Category: Concrete Sawing

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. 

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 

• First, anyone operating a hand-held concrete cutting saw should know the safety rules in doing so. 

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/

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/

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/

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/