Controlled Crack In Concrete
MegasawConcrete Cutting

Can I Purposely Put A Controlled Crack In Concrete? 

Concrete cracks. It is unavoidable. However, cracking can actually be controlled and minimised. How? By cutting and putting a controlled crack before the concrete cracks on its own.

By cutting the concrete in strategic areas, you preempt random cracking and keep the integrity of the concrete – visually and internally. 

The cuts you make on concrete to actually prevent cracks are called “control joints.” The depth and length of the control joints will vary depending on the type of concrete and its usage.

Making the cuts needs to be precise and timely. Otherwise, you will cause more harm than good.

When To Cut Concrete?

Timing is important when it comes to cutting control joints into the concrete. If you do it too soon can it cause ravelling which causes the aggregates to be pulled out of position, weakening the edges of the concrete that was cut.

On the other hand, cutting too late can cause even more cracking. When it comes to cutting concrete, you have to consider the following factors:

  • The concrete mix
  • Aggregates used
  • The hardness of the concrete
  • The type of equipment used
  • Weather conditions – if the weather is hot, you can start cutting as early as four hours after you pour the concrete. If the weather is cool, cutting needs to start 12 hours after the concrete was poured.

Cutting Tip:

The best way to determine if the concrete is ready for cutting is to make test cuts to check for ravelling. When the ravelling stops, you should start cutting.

Where to Cut Concrete to Prevent Cracking?

Cutting control joints should be strategic, otherwise, cutting is useless. Always consult a structural engineer before making the cuts.

Usually, control joints should be spaced at 24 to 36 times the thickness of the concrete. They should be spaced between 4 to 6 metres depending on the amount of reinforcement the concrete has.

You also have to consider the shrinkage of the concrete. This is why you need to consult your structural engineer when making the cuts.

Concrete Cutting Tips

Once you have determined the right time to cut control joints into your concrete, complete the following steps:

  • Mark the areas you are going to cut. Use bright chalk powders to mark the areas. If you are wet-cutting, use a bright-coloured crayon to mark the spot.
  • Use the right saw for the type of concrete you are cutting. There are various types of concrete saws you can use in cutting concrete. For example, large floors will require the use of a walk-behind saw. For smaller concrete, hand-held concrete saws can come in handy. 
  • Choose the right saw blade. Diamond blades are more popular and highly recommended. They make more precise, clean cuts and produce less concrete dust.
  • Control the dust. Make sure you have dust collectors and other necessary tools in controlling dust. Concrete dust contains crystalline silica which is very harmful to your health. Crystalline silica can cause lung scarring and can cause Silicosis, a fatal, incurable, irreversible disease. Use the wet cutting method when making control joints. Wet cutting produces less dust and keeps the concrete dust from becoming airborne and getting inhaled.
  • Use waterproofed, GFCI extension cord when using electric saws. GFCi or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an affordable device that is built into your power cord to protect you from power surges, overloads, and electric shocks. 
  • Use a guide board. Secure a straight smooth board outside the chalk line to use as your guide in making straight, clean lines. 
  • Do not force the blade. Do not push too hard. Just let the saw do the work. All you need to do is guide it in the direction you want to cut. Pushing the saw too hard can cause overheating and can damage the saw.
  • Try to form square patterns.
  • Make shallow continuous cuts.
  • Do not twist the saw blade. You will damage the blade, jeopardise the finish of concrete, and put yourself in harm’s way.
  • Use saw blades with soft metal segments when cutting concrete with heavy rebar.
  • ALWAYS use the required PPE or Personal Protection Equipment. The Australian Code of Practice for Concrete and Masonry Cutting and Drilling requires the use of the following:

Safety helmet

Safety footwear – steel-toed shoes are recommended

Safety goggles

A face shield

Hearing protection

Sun and weather protection

Gloves to improve hand grip  and reduce force and vibration

Respiratory protection when hazardous dust or fumes  cannot be eliminated

  • Avoid using loose-fitting clothing or jewellery. Long hair and long beards can be risky too.

Cutting concrete yourself is doable but we do not recommend it. Aside from the health risks, your lack of training might just cause more damage to your concrete and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Let the professionals handle the work for you. 

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. 

Is Concrete Dust Harmful
MegasawConcrete Cutting

Is Concrete Dust Harmful?

Concrete dust can be very harmful. Even the slightest amount of exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory problems. 

It is for these reasons that it is essential to protect saw machine operators from this harmful situation. PPE or Personal Protection Equipment is an absolute must. Safety first before concrete cutting. 

Hazardous Materials in Concrete Dust (Wet and Dry)

Crystalline Silica – harmful to human skin and has the potential to cause lung cancer. Recent studies show prolonged exposure to crystalline silica is connected to lung cancer and other respiratory problems.

Alkaline Compounds like Calcium Oxide – corrosive to human tissues and can cause minor to severe health issues.

Chromium – even the smallest trace amount can cause severe allergies.

Harmful Effects of Concrete Dust

Eyes – can cause minor irritation up to severe and permanent damage. All trace compounds found in cement dust can get into the eyes and cause damage to the eye tissues.

Respiratory System – when inhaled through the mouth and nose, concrete dust can cause an allergic reaction, irritation of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. 

Prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases like silicosis. Silicosis happens when silica particles scar your lungs. Silicosis is irreversible and incurable.

Skin – concrete dust can cause allergies, skin irritation, and other skin problems. This can range from mild and moderate skin issues through to more severe issues like:

  • Skin irritation
  • Rashes
  • Cracking of the skin
  • Skin ulcers
  • Thickening of the skin
  • Chemical burns

It is important to avoid the harmful effects of concrete dust. First, you should always opt for wet sawing where possible. It does not completely eliminate dust but it reduces dust production significantly. 

For personal protection, these are the following steps one can follow to be safe:

Personal Protection

  • Use alkali-resistant gloves. This will not just protect you from cement dust, it will also be your first defence from any sawing accidents.
  • Use coveralls with long sleeves and full-length trousers to keep the dust away from your skin. Make sure that your sleeves are pulled down over the gloves and the trousers are tucked inside your boots. Use duct tape over them to make sure that dust and mortar do not go inside.
  • Use water-proof, high-cut boots.
  • Use proper respiratory protective equipment like a P, N, or R 95 respirator. Dust is unavoidable but inhalation can be avoided.
  • Use proper goggles and do not use contact lenses.

Work Conditions

  • When cutting concrete, cut wet instead of dry where possible. This will help to minimise dust production.
  • Mix dry cement in open areas or well-ventilated areas.
  • Use different sizes of cement blocks whey laying concrete to avoid or at least minimise cutting or hammering to make them fit.
  • Work upwind from the dust sources. Avoid the dust as much as possible.
  • Do not wear any accessories like watches, rings, and necklaces, because dust can accumulate on and around them.
  • Avoid mixing cement on site. Use a ready-mixed concrete as much as possible.

Training

Australian National Code of Practice requires sufficient training for individuals handling cement. They must be educated in proper methods, safety, hazards, and controls.

First Aid

Skin contamination and eye irritation must be handled right away. Call for medical attention immediately.

While waiting, wash with running water right away. Avoid touching and self-medicating. Seek medical treatment right away.

Silica Exposure

Silica exposure is a serious problem. As mentioned earlier, this can lead to Silicosis. If you start to feel symptoms like cough or shortness of breath, see your doctor immediately.

Silicosis can occur only weeks after getting exposed to concrete dust or it can take years before signs and symptoms manifest. 

Here are the three types of Silicosis to watch out for:

  • Acute Silicosis – this is caused by exposure to high levels of crystalline silica. This can happen within months, even weeks of exposure, and can lead to death in extreme cases.
  • Accelerated Silicosis – this can occur in five to ten years after exposure. This is a result of high-level crystalline silica exposure.
  • Chronic Silicosis – this is the most common type of Silicosis. This is due to prolonged exposure to low levels of crystalline silica. This usually occurs after ten or more years of exposure.

Other Safety Measures

  • Shower right away if possible. Wash away all dirt and cement dust.
  • Use washable or disposable protective clothing.
  • Do not eat or take a break near the area you are working on. You will be exposed to dust and possible inhalation.
  • Have an annual medical checkup to monitor your health.
  • Stay educated with proper practices, health effects, and protective equipment.
  • Use dust control equipment like local exhaust ventilation or dust collectors.
  • Remove collected dust right away. Do not let the dust get airborne.
  • Check your dust controls regularly.

Concrete dust inhalation and contamination are dangerous. If you have projects that need concrete cutting, leave it to the professionals.

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. 

Different Types Concrete Saws
MegasawConcrete Cutting

What Types Of Concrete Saws Are There?

A concrete saw is a common tool for masonry and construction work. It is a common but very effective power tool for cutting concrete for different types of concrete work for both residential and commercial projects.

If you are wondering how a concrete saw is made, we have the answer right here. Concrete cutting is our thing!

Before we tackle the step by step by step process of making a concrete saw, let us first discuss some basic information about concrete cutting and types of concrete saws.

Two Methods of Sawing Concrete

  • Wet – using water while cutting concrete is a popular and healthier way of cutting concrete. Water is sprayed manually or through a built-in pump that sprays water onto concrete as you cut it. It also keeps the blade of the saw lubricated and cool. This means the blade lasts longer and produces less dust. This means less dust is inhaled by the handler making it safer to use.
  • Dry – using the concrete saw as it is, with no water being used. This produces a lot of dust, which is very harmful when inhaled. A diamond-bladed saw is often used in dry sawing because the diamond keeps the blade cool so it doesn’t heat up so easily. A diamond blade reduces the dust produced from sawing but it does not reduce it as much as using water.  

Types of Concrete Saws

1). Based on how they are handled

  • Handheld concrete saw (small) – these are small, handy but powerful tools that are usually used for smaller projects or for areas that are hard to access when using larger equipment.
  • Walk-behind concrete saw (medium to large) – as the name suggests, they need to be held from behind when operating them. These are larger, heavier, and far more powerful than handheld saws. They can also get the job done faster.

2). Based on how they are powered

  • Diesel-powered concrete saw – these types of saws do not need an electrical source as they are diesel-powered. This makes them very convenient to use and can be used anywhere. They are recommended for dry sawing because they usually have a dust-containment feature. It still produces some dust and some fumes, so it is often used for outdoor jobs. 
  • Electric-powered concrete saw – these saws are usually lighter, less noisy and do not produce a lot of dust. They are often used indoors as you need an electrical outlet to use it. They are easy to start, convenient, faster and environmentally-friendly. 
  • Battery-powered concrete saw – these are cordless concrete saws that are usually charged and connected to an electrical source when the battery runs out of power. They are very convenient and can be used anywhere in any given condition. They are also less of a working hazard due to the absence of a cord.

3). Based on Usage

  • Chain Saw and Ring Saw – these are usually small, handheld saws that are used for smaller projects. Because they are small and compact, they are often used in hard to reach areas or any projects where access is an issue. They are ideal for cutting bricks, concrete pipes, floors, and walls. 
  • Floor Saw – these are used to cut mostly flat surfaces like roads, pavements, floors, slabs, and much more.
  • Wall Saw – wall saws usually require a track-mounted system because they are used on vertical surfaces. Wall saws are used to make openings for windows, doors, ventilation ducts, etc. They are also called a track saw. 
  • Wire Saw – wire saws are made of diamond-laced cables that are pulled through concrete to get the job done.

Choosing The Right Concrete Saw

It is important to know what, how and when you are cutting the concrete so you can use the right concrete saw that is perfect for the job.

When you have determined what type of concrete saw you need, you can start by following these steps:

  • Determine the type of blade you will be using – are you using a corundum or diamond blade, handheld or walk-behind? Depending on the usage and how it is powered, you can start choosing the size and the type of blade you will use.
  • Enclose the blade with a blade guard – this is a major safety requirement. Do not operate a saw without a blade guard. This is to protect the user from any accident or bodily harm. 
  • Add a water pump or a water source – a wet saw poses fewer health hazards compared to dry saws. Incorporate a built-in water pump so your concrete saw will produce less dust.

Adjustments will have to be made if you are going to assemble a cordless, electric or gas-powered concrete saw. 

Safety Tips

When assembling your DIY concrete saw, make sure that you have turned the power off. Always use complete protective gear.

Saw blades, whether diamond or conundrum made, are very dangerous. SAFETY FIRST! It is better to be safe than sorry.

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 Does Concrete Saw Work
MegasawConcrete Cutting

How Does A Concrete Saw Work?

Concrete cutting is a basic trick in masonry and construction work. You are able to control and prevent cracking on concrete in specific areas, making the concrete both strong and visually appealing.

You will need a strong concrete saw to accomplish this. Taking all of this into consideration, let’s now take a look at how a concrete saw actually works.

First, we’ll discuss the basics and then learn how one goes about getting concrete cut.

How Does A Concrete Saw Work?

A concrete saw applies the strength of sharp rotating blades against a concrete surface to carve a way through it.

Concrete saws are powered either by using gasoline, electricity or batteries as a power source.

They work just like a wood saw except that they need a more powerful, stronger binding to tear through the concrete material.

Concrete saws usually use diamond blades for faster more efficient work. It is like rotating sandpaper only sharper and more powerful. It does not require pressure, unlike a wooden saw.

Concrete saws only need guidance from the user to cut through concrete.

The most important part of the concrete saw is the blade. The blade does most of the work and gets most of the effect of wear and tear.

It is important to handle the saw properly and give the blade the proper care so it can last longer. The most common factors that can lead to excessive blade abrasion and wear are:

  • Pressure or pushing the blade too hard when using
  • Using a ben spindle when using the concrete saw
  • Cutting the concrete at high speed
  • Using the wrong kind of blade for the type of concrete 

A concrete saw is more effective when you know where to cut. Knowing the right joint spacing is very important because you have to consider concrete shrinkage.

That is why you should consult an engineer or concrete cutting experts on this. These professionals will be able to help you out with the following:

  • Forming square patterns
  • Continuous saw cuts
  • Selecting the right areas that do not have steel reinforcements from one square to another
  • Forming larger squares and cutting interior joints for hotter weather conditions.

Remember that it is better to have smaller cracks than spending more money on maintenance and repairs.

Controlling fast-setting concrete cracks in larger areas is important rather than risking expensive repairs and maintenance costs.

For the concrete saw to work properly and the blade to last longer, follow these tips:

  1. Do not twist the blade when using it.
  2. Use soft blades with metal segments when cutting concrete with heavy rebar.
  3. Do not let the blade spin in the cut to lessen blade wear.

Safety Reminders

Safety first! You are far more important than the equipment you are using or the structure you are working on. Always be careful, keep safe and put on your safety gear.

Don’t forget the following:

  1. Do not use a concrete saw without a blade guard. Keep your fingers and the rest of your limbs safe. 
  2. Anticipate some push and pull, sudden jerks and surprise malfunctions from the equipment.
  3. Always check if the saw is working properly before using it. Broken or damaged equipment can cause a lot of problems and serious bodily harm.
  4. Always wear your safety gear! This includes:
  • Safety goggles – protect your eyes from harmful dust produced during cutting
  • Mask – concrete dust contains silica which if inhaled can cause lung scarring and other serious, irreversible lung damage. Avoid inhaling cement dust by using a face mask that will cover both mouth and nose.
  • Gloves – use the proper gloves for cutting concrete to protect your hands.
  • Earplugs – cutting concrete can be loud so using earplugs is recommended.
  • Steel-toed footwear – when dealing with concrete, your feet are always at risk, even more so when handling both concrete and concrete saw. 
  • Other Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) – other PPEs that may be required for safety purposes.

A concrete saw can only be as effective as the user handling it. How your equipment works depend on your handling and knowledge of the equipment and the type of concrete you are cutting.

Cutting concrete is not easy. It is a lot of hard work and can be very dangerous if you are not familiar with using a concrete saw or if you do not have much experience. 

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 to cut concrete floor
MegasawConcrete Cutting

How To Cut A Concrete Floor?

Concrete cutting is important in construction especially when it comes to concrete floors. Concrete will crack no matter how careful you are, however, the good news is that you can control and reduce the cracking.

The trick is in the timing – if you cut your concrete floor too soon, it will ruin the integrity of the concrete. If you cut too late, you have defeated the purpose of cutting it.

In this article, we will look at the different ways of cutting concrete floors but before we do, please take note of some important factors to consider:

When:

  • New Construction – for new construction, you can anticipate cracking and reduce it by sawing your concrete floors in a strategic way that you can incorporate into the design.
  • Remodelling or Renovation – when installing new drain lines and a new plumbing system for a new bathroom or kitchen.

Factors to consider when it comes to cutting:

  • The type of mixture – how strong is your mixture?
  • Kind of aggregates used – sand, crushed rocks, synthetic, etc. 
  • Weather conditions – if sunny or hot weather, the concrete may dry too fast and will cause cracking.
  • The hardness of the concrete – if your concrete is hard, you may need to cut earlier.
  • The type of equipment – the type of concrete saw will also help determine the timing of cutting concrete. You may need to cut the concrete earlier while it has not set depending on the capacity of the saw.

Equipment Used

The generic term for a concrete saw is consaw or road saw. The saw blade is mostly diamond-tipped so it can withstand the hardness of the concrete.

They are far more powerful than the conventional saws you are familiar with. There are different kinds of concrete saw blades that can be used for cutting your concrete floors.

Types of blade: 

  • Corundum Masonry Blade – used for short shallow cutting. These blades are weak and can break off fairly easily.
  • Diamond Blade – cuts concrete with greater efficiency. Diamond blade saws have serrated edges that keep the blade cool when cutting. They are perfect for concrete sawing. They can be used for short and shallow cuts or deep and long cuts. 

How They Are Handled:

  • Handheld concrete saw – these are small, lightweight handheld saws that are used for tight inaccessible areas. They have low horsepower but is also slow in cutting.  
  • Walk-behind concrete saw – these are bigger, heavier and more powerful. They cut fast but they are heavy so they are hard to move. 

How They are Powered:

  • Gas-powered concrete saw
  • Electric-powered concrete saw
  • Battery-powered concrete saw

How To Cut A Concrete Floor

  1. Locate the designated area to cut. Be accurate. Use a tape measure and mark the outline of each end of the channel. Use chalk to mark the perimeter to be cut. Make sure there are no plumbing or electrical lines underneath. If you are unsure about the location of these lines, consult a professional. You don’t want to damage your plumbing and electrical systems. These are expensive to repair and replace. 
  2. Be safe. Always put on safety goggles, ear protection, and steel-toed shoes. Safety first all the time. You are far more important than your structure. If you are putting yourself in harm’s way, better put down that saw and hire someone who can do it safely and efficiently.
  3. Start cutting. Stick to the outline and the markings you made. Try to keep it as accurate as possible. Make sure you are fully-equipped and knowledgeable in using a concrete saw before you start the job, otherwise, let a professional cutter do the job. You might end up causing damage to your concrete floors, causing you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repairs. 

Important Tips

  • Make sure that your concrete saw is well-lubricated.
  • Check the blades before, during and after use. Make sure they are not damaged.
  • Do not exert unnecessary pressure. Let the concrete saw do its work. Just guide and reinforce it.
  • Do not operate a concrete saw alone. Always have someone with you. In case of accidents, you have someone to help or call for help.
  • SAFETY FIRST.

Cutting concrete floors is a job that is best left to the professionals. Although you can do it yourself, using the services of professional cutters can be more efficient and can save you a lot of time and money.

Cutting concrete is hard work, it is not as easy as you may think. Aside from putting yourself in harm’s way, you may jeopardise the whole project by causing more damage on your concrete floors.

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. 

Great Tips How Cut Concrete Floor
MegasawConcrete Cutting

Great Tips On How To Cut A Concrete Floor

Are you planning a concrete cutting job? Do you need to learn more to see if you are capable of doing this on your own?

If your answer to the above questions is a resounding yes, you have come to the right place.

Concrete surfaces, including floors, are usually hard to cut through. However, with the right preparation, this highly demanding task can be much easier to accomplish.

Read on below to find out what is required to cut concrete floors.

Choose The Right Concrete Cutting Saw

The first and probably most important step in cutting concrete involves choosing the right concrete cutting saw.

There are many different types of concrete cutting saws available out there, from wet and dry variants to handheld and walk-behind saws among others.

While walk behind saws are great for large scale concrete cutting jobs, the handheld variety is best suited to making shorter superficial cuts in concrete.

Wet saws are great at minimising the amount of dust produced during the concrete cutting process, while dry saws do not require the use of water; eliminating the likelihood of the production of messy slurry.

Before the commencement of any concrete cutting job, be sure to choose the right saw from the variety that’s available.

Get The Right Blade For The Task At Hand

Once you have settled on the right type of concrete cutting saw for the task at hand, the next step is to choose the most appropriate blade.

Choosing the right blade will not only ensure that you get the job done faster but also at a lower overall cost.

Diamond blades are the most popular and effective blades for concrete cutting. While these blades are costlier than abrasive type blades, they cut faster and longer.

If you are looking to cut long stretches of concrete, diamond blades are definitely the way to go.

It is also worth noting that while dry blades can be used for wet or dry concrete cutting, wet blades can only be used for wet cutting applications.

Mark The Area To Be Cut

To keep your cuts as accurate as possible, it is recommended that you properly mark the area to be cut. Use chalk to clearly draw a line through the area you want to cut.

For wet cutting jobs, use a crayon, which is harder to wash off, to mark the area to be cut.

Gear Up

Concrete cutting applications expose you to a variety of risks. For starters, concrete cutting leads to the production of huge amounts of toxic crystalline silica dust and small concrete particles.

Therefore, it goes without saying that you need to protect yourself by using the right protective gear.

Safety goggles, earplugs and dust mask respirators are necessary not only for the concrete cutter but also for anyone else who will be in the area during the cutting work.

Start Cutting

Once you have completed all of the above steps, you will be ready to cut concrete.

Concrete cutting saws, whether electric or diesel-powered, tend to be quite powerful; as such, there is no need for you to force the blade into the concrete surface.

All you need to do is guide the blade along the marked area.

Forcing the blade increases the likelihood of overheating. Also remember to set, and keep, the blade running at low RPM to keep it from overheating.

Conclusion

Cured concrete is quite hard to cut through. However, with the right equipment and knowledge, this challenging job can be much easier to get done.

Diamond blades are the most effective and long-lasting when it comes to concrete cutting jobs involving expansive floors.

The hazardous nature of the crystalline dust produced during concrete cutting jobs means the use of protective gear for all involved is essential.

When the cutting begins, the trick is to allow the saw to do all the heavy lifting, while you as the cutter gently guide it along the area to be 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. 

Advantages Using Saw Cut Through Asphalt Concrete
MegasawConcrete Cutting

The Many Advantages Of Using A Saw To Cut Through Asphalt Or Concrete

Does your construction or repair project require cutting through asphalt or concrete? Do you want to know about the most effective and precise method of cutting asphalt or concrete?

When it comes to removing asphalt or concrete, the first thing most people think of is a jackhammer.

However, using a jackhammer in certain situations is not necessarily the best option as it can lead to cracks in the surface.

You can avoid these cracks with the help of a cutting saw that will provide clean cuts. Saw-cutting asphalt and concrete offers a number of benefits compared to other options.

Here’s a list of some of the major reasons experts recommend using saw-cutting for asphalt or concrete.

1. More Precise Cuts

Using a saw to cut through asphalt or concrete results in precise cuts as these powerful saws cut through the material precisely and do not waver.

Precise cuts ensure minimal wastage which saves a lot of money. The other methods of cutting through asphalt or concrete usually produce a lot of avoidable waste and that adds onto your budget.

Therefore, it is better to use a saw as it is designed to give precise cuts.

2. It is Faster

Saw cutting is a much more efficient way of cutting through concrete or asphalt as the tool doesn’t waver and the job is completed right the first time.

You get faster results and don’t have to deal with a lot of waste. Saving time means saving a lot of money and saw cutting is the best way to save time when it comes to cutting through asphalt or concrete.

3. Customisation

In many asphalt or concrete cutting projects, personalisation is the reason for cutting. By using a saw to cut through this material, you get a much more professional result which is great for customisation.

4. Better Finishing

Since you get a lot more control over the equipment when using a saw to cut through asphalt or concrete, it helps in getting a much better finish compared to other solutions.

Simply put, you get a much better finish with a saw.

Steps for Saw Cutting Asphalt or Concrete

There are some simple steps involved in making precise cuts through asphalt or concrete.

Here’s a list of the steps you need to follow whether you are removing a damaged asphalt/concrete section or fixing a pothole:

1. Clean the Area

The most important thing you need to do before you begin cutting is to clean the area to make sure there is no debris around. This will prevent the saw from catching on stones that would put you and others at risk. So, make sure there is no debris, pebbles or rocks lying around.

2. Cutting Lines

To make precise cuts, it’s important to mark the cut lines before you begin. Experts recommend using a chalk line to mark the cut lines. You should dent this line with the help of a hammer and chisel, or a screwdriver. It will give the saw a precise path to follow for making precise cuts.

3. Making the Cuts

Before you start cutting through the pavement, it is recommended to check the thickness of the pavement. You will need this thickness to set the blade depth.

Checking the thickness of the pavement is easy. Just dig out the edge of the pavement to find the thickness. After selecting the blade depth, make a straight cut to the precise thickness and lift the saw.

Always make straight cuts and do not try to turn the saw as it will break the blade. Once the desired section has been cut, remove the waste and carry on with your project.

Conclusion

Overall, using a saw to cut through asphalt or concrete offers more precise cuts, saves time, saves money and allows better finishing.

That’s why it’s important to use the services of a professional and experienced concrete cutting company to make sure the job is done right the first time.

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. 

Tips For Safe Efficient Concrete Cutting
MegasawConcrete Cutting, Uncategorized

Tips For Performing Safe and Efficient Concrete Cutting Jobs

Do you know what it takes to perform a perfect or flawless concrete cutting job? If not don’t worry, you are not alone.

There are many people out there, including seasoned construction experts, who don’t how to make clear and precise cuts using a concrete saw.

It’s by no means an easy task so don’t worry if you’re not sure how to do it.

There are many situations where you might find yourself needing to cut concrete.

For instance, you may have issues with the foundations of your home, or you may need to remove excess concrete blocks or extend your patio or access some drain pipes.

First Step Is Finding The Right Concrete Saw

Before you can begin cutting anything, you must establish which tool you are going to use. Conventionally, concrete saws are the best tools to cut through concrete blocks and slabs.

However, there are many different types of concrete saws out there today.

One saw may be perfect for a certain project you are working on today while the same saw may be completely useless for another cutting job you find yourself doing tomorrow.

It’s always advisable to do some due diligence when buying or renting a saw for a project.

Randomly choosing a saw can be the worst mistake you can make as it can lead to serious and permanent damage to the material you are cutting.

Worse still, you can also injure yourself while cutting because of using the wrong saw.

Decide on Whether To Use A Hand-held or Walk-Behind Saw

If you are engaged in a big concrete cutting job, it’s highly recommended that you go with heavy-duty walk-behind concrete saws.

Some of the jobs in this category include cutting through entire walls, floors and concrete slabs.

Walk-behind saws are not only more efficient for this type of task, they are also safer for the operator.

On the other hand, hand-held saws are better suited for smaller concrete structures that require professional customisation.

You can use hand-held concrete saws to make sharp cuts and clean rough corners. These saws are compact in size which makes them easy to handle.

An operator can maneuver easily through tight corners and spaces using these saws.

Choose The Right Blade

Diamond blades or diamond drills are used to cut concrete through concrete structures with the help of concrete saws.

Diamond blades are very strong and often require lubrication for them to perform clean and precise cuts.

It’s very important to attach a quality diamond blade to your concrete saw if you wish to undertake a safe and efficient concrete cutting job. Remember, it’s the blade that does the actual cutting.

The lubricant (water) is usually sprayed on the blade continuously during cutting to minimise friction.

It’s important to ensure that your diamond blade is sufficiently lubricated throughout the cutting process.

Sharpen Your Blade Regularly

Just like a knife, a concrete saw blade needs to be sharpened as often as possible in order to maximise the efficiency of the tool.

If the blade isn’t sharp enough, cutting through concrete structures will be a difficult and time-consuming task. Many times, blunt blades break during cutting.

This sudden breakage can damage the saw, break the concrete structure being cut or injure the operator.

Using a blunt diamond blade can also cause excess heat and dust to be produced during cutting. This can reduce the efficiency of your project and also put you at risk.

Match Your Tools To The Task At Hand

There is no single blade that can perform all the different types of concrete cutting jobs out there. You need to choose a specific blade for each individual job you undertake.

It’s important to match both your saw and blade to the job or task you are undertaking. This way you can maximise your efficiency and ensure your safety at the same time.

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. 

Wet Cutting Concrete
MegasawConcrete Cutting

Read This If you Are Considering Concrete Wet Cutting

Is it best to cut concrete using the wet or dry method? If you aren’t sure which method is best, please continue reading below.

When cutting concrete, it is possible to do so while using dry and wet cutting methods. While most have heard of the former, the latter is a much better choice.

Here are 6 pointers to keep in mind while using water to cut concrete.

1. Controlling Dust

In case you were unaware, harmful silica dust is released into the air when concrete is being cut.

While there is no way to eliminate this completely, you can significantly reduce the amount you are exposed to by using wet cutting methods.

There has been research conducted and it has shown that using water reduces dust by as much as 85%.

This means that it will have less opportunity to become airborne and settle on various surfaces or worse still, being inhaled.

2. Cooling Saw Blades

When you are sawing through concrete, it is common for the blades of the saw to become rather hot.

Not only can this have an effect on the precision of the cuts, but it can be dangerous to the person doing the cutting.

One of the main reasons for this is the fact that a blade that has become too hot has the possibility of breaking during the cutting process.

Flying blades can harm the one who is doing the cutting as well as anyone who is unfortunate enough to be in close range.

The way in which water helps with the precision of the cut is actually quite simple. When blades get overly hot, it is common for people to take frequent breaks to allow it to cool down.

As a result, they lose their rhythm and end up making cuts that are not consistent with others.

3. It Is Messy

One thing that cannot be disputed is the fact that wet cutting is far messier than its dry counterpart.

While you may not have to worry about all type of dust particles in the air, it will be necessary to prepare to clean a large mess once you are done with your cutting project.

In many cases, people use old fabric as a dropcloth when they are using wet cutting methods. This will make it much easier to clean up after yourself once the project is complete.

4. Experience Needed

If you are someone who does not have a great deal of experience, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional for this task.

While you can probably save a good amount of money by attempting this on your own, this is a huge risk that you should not be willing to take.

To be on the safe side, you should hire a professional to get the job done.

While you will have to pay for this service, it is a small price to pay in exchange for the fact that you will not be hurt while trying to handle a task that is beyond your capabilities.

5. Less Taxing

Wet saws are different from dry ones because they are not meant to be held in the hand while getting the job done.

This means that there is less stress and strain on the person who is doing all of the cutting.

If you are in a position where you are required to cut concrete for a large part of the day, this can make things more bearable.

Now that you know more about wet cutting, it is your responsibility to determine whether this is something that will help you when trying to cut concrete.

If so, then you need to consider all of these points if you want are interested in less mess, more safety and increased precision.

The best way to cut concrete indoors is to hire a professional concrete cutting service.

With dozens of concrete cutting services operating in Melbourne, choosing the right service for your project may not be easy.

There are many things to consider when choosing a reputable and experienced concrete cutting service.

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. 

Australian Concrete Cutting Methods Vary From European Methods
MegasawConcrete Cutting

Do Australian Concrete Cutting Methods Vary From European Methods?

Are you searching for a reliable concrete cutting service in Australia? Are you wondering whether Australian concrete cutting methods vary from European methods? If so, read more below.

The simple answer to the question above is that the concrete cutting methods in Australia or Europe are virtually the same.

However, if you are in Australia, you still need to make sure you work with a reliable concrete cutting service when you have a concrete cutting project to get the best possible results.

Concrete is a versatile and durable construction material. It’s used in the construction industry across the globe.

Contractors use different methods when they are faced with the need to cut concrete for whatever reason.

You should have a working knowledge of the different concrete cutting methods across the globe when embarking upon a concrete cutting project.

This article highlights some of the most effective concrete cutting methods in Australia as well as Europe.

  • Diamond Sawing
  • Flat Sawing
  • Wall Sawing
  • Core Drilling
  • Wire Sawing

Diamond Sawing

Diamond saws are more precise and much faster compared to most of the other concrete cutting methods. This method needs fewer operators and can cut rebar and other metals.

Diamond saws don’t vibrate and create a lot of noise like other concrete cutting methods. These tools are less likely to damage the adjoining concrete surface when cutting concrete.

However, diamond sawing should be performed by a professional concrete cutting contractor. You should rely on an experienced contractor for this purpose.

Flat Sawing

Flat sawing is a process that’s used to cut flat concrete surfaces such as floors and pavement. That’s why flat sawing is also known as slab sawing.

The saws are mounted on a cart that the contractor pushes from behind. Flat sawing is most often used to access wiring and broken pipes below a concrete floor.

It is also used to patch a road or highway and cut plumbing trenches.

Wall Sawing

Wall sawing is done with a circular blade on a track-mounted machine. The track allows the saw to cut ceilings and climb walls.

Wall sawing is used to cut concrete walls that are more than 16 inches thick however, it isn’t suitable to cut concrete walls that are 36 inches thick.

Wall sawing is not the best DIY project because it is difficult and requires expertise.

Core Drilling

Core drilling is important to make precise circular holes to create openings for pipes, heating, and electrical wires. It is also used to cut holes for air-conditioning or ventilating vents to fit through.

Core drilling can also be used for taking concrete samples. A core drill is a steel tube with diamond-tipped bits. These tools can be operated at any angle including vertically or horizontally.

Wire Sawing

Wire sawing is usually reserved for much larger concrete cutting projects. It is used when every other method fails.

Wire saws are made using multistrand cables including small diamond segments threaded through pulleys that are attached to a drive wheel (powered by hydraulics).

When the saw operates, the wire will spin around and the hydraulic power unit will pull on the cable.

Final Thoughts

When you need to have some concrete cut, you should always rely on a professional and experienced concrete cutting service to handle the job.

If you are searching for the best concrete cutting service in Melbourne, there are many factors to consider before choosing the right contractor for the project.

Your research is important in this regard. Check the reputation, expertise, credentials, technology, and customer feedback of the potential cutting service before choosing the best one 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. 

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