Wet cutting helps to prevent this issue from happening and can greatly prolong the life of the belt.

Wet cutting uses a steady stream of water to wash away the dust produced in the cutting process and also cool the blade.

This also helps to protect the worker who is operating the saw from dust inhalation.

Using a Ring Saw

Ring saws are expensive devices, and the blades must be changed regularly because they will go ‘blunt’ even when you are wet cutting.

They are also quite dangerous to use when performing long, thick cuts. It is vital that you use the proper safety equipment and take precautions when cutting.

If you are planning on cutting only a small amount of concrete, or you have not used a ring saw before, you may want to consider bringing in some experts to do the job for you.

It takes skill to cut a hole into a concrete wall plumb and square and to keep the blade on track for longer cuts.

If you do not operate a ring saw properly then you run the risk of not just bad cuts, but also wearing out the blade more quickly, or damaging the rollers, as well as potentially injuring yourself.

Concrete dust is harmful to human lungs. There are some studies which have found links between exposure to crystalline silica and lung cancer.

For this reason, it is vital that workers wear respirators when using ring saws to cut concrete.

Even a small amount of exposure to concrete dust can have potentially serious health implications in the future.

Ring saws can make short work of concrete, stone, granite, marble and other solid materials, and they are good for precision cuts and also for cutting in confined spaces.

However, they require careful handling to ensure the safety of the operator and those around them.

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

Essential Safety Measures Taken During Concrete Cutting

Are you practising the correct safety measures when cutting concrete? Concrete cutting can be dangerous so please read below for some safety tips when you’re cutting concrete.

With over $20-billion worth of construction work performed in Australia every month, the demand for concrete cutting has never been stronger than it is today.

Concrete cutting can be harmful to your health when the proper safety measures are not followed. There are many safety measures that you need to take when cutting concrete blocks.

Here are some of the most essential safety measures you should take during concrete cutting.

  • Update to local standards
  • Communicate with your team
  • Personal protection equipment
  • Keep the air clean
  • Check the concrete saw and blade

Update To Local Standards

Local safety standards in Australia are constantly being updated.

You should be aware of the latest safety standards in your locality to provide a safe environment for the concrete workers on your team.

You can’t expect the workers to follow the safety standards in your locality when you are not up to date with the latest regulations yourself.

Check with the local authorities about the latest rules and regulations you need to follow when operating a concrete cutting facility in the area.

If you don’t do this, you may unwittingly get fined for not following the proper safety regulations.

Communicate With Your Team

Communication is crucial to the success of your concrete cutting operation.

You and your team of concrete cutters should be up to date with the latest regulations in the area when performing such an operation.

It doesn’t matter what the size of the job is or whether you’re using a ring saw or other types of saws for the job, you should sit together with your team and explain all the risks of concrete cutting and how these risks can be minimised.

When your team knows how to operate safely, they will follow the proper rules and regulations and be safe at all times.

Proper training is important when it comes to safety issues. You should make sure all the workers in your team are properly trained on the safety measures when cutting concrete.

Personal Protection Equipment

All workers of your concrete cutting project should wear the right personal protection equipment. They should be well protected as part of their job.

You should be protected from head to toe when engaged in a risky vocation like concrete cutting. Sturdy boots and garments are important to protect your body, feet, and arms.

Even if concrete cutting saws have water flowing from the blade to keep the dust away, gloves and goggles will protect your hands and eyes during the cutting process,

You should also avoid using boots with worn-out treads because they can result in slips and falls.

Anyone in the vicinity should also be protected with face shields because chips and shards can be thrown out from the concrete cutting site.

Concrete cutting involves a lot of noise so ear protection equipment is also important to prevent noise pollution.

Keep The Air Clean

Water will be flowing over the blade of the concrete saw to reduce concrete dust. However, some concrete dust and smoke are inevitable when cutting concrete blocks.

Make sure everyone has respiratory equipment to protect themselves from the concrete dust. You need to manage dust to promote lung health and safety.

A wet cut can reduce the amount of dust from the cutting process but if you are using the dry cut method, you should ensure anyone in the vicinity wears masks and respiratory devices to protect themselves from the concrete dust.

Check The Concrete Saw And Blade

Check the concrete saw and blade for safety any time you are working with such tools, especially hand saws. A dull or damaged saw shouldn’t be used for cutting concrete.

Check the power cord and water pump before starting the work.

Use a sharp diamond blade that is the appropriate size for the job to also minimise any further accidents or unnecessary waste of power or equipment.

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

What is a Wire Diamond Saw and Why Are They Used?

What is a diamond wire saw? Why would you use one for cutting concrete? Let’s take a look in more detail below.

There are many methods of cutting concrete. Ring saws are popular because they are easy to handle and can cut straight lines with relative ease. However, there are limitations to ring saws.

The diameter of the blade determines how deeply it can cut, and if someone needs to cut concrete that is very thick, or wants to make a curved or angled cut, then an alternative method should be used.

Diamond Wire Cutting for Thicker Materials

Diamond wire cutting uses a wire that has been treated with diamond dust to cut through heavy materials.

Diamonds are incredibly strong, and this method of cutting can work on almost anything that is softer than the abrasive surfaces of the diamond.

Diamond wire cutting is very practical, simple, and inexpensive.

Thin diamond wire, intended for general use on materials that are not difficult to cut is so inexpensive especially when the cost is measured in cents per foot or metre.

The wire that is used to cut concrete is slightly more expensive to make because it must be thicker and requires more diamonds to produce.

However, it is still an affordable way of cutting concrete when compared to many alternatives.

Why Use Diamond Wire Saws?

The cost is not the only attractive property of diamond wire saws. They are also a popular choice because they tend to produce less waste and dust than solid blades.

Diamond wire saws require water to cool the cut, as a lubricant, and to wash away any debris, but they produce less waste overall than cutting with a traditional blade. They produce a rapid, clean cut.

The Downsides of Wire Cutting

There are some downsides to using wire diamond saws, however. These blades are fragile and can jam, snap or tangle when they are worn down.

The wire is inexpensive, so replacing broken wires is not too much of an issue, but a broken wire can be a safety concern.

When a solid blade becomes worn it simply cuts less effectively or jams. A wire blade can also whip out, potentially injuring the operator.

A reel of diamond wire tends to have a usable life span of six ‘cuts’ where the spool cycles from one end to the other.

After that, it is likely that the abrasiveness will be too worn down to be useful, and will be at much greater risk of snapping.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Given the above information, it’s clear that diamond wire saws are useful for specific applications, but they are not the ideal multi-purpose cutting tool that they may first seem.

A handheld ring saw is an easy to use tool that is comparatively low-risk to operate and that might be better suited for a lot of jobs.

Wire diamond saws, by comparison, are less portable since they require large spools of wire, and there is more that can go wrong with them in operation.

Wire diamond saws do have a clear use for situations where a ring saw or chainsaw is not able to cut deeply enough.

They also have a level of versatility in that changing the wire allows you to cut different grades and densities of materials. This means that they are a great choice for large construction jobs.

If you are considering using a wire diamond saw, make sure that you select the right wire, and that you follow the safety directions to the letter.

You need to replace the wire when cutting starts to slow down because worn or damaged wires can present a huge risk to the safety of the operator and others who are in the vicinity when the saw is in use.

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

Hydraulic Handheld Ring Saws – Dos and Don’ts

Are you looking to have some concrete cut? Hydraulic ring saws are an essential tool as part of the process. Let’s take a look at do’s and don’ts of using hydraulic ring saws in more detail below.

Hydraulic ring saws are powerful tools that can make short work of almost any cutting job, even cutting concrete. Like any power tool, however, they must be handled with respect.

A short lapse of attention, or a few moments of laziness, and you could lose an eye or a finger.

Staying Safe When Using a Ring Saw

DO: Wear appropriate safety equipment. Safety glasses, robust footwear, a face mask and gloves should be a part of your day-to-day safety kit when cutting concrete on the job.

Even if you’re wet cutting, wearing a mask will help to protect your lungs from any dust that gets kicked up.

The long-term impact of inhaling concrete dust is unclear, but it is known that inhaling large amounts of dust can injure the lungs, causing fibrous scar tissue to form, which can lead to a condition called fibrosis.

DON’T: Use a handheld hydraulic wind saw in bad weather. Heavy rain can lead to slippery surfaces, strong winds can make it difficult to control the saw.

Bad weather, in general, can make it difficult to concentrate and may lead to unsafe operation of the saw.

DO: Check the blade before operating the saw, and replace it if necessary.

DON’T: Operate any form of hydraulic or power tool while tired, intoxicated, or taking medication which could cause drowsiness.

DO: Ensure that you are wearing appropriately fitting clothing (no baggy sleeves or loose garments) and that any loose jewellery has been removed.

If you have long hair, ensure that it is tied back and suitably contained so that there is no risk of anything catching the saw blade while it is rotating.

DON’T: Attempt to use a handheld saw as if it were a fixed tool. If you need to cut a small item, use an appropriate tool for that job.

DO: Turn off the tool when it is not in use, and make sure that the safety/guard is in place if you are going to leave the tool unattended.

DON’T: Touch the tool immediately after you have been cutting with it. The blades of ring saws cut through abrasion and can get very hot. Always allow them to cool down before moving them.

DO: Make sure that the area around you is free from obstruction and that there are no children or pets nearby before you start cutting.

In addition, make sure that there are no loose items nearby that could cause distraction or obstruction, and that you have a stable foothold.

DON’T: Operate a ring saw in an area where you would be unable to summon help in an emergency. Ideally, there should be others with you when you are working.

DO: Take regular breaks. Operating this kind of machine can lead to nerve or circulation damage in the fingers/hands.

If you start experiencing tingling, prickling or altered sensation in the extremities, stop using the saw immediately.

The risk of nerve and circulation damage increases at colder temperatures, so more frequent breaks may be necessary during cold weather.

Putting Safety First

Modern hydraulic ring saws are incredibly powerful and can make short work of things that would have previously been challenging to cut. With the right blades, they can be a joy to use.

You and others on your site should get regular safety training to ensure that the machines are operated safely.

Whenever you are handling powerful equipment, whether it’s a hydraulic handheld ring saw, a drill, sander, or something else entirely you should always wear appropriate safety equipment.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for using the tool to the letter and never cut corners.

A few extra moments doing things right today could save you from some expensive mistakes or a trip to the emergency room!

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

Can Hydraulic Ring Saws Cut Any Type of Concrete?

Did you know that there are many different kinds of concrete and that each type has its own purpose in construction jobs?

There are more than 20 different varieties of concrete, each with different levels of strength, pouring method, and weighting of ingredients or additives to make it suitable for use in a given environment.

Let’s take a look at this in more detail below.

What are the Most Commonly Used Types of Concrete?

The most simple form of concrete is simply a mixture of cement, water, and aggregate.

This mixture gives us ‘normal strength’ concrete which sets within 30 to 90 minutes, and has a strength of 10 to 40Pa. That type of concrete is ideal for making pavements or flooring.

It is strong when compressed under a load, but it is weak in tension. This kind of concrete is usually easy to cut.

Reinforced concrete is made to a similar formula, but has tension bars in it to help it handle bigger loads. In more modern concrete recipes, fibres are added to improve strength as well.

Some concrete is re-stressed, which helps to strengthen it before it is put under load in the real world.

For very heavy loads, there are high-density concrete options which use much heavier aggregates.

There are also high-performance recipes, and recipes which use vacuum pumps to reduce the water content of the recipe, as well as concrete which uses other substances such as glass or asphalt as a part of their aggregates.

How is Concrete Cut?

Hydraulic ring sawing is often used to cut concrete. These saws are ideal for cutting large concrete slabs, and for cutting into walls or other fixed items.

Hydraulic ring saws are handheld and use diamond blades which cut via abrasion. This makes them very good for cutting even when the concrete is quite dense and solid.

Can Hydraulic Ring Saws Cut Any Type of Concrete?

Hydraulic ring saws can cut most types of concrete, even reinforced concrete. The blades that are used for these saws are good for plunge cutting and work best for very dense and hard materials.

Note, however, that the best type of saw to use is one that is water-cooled, as this prevents dust from being kicked up and also to stop the blade from glazing over with dust and metal (from the bond used to hold the diamond segments in place).

If the blade is allowed to overheat then it will start to smooth over and become less effective at cutting.

What are the Limitations of Hydraulic Ring Saws

The main limitation of a hydraulic ring saw is that it is limited in terms of how deep it can cut, based on the diameter of the blade.

The size of the blade is limited because large blades are difficult to handle.

Hydraulic ring saws are good for making straight cuts in smaller, awkward to reach places, but they are not always the ideal tool for the job.

Cutting concrete takes experience because it can be tricky. It is hard to produce clean cuts into thinner slabs without them cracking and breaking, and it is hard to cut thicker concrete too.

Chainsaws are good for deep cuts, as long as the vibration action of the saw will not be an issue. Hydraulic saws are versatile and are suitable for most concrete cutting applications.

If you are not sure what blade to choose, or whether a hydraulic handheld ring saw is suitable for your project, then be sure to seek expert advice so that you do not cause irreparable damage to the wall or slabs.

With the right tools, your construction or renovation project should be a breeze.

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

How Do You Cut Through Reinforced Steel Concrete?

Cutting through concrete that is reinforced with steel is a difficult task. 

Steel is often used to provide stability for structural concrete, and it does a good job of this.

However, it also means that if you need to cut the concrete you are likely to run into problems. 

Traditional blades will hit the steel and get chewed up or become blunt.

To cut through reinforced steel concrete, you will need to use the right tools and diamond blades are the best choice. 

Diamond blades are designed specifically for cutting very hard materials, and steel most definitely fits the bill in this regard. 

If you do decide to cut reinforced concrete using a diamond blade, you need to make sure that you use a fresh blade.

This is because cutting into anything with a diamond blade will slowly wear the diamonds off it. 

Think of diamond blades like sandpaper, but made with diamonds instead of abrasive sand.

Cutting Rebar is a Job for The Pros

Some concrete is made with ‘rebar’, or iron rods that are set into the structure before the concrete is poured. This is common for foundations, for example. 

The idea is that the rebar will help to hold the concrete in place, stopping it from shifting or cracking. Concrete with rebar is incredibly strong, by design. 

This can be quite a problem if you decide that you would like to trim it or adjust it, especially if you need to make additions to a property with a concrete slab.

While it is possible to cut through concrete with rebar using diamond blades and a concrete wet cutter, it is a job that is usually best left to the pros. 

This is partly because if you are cutting into walls or foundations you need to be wary of disturbing pipes, electrical cables or other utilities that may be masked on scans by the presence of the rebar.

If you are confident that you can cut the concrete safely, then you can rent or purchase a wet cutter and some blades:

  • Measure the location of the cut carefully. Remember that it is difficult to make precise cuts at exact angles with a concrete cutter, so give some leeway with the measurements you do.
  • Mark off the measurements using a highly visible marker that will not wash away when using a wet cutter. Photograph the measurements for reference.
  • Choose a cutter that will handle the job easily. If you’re cutting a road, a walk-behind cutter is a good choice. Hydraulic hand cutters are a good option for a wall.
  • Always wear safety gear when cutting concrete. Inhaling dust or getting it into your eyes could be very harmful, so a mask (a proper respirator, not just a dust mask) and eye goggles are a must, as is a pair of steel-toed boots, and leather gloves.
  • Use a fresh blade, and let the cutter warm up so the blade is moving at the correct speed.

If you are using the right type of cutter and blade you should find that the concrete just ‘melts away’ and that the steel is not an issue either. 

The blade should run through it without you even noticing that you have met new resistance.

You can make the job easier by keeping a stream of water directed at the blade to cool the blade down. This does double duty. 

However, it helps to reduce the amount of dust that is kicked up by the blade, and it also helps to keep the blade cool and fully functioning. 

If the blade overheats, it will have a shorter useful life span.

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/

How is a Hydraulic Ring Saw Used to Cut Concrete?

Hydraulic ring saws are an incredibly effective cutting tool that can be used to make neat cuts even into thick and heavy concrete. 

It is particularly useful for cutting in small areas, hard to reach locations and confined spaces. Ring saws are not like hand saws. 

Rather than a metal blade with ‘teeth’ they use a circular blade that has an abrasive surface, often coated in diamonds, which will abrade the concrete and cut it that way. 

The rigid band is good for making straight, steady cuts.

Why Are Ring Saws a Good Choice

Ring saws are a good choice because they can make straight, deep and precise cuts. 

They can cut into or through very hard materials, and are comparatively safe to use.

How a Ring Saw Works

Ring saws rely on abrasion to cut into hard surfaces. They are powered by a hydraulic motor instead of an electric motor. 

This means that they are powerful and reliable, and can put out a lot of power. Hydraulic motors are essentially the same as hydraulic pumps. 

As hydraulic pressure is applied it creates the rotary motion that powers the saw. 

This kind of motor is quite inexpensive to make, and is very reliable, meaning that it is a good choice for heavy-duty machinery.

Ring saws powered by hydraulics are not prone to stalling in the way a petrol motor would. 

They can generate lots of power in a small package, and you can get a high-power ring saws that weigh less than 11kg, and that is more than up to the task of cutting into walls, roads, or structural concrete. 

Hydraulic ring saws put a tremendous amount of power into your hands, but a lot of that power comes from the blades that you choose. 

For the best performance, you should look for diamond blades. 

These are general-purpose blades that are coated in diamonds to provide maximum abrasive power.

Diamond Blades Will Need Replaced

High-quality diamond blades should last for a long time but you will need to replace them occasionally. 

How often they need to be replaced will depend on the environment that you are cutting in. 

It can be difficult to tell when a diamond blade needs to be replaced because unlike traditional saws, ring saws with diamond blades do not have a dull edge. 

You will have to stop cutting and look at the segments to identify if the blades are damaged. 

Or, just pay attention to see if the blade is cutting more slowly than normal.

Blades will wear out more quickly if you choose one that is too hard for the material being cut. 

They will also wear out more quickly if you are cutting for long periods without breaks. 

If you notice odd sounds, or that the cutting takes longer than you expected, then this is a sign that the blade may need to be replaced.

Hydraulic saws with diamond blades essentially ‘sand’ their way through the material, and they may kick up a lot of dust in the process.

Therefore, you should consider using water alongside them to make sure the cut goes through more smoothly. 

This will help to make the blade last longer, and will also mean that you don’t inhale copious amounts of concrete dust.

Hydraulic ring saws are so powerful that you may be able to get away with cutting with an almost smooth blade in an emergency, but it is far from ideal to do so. 

If you’re at a remote site and must get a job done, then a smooth blade might still work.

However, you need to be aware that it might vibrate a lot, which could damage the saw or lead to an uneven cut.

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/

How to Cut a Door Into a Concrete Foundation

If you are renovating your property and making improvements to the basement then you may have the need to cut a door into the foundations. 

This can seem like a huge and intimidating task, but it is something that is usually possible to do, and the task itself is simpler than you might think. 

The challenge is making sure that you meet all of the building code requirements before you start work.

Foundations Support The Whole Building

Remember that the foundation supports the building. If you cut part of the foundation away this can hamper the integrity of the building. 

For this reason, it is usually a good idea to have a surveyor inspect the property to determine where and how the foundations need to be underpinned in order to ensure that any work you do will not leave the building unstable.

Doors need to be at least 30″ wide, in most parts of the world, to be considered safe for use as an emergency exit. 

If you make an opening this size, you will need to make sure that the foundation on either side is stable, and you will need to reinforce the lintel as well.

Cutting a Door into a Concrete Foundation

The actual process of cutting an opening into a concrete foundation is relatively simple. 

You will need a very large and powerful saw or a drill and a lot of water, in order to make the cut. 

Concrete cutting saws are usually large circular saws with diamond blades. There are both wet cut and dry cut concrete saws. 

Dry saws will, as the name suggests, cut into concrete without needing a water supply to keep the blade moving. 

The downside of these is that they produce an awful lot of dust. 

In general, it would not be a good idea to use a dry saw in a basement, since concrete dust is not something that you want to inhale. 

Even wearing a mask, the dust will go everywhere and be difficult to remove/clean up.

Wet saws rely on water directed at the area that is being cut. The water mixes with the concrete dust, stopping it from being kicked up into the air. 

The water is sucked up as it runs off from the surface being cut, taking the concrete dust with it. 

There will always be some run-off and dampness left, but in general, using a wet saw is the preferred option for health and safety reasons, and also because wet saw blades tend to last longer before needing to be replaced.

Once you have cut the opening into the concrete, you will need to frame it with structural timber to ensure that the opening remains strong. 

Note that with newer properties, the foundation may still be ‘settling’ and that it might shift or crack over time. 

A small amount of movement is normal with any property, but larger shifts can be down to subsidence and can cause significant problems. 

Structural framing will help to reduce the risk of any small shift from leading to damage to the walls or roof.

If you are not sure whether the work that you are planning is safe or a good idea then you should talk to an expert before you start making changes to the property. 

Planning and building control regulations can vary from area to area and a local expert will be able to advise you on the requirements to keep your family, staff or other building users safe.

This will ensure that the building remains in good condition for many years to come.

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/

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