How To Cut Through A Concrete Floor Without Cracking or Breaking The Concrete?

Typically, concrete structures are built to be strong and durable. They are built to withstand the test of time and remain intact or solid for many years.

As such, tough materials such as gravel and steel bars are used to ensure that nothing can cut through or bring down these structures.

However, what happens when you need to renovate or bring down a specific concrete structure? What do you do when you want to make precise changes or fixes to concrete structures like floors?

Please keep reading as this article will reveal how you can cut through concrete structures like floors without cracking or breaking them.

Concrete Floors

More and more people are finding themselves in situations where they need to cut through concrete floors within their buildings in order to undertake certain repairs or renovation tasks.

However, a good number of these people do not how to correctly undertake this job. Cutting through concrete is highly a delicate and complex task.

One simple mistake can have massive repercussions.

One of the most common problems that people face when cutting through concrete structures like floors is cracking and breaking of the concrete.

Just imagine yourself in the process of cutting through a concrete floor and then boom, the concrete beneath you suddenly cracks or breaks.

This situation can be nerve-wracking and sometimes, disastrous.

Concrete Saws

To cut through concrete floors, you need a powerful concrete saw that can cut through various layers of hardened concrete mix.

The saw also needs to be able to cut through reinforced steel bars that are often found within the structure of concrete floors.

No other power tool is as effective as a concrete saw with a wet diamond blade.

There are two types of concrete saws you’ll find in the market. The first is hand-held concrete saws that are typically used to cut small blocks or slabs of concrete.

The others are walk-behind concrete saws that are commonly used to cut concrete floors and other large concrete structures.

Cutting Mistakes and Problems

There are various mistakes and errors that you can make that can lead to serious problems such as cracking and breaking. Remember, concrete floors are usually very sturdy and strong.

However, they are also very brittle which means that they can crack or break easily when mishandled. Concrete floors are like biscuits, one wrong cut can cause them to break up.

Unfortunately, most people only learn about this when it’s too late. A cracked or broken concrete floor is a huge safety hazard that can make a building uninhabitable.

So, when undertaking any concrete floor cutting job, it’s important to follow the right steps and procedures.

Precautions To Take

Cutting through a concrete floor may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You only need to be careful and patient.

The first thing you need to do is mark the area you want to cut on the concrete floor. Make sure there are no electrical or plumbing lines under the area.

Next, connect your concrete saw to a running supply of water and power it up. Make sure you wear the necessary safety gear and clothing before you begin cutting.

Finally, position the saw on one of the edges of the marked area and start cutting slowly. Move the saw forward gradually and make sure to monitor the depth of the blade.

Make sure to raise the blade and reposition the saw every time you reach the end of an edge. You should never try to cut corners or change direction without stopping and repositioning the saw.

As we can see, there are many things to consider when cutting through concrete which means this is a task that is best left to reputable and experienced 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

Drilling and Sawing Concrete – Best Practice Tips

Concrete is the primary material for most building and construction projects. Working with concrete can often get challenging, especially when you want to cut, drill, or saw it for modifications.

Knowing the right time to drill and saw-cut concrete is key to the success of such projects. So, when do such contractors know when to drill or saw concrete?

Let’s look at the details of concrete sawing and drilling and when to execute them:

Concrete Drilling

Core drilling is an essential procedure whenever accurate, circular diameter cuts are required. Drilling achieves up to 60” in diameter for holes, which can virtually be drilled to any depth.

Concrete drilling is typical in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical installations. One may ask what the best time for drilling concrete is. Well, concrete should be left to cure at least 60% before drilling.

This means waiting at least 3 days before any drilling. Typical applications that necessitate concrete drilling include:

  • Construction of sewer and floor drains
  • Sewer tie-ins
  • Electrical, phone, fibre optic, and cable openings
  • HVAC openings
  • Anchor holes and handrails
  • Aggregate analysis

Concrete drilling is achieved using a wet process. As such, concrete blocks, asphalt, solid concrete, and brick can all be core drilled to achieve the desired results.

Given the application of concrete drilling, walls and floors are the most common structures in core drilling.

Concrete Sawing

There are various ways in which concrete sawing is done, including asphalt sawing and flat sawing.

Concrete asphalt sawing is essential in replacing perimeter areas to replace damaged parts and provide clean edges for an improved appearance of the perimeter.

Concrete flat sawing, on the other hand, is a diamond cutting method that involves a diamond blade mounted on a machine.

Such machines are walk-behind machines and can be controlled by one operator. Concrete sawing is vital in creating control joints in concrete.

These joints help control the cracking of concrete due to shrinkage. So, when is the right time to saw your concrete?

Sawing should occur when concrete has gained sufficient strength, but just before internal cracking starts.

Generally, when to saw-cut concrete depends on the concrete mixture, weather conditions, and the type of cutting equipment to be used.

Sawing too early creates a mess and weakened edges of the concrete and may also cause wear on the saw blades.

On the other hand, sawing too late may result in uncontrolled cracking due to contracting during curing.

Given the weather conditions, concrete sawing can begin 4-12 hours after the concrete is poured. During the hot weather, sawing can be done as soon as 4 hours after pouring the concrete.

In the cooler weather, it may be done after 12 hours have elapsed, and when there is probably no ravelling on the concrete.

Typical applications of concrete sawing include:

  • Cutting control and expansion joints
  • Cutting reinforced floors
  • Removing damaged concrete and asphalt sections
  • Cleaning and preparing cracks for repair
  • Trenching

Tips For Effective Concrete Drilling and Sawing

1. Use the Right Equipment

The right equipment for drilling and sawing will give you the best results. Core saws, core drills, and wall saws will give you the best cuts and accurate holes when used properly.

2. Use the Tools Right

When concrete cutting or drilling, applying excessive force on the drills may have undesirable results. Improper use of these tools may cause damage to the walls and equipment.

3. Layout Your Cuts

Laying out all the cuts helps you locate the right position to place your equipment before cutting or drilling. This helps you make accurate cuts and minimise damage to the walls or floors.

4. Protect Yourself

When cutting or drilling concrete, it is important to keep yourself safe from the debris and dust generated by these processes. A set of goggles and a dust mask will help protect you from dust and concrete bits.

Concrete drilling and sawing are important in construction as they help in making drains and control joints in concrete.

Concrete drilling should be done between 3-7 days after pouring concrete while sawing can be done between 4 and 12 hours of concrete pouring depending on the weather conditions.

As we can see, 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

Safety Precautions When Cutting Concrete Indoors

Sawing concrete is hazardous no matter what method is used. Training, supervision and safety precautions are therefore crucial when cutting concrete indoors.

Some of the hazards that are associated with concrete cutting and need to be taken into account include:

  • Inhaling silica dust
  • Exhaust fumes that are toxic
  • Kickback, pull-back or pull-in from working with equipment that exerts great force
  • Working in confined spaces
  • Structural collapses
  • Noise pollution
  • Equipment malfunctions, damage and fractures
  • Hazards associated with working in a construction environment

Standard safety precautions outlined by the OSHA Code of Practice to lower the risk of any of these hazards occurring include:

1. Safety Gear

All persons working in concrete cutting and drilling are required to wear and use personal protective clothing and equipment. The standard safety gear should include the following:

  • Safety helmet or hardhat
  • Protective footwear
  • Safety goggles and/or a face shield
  • Respiratory protection to protect against dust and/or exhaust fumes
  • Safety gloves to protect the hands and improve grip
  • Earplugs or earmuffs to protect hearing

In addition, workers must be required to tie back long hair and beards as well as to avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing and remove all jewellery.

Safety gear should meet with the required OSHA safety standards.

2. Equipment Handling And Storage

Equipment should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions and not be used in any way that it is not intended.

Manufacturers are required to provide detailed instruction manuals for the handling and use of concrete cutting equipment.

Any person using the equipment should receive adequate training and practise with the equipment – especially before handling the equipment in an indoor environment.

Equipment should be stored according to manufacturer’s instructions and locked away out of harms way when not in use.

Saw blades should be removed and the equipment detached from a power supply before storage.

Equipment should be checked for damage or any problems that could affect the operation or be hazardous when it is removed from storage.

3. Identifying Hazards And Assessing And Controlling Risks

Identifying any hazards that may exist before concrete cutting begins can help reduce or eliminate the risks.

There are 27 hazards that have been identified and included in the Code of Practice for masonry and concrete cutting.

However, other risks, especially those that are associated with indoor masonry cutting, should also be taken into account.

Once a hazard has been identified, it is necessary to determine the risk of injury or safety that it poses. Measures should then be taken to control the risk.

Eliminating the risk or hazards entirely is preferable to reducing the risk that a specific hazard poses.

4. Implementing Safety Procedures

Safety procedures should be developed and enforced that put in place control measures to eliminate risks and hazards.

These procedures should be reviewed and updated regularly at regular health and safety meetings.

The outcome of these meetings should be communicated to every person involved in a project involving masonry or concrete cutting.

Detailed records should be kept of maintenance and repairs to equipment. Any hazards that have been identified as well as the measures that have been taken to control the risks should be recorded.

A record of injuries that were sustained and how they were caused also needs to be recorded.

It is also critical to select a person who is ultimately responsible for developing and implementing safety procedures as well as ensuring that adequate training is provided for the use of equipment.

It is important to note that this is just an outline of the hazards, risks and safety precautions that should be taken when cutting concrete indoors.

As we can see, 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

Are Hydraulic Hand-held Cutting Saws Safe To Use?

When looking for the best saws for cutting concrete, there are many options available in the market. 

For instance, there are those with gas engines, cordless electric motors or powered by hydraulics or pneumatics. 

If used recklessly, all these equipment are highly dangerous. 

Therefore, if you are working with a hydraulic hand-held concrete cutting saw, you need to apply all the safety measures for the best results. 

Safety Rules 

Each saw has its own list of general safety rules and procedures that should be followed by an operator. 

For instance, when using the hydraulic-powered concrete cutting saw, you need to unplug the saw before changing the blades. 

  • Secondly, hand-held cutting saws are only supposed to be used where the larger saws can’t be used. 

Therefore, you shouldn’t use them in different areas than what’s recommended for your own safety. 

  • When using the hydraulic-powered hand-held concrete cutting saw, always make sure that your hands are at waist level when cutting horizontally. 

When cutting vertically, make sure you operate the saw between the collar bone and knee height. 

If you ignore these simple rules, you are likely to put yourself in very dangerous situations. 

  • If you are using a non-trigger tool, make sure there is another person grabbing the equipment to make sure it’s safe. 

Both people should hold the saw properly for the right grip. If the saw isn’t too heavy, it will reduce the risk of a strain-related injury. 

The hand-held saw should be balanced aptly and packed with anti-vibration hand grips. That way, you can enjoy the best support and comfort while operating it. 

  • Keep in mind that if the hydraulic hand-held concrete cutting saw is not balanced properly when in use, you might be forced to place your hands in very risky positions. 

For instance, the blade might have an unusual vibration or you might place your hand too close to it thus risking serious bodily harm to yourself. 

The vibration might also affect your blood circulation, nerves and joints. 

  • When cutting the concrete horizontally, make sure the saw moves from right to left and vice versa without changing the guard or blade. 

There should be an automatic switch for cutoff purposes. If you are cutting pipe make sure there is enough support and choking to avoid any movement.

  • Make sure you notify others in the area that you are about to begin using the saw to avoid any casualties on the construction site. 

Make sure there is a noise warning in place to prevent people from crossing into your workspace aimlessly. 

  • Before you start using the hand-held cutting saw you need to inspect the blade thoroughly. First, you need to make sure that it’s not damaged. 

If it is damaged, you need to replace it because using a damaged blade could result in it ejecting fine pieces of concrete and also lead to further breakage. 

Therefore, check the blade thoroughly to make sure it doesn’t have any missing segments and if they are missing, change it immediately. 

  • When mounting the blade, make sure you do so properly. 

It might seem like a very simple thing but it’s critical if you want to guarantee safe operation. 

Before mounting the blade, you need to turn off the power completely. The cord should be unplugged and the engine is off. 

Use the right tools to tighten the blade to make sure it doesn’t wobble. The blade guard should always be in position before you start operating the saw. 

Summary

In conclusion, in any construction site where concrete cutting is involved, these safety measures should be applied at all times to prevent injuries. 

You can always use hydraulic hand-held cutting saws for concrete cutting but make sure you follow the safety procedures to the letter. 

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/

The Various Types Of Concrete Saws & Sawing Explained

In the construction industry, concrete sawing is an everyday need. 

It is critical for cutting and removing concrete in a safe and precise manner and is often used in building and remodelling work. 

Concrete saws, however, come in many different types, all suited to different purposes. 

There are also several different concrete sawing techniques. 

To help you determine which saws and sawing techniques would best fit your needs, here is a brief guide to concrete saws and sawing.

Concrete Sawing Methods

Concrete sawing methods commonly used include;

Dry Sawing

This is a concrete sawing method that typically produces a lot of dust on-site, which makes it suitable for outdoor projects only. 

A diamond blade is ideal for dry sawing since it stays cool even in the absence of water and can contribute to less dust build-up. 

Dry sawing requires making many small, brisk cuts that become deeper gradually to ensure that the blade does not overheat.

Wet Sawing 

This is a concrete sawing method where water is used to help lubricate and cool the saw blade, resulting in a cooler blade and less production of harmful dust. 

It not only helps prolong the blade’s lifespan but it is much better for your health and environmentally friendly.

Concrete Saw Types

Concrete saw types include:

Wall Saws

Wall saws are also referred to as ‘track saws’ and are primarily used to make an opening in walls for the purpose of creating doors, windows, or even ventilation ducts. 

The wall saw works by being secured onto the target structure, on a track mounted system, to make accurate, precise, and clean cuts.

Floor Saws

Floor saws are designed for cutting into flat concrete surfaces such as concrete roads, floors, and roads. 

Quite often, the floor saw is used for pavement and road work as well as demolition, joints, and trenching work.

Chain and Ring Saws

Chain and ring saws are both handheld and used for small to medium sized projects. 

The key benefit with these saws is their compact design, which makes them ideal for cutting through concrete pipes, floors, and walls. 

There are many different types of chain and ring saws depending on the job you wish to undertake.

The concrete cutting contractor you choose will advise you on the type of chain or ring saw that’s needed for your concrete cutting project. 

Chain saws have an oblong blade that’s bordered by a diamond impregnated chain and are ideal for jobs where overcuts are not needed. 

Ring saws, on the other hand, have a round blade and are ideal for making cuts in places where other saws cannot access but require deep cutting.

Wire Saws

Wire saws are essentially diamond-laced cables pulled through the target material while being cooled down with water. 

This approach to concrete sawing offers flexibility, less wastage, and does not usually cause many vibrations, which means that there’s less chance of cracks appearing around cuts.

No job is too big and no structure is too large for a wire saw. It is designed for cutting precise openings in steel or reinforced concrete. 

The wire saw is ideal for projects where unusual or awkward shapes have to be cut.

The Bottom Line

Concrete saws play an important role in the construction industry. Concrete cutting is an integral part of most construction projects. 

It is thus critical to understand concrete sawing techniques and the types of concrete saws to ensure correct and safe usage.

Whatever concrete saw for sawing method you choose, it is always important to ensure that you hire a professional for the job. 

Otherwise, you risk ending up with poor quality results and may even damage your structure.

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/

Top Reasons Why Ring Saws Are An Effective Cutting Tool

Ring saws are very effective cutting tools for cutting through concrete and other construction materials. 

They can also be used to create entrances in brick walls and can also be used in confined spaces or any locations that are hard to reach. 

Here is what you need to know about ring saws and why they are an effective cutting tool. 

What Is A Ring Saw? 

It’s a handheld variation of a band saw. It doesn’t have a flexible and oblong shaped band like the band saw. However, it has a circular and rigid band. 

The blade on a ring saw is abrasive and not toothed like a band saw. Ring saws are manufactured that way because of the brittle and abrasive coating. 

It’s also a good way to prevent flexure when being operated since the ring has a constant radius as a circle. 

When Is A Ring Saw Often Used?

Since they are handheld, ring saws are used to cut any areas that aren’t accessible using road saws. 

Also, they are used in areas that need deeper cutting, compared to what a hand saw can offer. 

Additionally, they are used in precision cutting to prevent pipes and concrete from being damaged and overcut. 

A ring saw can be used to cut through any material such as granite, stone, marble and acrylic. 

During construction, ring saws are mostly used for creating small openings through brick or concrete walls. 

As such, these holes can be used to create door frames, windows and ventilation spaces. 

What Are The Advantages Of Using Ring Saws 

1. Portable 

They come in a compact size and are very lightweight. Therefore, they can be carried easily from one area of operation to the other without any hassle. 

Even better, they can be transferred to different construction sites effortlessly. 

2. Powerful 

A ring saw can be used to create a cut with at least 275mm in depth. Therefore, they can be used for cutting through any thick concrete or brick walls without any problems. 

As mentioned, ring saws can be used to cut through any of the materials mentioned above, most of which can’t be achieved with regular saws. 

3. Precision Cutting

Ring saws can be used for precision cutting. They can be used to cut corners or make right angle cuts effortlessly. 

Even better, you can count on clean cuts with these ring saws. 

If you need to make sharp cuts in particularly large concrete blocks, stone or brickwork or any other construction material with ease. 

4. Confined Cutting

With other types of saws, it’s quite difficult to cut in confined and restricted spaces. 

Since ring saws are fast, they offer precision cutting that can be used in any confined spaces without fail. 

You don’t need to worry about damage or overcutting when cutting any material in a confined space with a ring saw.

5. Quick And Precise

Ring saws are quite popular in numerous construction sites because they are quick. 

With some types of saws, it’s hard to cut through the material and may result in damage if you continue using the saw. 

However, ring saws offer a quick cutting option, improving overall productivity among many other benefits. 

6. Less Dust

Since they work so fast, ring saws are often used with water to cool down the blade. 

Therefore, they don’t create a lot of concrete dust when being used to cut through the material. 

It’s a much cleaner method of cutting that offers many benefits when it comes to cleaning. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, ring saws are frequently used in construction sites because of the benefits they offer. 

They are known to cause less injuries and offer cleaner cuts than other types of concrete saws.

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/

7 Safety Tips For Working With A Concrete Saw

Whether you are cutting a concrete slab, floors or something else, it is important that you do so using the highest level of safety. 

Using a concrete saw can be extremely dangerous if you are not careful while operating it. 

Here are 7 tips that will ensure there are no issues once you take out your saw and begin cutting.

1. Mark Your Cuts

One thing many people don’t realise is the importance of marking each cut when you are using a concrete saw

This is not a time to use your eye to estimate where each cut should be. 

Having defined lines means that there will be no question as to where you should begin and end cutting. 

This means that there will be a smaller margin for error and you will be more likely to control the saw with a steadier hand and minimise the chances of an accident.

2. Avoid Heavy Saws

It is not common to find a lightweight saw for concrete cutting, yet you should not use one that is heavier than you can handle with ease. 

Doing so can lead to losing control of the equipment and possibly being hurt.

3. Never Force The Blade

The idea is to allow the saw to guide you when making cuts. You should never force the blade through concrete. 

If you decide to do this, it can lead to the blade becoming overheated, which can cause burns and lead to debris flying all over the place.

The blade can also grip or kick back which can also lead to serious injury if you try and force it.

4. Cut At The Right Time

Cutting wet concrete is extremely difficult and messy, while fully cured concrete can fracture during the process. 

Ideally, you should aim for doing this when the concrete is hard, but only partially cured. This will result in smoother cuts that do not produce a great deal of dust.

5. Protect Yourself From Dust

When you are cutting dry concrete, it creates dust that contains large amounts of silica. 

If this is inhaled, it can cause serious health issues like silicosis and lung cancer. 

This is why the appropriate steps need to be taken when dealing with these particles.

There are two steps that can be taken that will significantly reduce your risk of developing an illness. 

The first is to use a dust extractor to remove as much of the dust as possible once the job is complete. 

The other is to wear protective clothing while completing the job. This includes a face mask as well as clothing that covers all other parts of your body. 

6. Sharpen Your Blade

Having a very sharp blade may seem like a hazard, but the opposite is actually true. 

If your saw has a blade that has become dull, it is more likely to bind up in cuts and place you at risk. 

While you do not have to sharpen them every time you use it, your saw’s blades should be homed periodically.

7. Avoid All Distractions

Before getting started, make sure that there is nothing happening around you that is distracting. 

If there is loud music, lively chatter or anything else, you should consider cutting concrete at another time or removing these distractions. 

In the event that this is the only opportunity to get the job done, you should try your best to focus on the task at hand and zone out everything else.

Regardless of your skill level when handling a concrete saw, it is always smart to make safety a priority. 

Before you begin the project at hand, make sure that you consider all of this information carefully. 

It will ensure there are no problems that place you or anyone else in harm’s way.

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/

When, Where, and How to Make Saw Cuts in Concrete

Saw cuts are used to create control joints that can be used to control the cracking in concrete that often happens because of shrinkage.

The right time to do the saw cuts should be when the concrete has enough strength but before the internal cracking starts.

They should be done with predetermined spacing as well.

There are many factors that determine when to make the cuts such as the mix design of the concrete, the type of aggregate used and also the type of admixtures.

When Is The Right Time To Add Saw Cuts To Concrete?

Determining when to add saw cuts to concrete depends on a lot of conditions as mentioned above.

For instance, the weather condition, the concrete mix and also the hardness of the concrete will come into play when deciding when to cut the concrete.

Of course, the type of equipment used to make the saw cuts also plays an important role.

If you cut the concrete too early, it will start ravelling. Here, the saw blade pulls the aggregate out of position making it messy and weak along the edge of the cut.

Also, cutting the concrete too early often causes uncontrolled cracking since it will start contracting when curing it.

If you are working in hot weather, you can start cutting around about 4 hours after the concrete is poured.

On the other hand, if you are working in cooler weather, you should wait for at least 12 hours before sawing.

If you’re not sure, you can actually make trial cuts to check whether the slab is ready and assess whether ravelling happens.

If you don’t notice any ravelling, the concrete is ready for cutting.

A lot of contractors often delay the sawing process to protect their equipment. That’s because their saw blades might suffer from excessive wear and tear.

Choosing the right saw to cut concrete depends on the type of concrete in the first place and how soon the cutting will start.

Some of the factors known to cause joint ravelling and excessive wear of the blade include:

  • Cutting at a high speed
  • Pushing the blade a too hard
  • Using the wrong saw blade
  • Using a saw with a ben spindle

Where Should You Saw Cut Concrete

You need to determine where the cuts will be done. The right area should be the centre of the column lines.

Space the joints between 24 and 36 times the thickness of the slab but this should be confirmed by a structural engineer.

If you are using concrete with a high shrinkage rate, reduce the cut spacing considerably. Other factors that determine where to cut include the following:

  • Form square patterns
  • Make continuous saw cuts
  • Choose an area without continuous steel reinforcement from one slab to the next
  • Create smaller cracks to avoid increasing cost trying to maintain the several joints
  • If working in hot weather, create large squares before cutting the interior joints to allow fast setting of the concrete cracks in the larger areas.

How To Make Saw Cuts In Concrete

Analyse the slab thickness, the curing techniques, the base type and the length of the slab before cutting concrete.

Mark the joints with a chalk line and make sure the water runs all the way to the blade if you are using water cutting equipment.

The blade needs to reach the required depth for the best results. Here are a few recommendations to follow.

  • Avoid twisting the blade
  • The blade shouldn’t spin in the cut since it will increase the wear
  • If the concrete has heavy rebar, you need blades with soft metal segment bonds for the best results.

Conclusion

Making saw cuts in concrete allows you to reduce the cracks that might be formed when it shrinks.

Knowing where, how and when to make the saw cuts is important for the control 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/

Top Tips For Perfect Concrete Saw Cuts

In order to perform the perfect concrete saw cuts, you need to have the right gear, knowledge and practical skills.

Concrete cutting is a precision job that can be quite demanding when it comes to delivering the best possible results.

If you are planning a professional or DIY remodelling project that involves concrete cutting, familiarise yourself with the following concrete cutting tips can help you achieve perfect results.

Achieving the perfect cut is important as it helps to avoid making any mistakes that might lead to unnecessary delays, costs or injuries.

Please read on to learn about some useful tips that will guarantee you the perfect concrete cut. 

Get The Right Gear

To cut concrete to perfection, you need to have the right tools. First and foremost, you need to have the right saw.

Your options here include diamond, handheld, walk-behind and wet saws.

Each of these cutting saws is designed to deliver the best cutting results when used on specific concrete surfaces.

Some of the determining factors include the strength of the concrete and the size of the surface in question among others.

Concrete cutting jobs can be quite dangerous.

You are not only handling equipment that is heavy and dangerous but also have to deal with dust and concrete debris flying around at high speed.

For safety purposes, it’s imperative that you wear the necessary protective gear. Earmuffs, gloves and protective eyewear should be worn when cutting concrete.

Cutting Blades

Without the right blade, you might end up with poor concrete cuts, or worse still, make the task at hand even more dangerous.

For instance, if you use the wrong blade you might be forced to apply more pressure on the saw, increasing the risk of making mistakes and even injuring yourself.

Furthermore, using the wrong blade might increase the amount of heat and dust produced from the cutting work.

The nature of the job at hand and the cutting depth should determine your choice of cutting blade.

Larger blades should be used to make deep cuts, with diamond blades being the best for cutting extra strong or thick concrete.  

If at any point you find that the cutting work is taking more effort or time than necessary, you should look at changing to a sharper more suitable blade.

Preparation

Taking the time to properly prepare for the task at hand will go a long way towards ensuring the best cutting results.

For starters, you should find out as much as you can about the concrete surface you intend to cut through. This will ensure that you get the right equipment for the job.

You should also find out whether there are any utility lines buried within the concrete you need to cut through.

To keep your cuts as accurate as possible you should also mark the surface using chalk.  

The Actual Cutting  

Once you are ready to start the actual concrete cutting work, make a surface cut along the marked surface.

This will make the cutting work easier as it breaks down the concrete surface.

When cutting, avoid exerting too much pressure on the saw as this can create a number of problems.

The weight of the saw should just be enough to allow the saw to cut through the surface of the concrete.

This means that you will only need to more or less steer the saw along the surface cut.

Concrete cutting generates a lot of heat. To keep the blade from overheating, be sure to retract the blade every 30 seconds or so to allow it to cool.

So there are our top tips for guaranteeing the perfect concrete saw 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/

What Is the Max Depth Concrete Can Be Saw-Cut?

Diamond chainsaws and cut-off machines are the two most popular concrete cutting tools used in the construction industry.

Hand sawing is a traditional concrete cutting method, but it takes a lot of time and effort. Plus, the depth of the cut is not often satisfactory.

Following are some techniques that can saw-cut concrete to a significant depth:

1.Cut-off Machines

This is the industry standard machine when it comes to saw cutting concrete. These hand-held saws can cut concrete, metal, and asphalt.

A diamond blade or abrasive resin wheel is used in this machine to cut concrete.

You can improve the efficiency of the machine by installing an electric motor or air compressor, hydraulic power unit, or a two-stroke gas engine.

They can cut through 12 to 14-inches of concrete.

It is wise to use a strong power source for cut-off machines to increase their speed. They also become simpler to use and are less noisy.

This is even more so if the main focus is on the depth of the cut as opposed to the noise created when in an enclosed environment.

This is where cut-off machines achieve the best results.

2.Hydraulic Saws

Hydraulic saws offer the maximum power to weight ratio. Moreover, they are convenient to use. One small drawback of this machine is its cost.

Hydraulic saws can be expensive. You may find it more cost effective to hire a company that offers hydraulic saw cutting of concrete.

The way these saws work is by building up pressure in the hydraulic line which then, in turn, helps to produce an accurate cut.

They operate faster than cut-off machines, and you can use them both in enclosed and outdoor environments.

Hydraulic saws are often used to cut huge concrete slabs or cut through walls that are more than 14-inches thick.

3.Diamond Chainsaws

Diamond chainsaws resemble a wood-cutting chainsaw, but they come with a chain, guide bar, and a power head.

As the name suggests, the diamond chainsaw primarily has diamond segments laser welded into the traditional circular blade.

They create a grinding action that cuts the concrete.

This is one of the safest concrete cutting methods you can use as there is no chance of kickback from the chain.

These concrete cutting saws have several benefits over the other two methods.

This machine goes nose first into the concrete and cuts more than twice of what cut-off machines can perform.

So, if there is a requirement to cut a concrete slab of more than 28 inches thick, you can use a diamond chainsaw to the best effect.

There are also gas saws that can cut concrete, but their depth is only limited to 10 inches.

Some of them may reach 12 inches, but it will be wise to either use a diamond chainsaw or a hydraulic saw for a deeper cut.

Those who don’t want to invest in buying a concrete cutting machine can opt for the services of a company that uses the latest tools and saws.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best tools and equipment 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/

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