Concrete Sawing Archives - Page 3 of 3

Megasaw22 May 20192 November 2021Concrete Cutting, Concrete Sawing

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/

Megasaw7 May 20192 November 2021Concrete Cutting, Concrete Sawing

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.

Megasaw30 April 20192 November 2021Concrete Sawing, News

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/

Megasaw30 April 20192 November 2021Concrete Sawing, News

What Is the Purpose of Saw-cutting Asphalt or Concrete?

Asphalt or concrete has to be handled properly in order to maximise results.

This is why saw-cutting has become a highly anticipated solution among professionals and is well-regarded as the way to go.

It offers a number of advantages and is often the best solution. Following is more about the purpose of saw-cutting asphalt or concrete.

Improved Precision

It begins with the overall precision of saw-cutting because of how it’s done. The tools will go through the material fairly precisely without wavering left or right.

This can ensure the material isn’t wasted and money is saved over the long-term.

Most other methods end up leading to excessive waste, which is never a good thing when you’re on a budget.

Further to this, the precision cut can be a good way to get a nice clean result.

In many cases, the material is going to be used in a specific manner and it has to look the part.

A precise saw-cutting technique can go a long way towards achieving superior results.

Faster

Time is money and that certainly applies here too. With the material being appropriately managed by a professional, it’s important to get it right the first time.

Saw-cutting is an accurate way to handle asphalt or concrete, which is why it is the fastest solution for individuals to consider.

It works well and will lead to the results you are after.

Trusting this option is ideal for anyone that is serious about maximising their resources and wants to control how everything unfolds.

It truly eliminates the type of errors that would otherwise be commonplace with asphalt or concrete.

Easier to Customise

Most modern projects will require some form of personalisation when it comes to the management of asphalt or concrete.

It’s important to look into the realities of this process because it’s not always as easy as one may think.

By saw-cutting the material, it becomes much easier to get a professional looking result.

This saves time and is far better for the project depending on how the material is going to be used.

Improved Finishing

Saw-cutting allows for more control and that also means improved finishing.

Since the material being handled is robust in nature, it’s going to take a bit of work to manage, which is why most people prefer professional cutting solutions.

A lot of time can be wasted using other methods and that’s why most people lean towards saw-cutting their asphalt or concrete.

It’s easier and simply looks better in the long-run.

These are the advantages of saw-cutting and why it is the way to go for those who are serious about what they’re doing.

Having a professional service maximise the materials can lead to improved results in a matter of minutes.

Megasaw30 April 20192 November 2021Concrete Cutting, Concrete Sawing

When Should Concrete be Cut with a Saw?

There are many reasons why you may want to cut concrete with a saw.

This can range from cutting into a wall to install a door or a window right through to the removal of an old concrete slab.

However, one of the main reasons that saws are used to cut concrete is to actually prevent unwanted cracking.

By cutting into concrete with correctly spaced cuts, you can ensure that the concrete does not suffer from early-age decay or damage from cracking.

Cutting Relief Joints

Relief joints are used to prevent cracks from appearing in slabs after they are poured.

There is always the possibility that cracks will appear as materials shift and expand or contract with the changing of the seasons.

Relief cuts help to reduce the possibility of these cracks turning into bigger cracks.

Inevitably, cracks will still appear in concrete however, cutting the concrete ahead of time gives you some control of where the cracks appear so that they don’t weaken the concrete too much[1].

As a general rule, cuts should be spaced so they are 2-3 times the thickness of the slab in feet.

So, if a slab is 6″, then you would place the cuts 12′ to 18′ away from each other.

Deciding when to make the cut is important. If you cut too early, you could be doing more harm than good.

If you wait too long, the stresses of the environment could start to take their toll.

Usually, you would make relief cuts a few hours after the pour with an early entry saw, or 12 hours later if you are using a wet saw.

This varies depending on the size of the slab, the mix you used, and the weather.

Timing the Cut

If you cut too soon and you notice that the edges of the saw ravel, leaving dislodged aggregate, then this means that you are cutting too early.

If this is the case you should stop, wait half an hour, and try again[2].

You should also use a lightweight saw so that you can cut promptly and minimise that damage caused to the concrete.

Remember to cut joins before the shrinkage stress starts to exceed the strength of the concrete.

You can increase the window of time you have for cutting by trying to keep the temperature of the concrete steady, and by trying to prevent moisture loss.

There are several things that can adversely affect the cutting window[3]:

– The type of mix (a concrete mix that needs a lot of water is more likely to crack)

– High winds and low humidity

– Sudden changes in temperature in either direction

– Friction between the subbase and slab

– Dry or porous subbases

If any of these scenarios occur, then it is important that the builder works to mitigate the issue and keep the rate of cooling or drying steadily.

In warm weather, it is usually possible to make cuts within an hour with an early-entry saw. In cold weather, the wait may be up to four hours.

In both cases, however, it should be possible to pour concrete in the morning and then make the cuts the same working day.

The depth of the cut should be considered carefully. Where wet-cut saws are used, the cut should be a minimum of one inch (or a total of one-quarter of the slab thickness).

For a dry-cut saw, the cut should be one inch if the slab is up to nine inches thick.

As with any type of concrete sawing, it is important that the workers wear appropriate safety equipment when performing these cuts.

Even wet cut saws will kick up some dust, so the use of an appropriate mask or respirator and eye protection[4] is a must.

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/

Megasaw25 May 20172 November 2021Concrete Cutting, Concrete Sawing, Construction, News, Wall Sawing

Saw Cutting Concrete Requires More Than Just An Eye On Safety

Modern engineering produces amazing results. You can see these on the roads, the homes and buildings, the utility poles, and the vehicles going to and from your community. These are all products of people’s efforts and the tools in their hands.

bioluminescent bridge

Even though most will not know how these are built, the beauty of it is that consumers don’t really need to know that.

But behind the mystery and marvel, those in the know of the concrete saw cutting, understand that architecture and structural engineering still boil down to basics like people using hammers and nails and doing cutting with the use of a saw to come up with the needed materials.

The use of saw to cut is typically associated with nature and with sawing wood for campfires, make-shift shelters, walking sticks, concrete and shelters.

concrete saw cutting

But besides these, saw cutting is a must in several industries. For instance, there is metal saw cutting which is done from the framing of vehicles and automobiles to creating the mesh rebar that is used in the paving of many roads.

Concrete Saw Cutting

Concrete saw cutting is also done to deconstruct things. Law enforcement agents sometimes need to cut through fences or even vehicles. Power saw cutting is used to get past locks of rental storage units so that the abandoned goods inside can be taken and auctioned off.

RELATED: What is Concrete Cutting?

But no matter the purpose, remember that using a saw is dangerous. If used improperly, it can damage what is being cut and hurt or even kill people. Safety goggles are a must with any power saw, and the person handling the saw must have the proper training.

RELATED: Tips on Safe and Efficient Concrete Cutting

Given the risks, a person must know how to use the saw safely. Good thing that this skill, coupled with experience can be useful and profitable.

Note that working with concrete is an art form and there’s definitely a market for concrete furniture, carvings, and other products.

Besides this, you’ll also have employment opportunities in the construction industry, particularly if you know how to saw cutting a concrete.

RELATED: Detailed Concrete Cutting Pros and Cons

Megasaw13 July 201631 October 2021Concrete Sawing, MegaSaw News, Wall Sawing

Various Concrete Wall Sawing Techniques and Their Top Benefits

Learn the difference between different concrete cutting and wall sawing techniques, how it works and how you benefit from it.

How you can benefit from Concrete Wall Sawing

What is Wall Sawing?

To gain a perception of how you can benefit from concrete wall sawing means knowing the various purposes it serves. Also referred to as ‘track sawing’, it is an effective method of concrete sawing which can be applied to reinforced concrete walls and floors.

This method utilises specialised sawing equipment that is powerful. It is primarily employed in the provision of isolation cuts, generally to a depth of 750 mm with the aim of separating two integral structures.

It is a highly efficient and effective tool that offers easy to assemble components. It has high-quality diamond blades for obtaining the minimum level of friction.

Further benefits are derived from the fact that this concrete wall sawing facility can be set up at practically any location with the assurance of obtaining a precise and even cut without dust and vibration.

How it Works

This type of concrete sawing system requires a highly trained and experienced operator. This operator should be able to assemble a wall saw by connecting it to the concrete or masonry selected for cutting.

Once the determined position is being achieved, the wall saw head will traverse vertically or horizontally to complete its designated task. The diamond saw blade is then joined to the wall saw head mechanism, from which it rotates at a high speed forming the cut.

The material subjected to the concrete sawing process is demolished by the saw blade in small pieces until the determined depth has been reached.

The complete wall sawing procedure is overseen by the operational engineer using remote control. This makes it possible for a safe working environment to be sustained during the operation, without concerns for the structure involved or the equipment.

The Benefits of Concrete Sawing

Concrete sawing has been recognised by established contractors because of its overall efficiency and the cost-effectiveness of the operational system. It offers significant advantages over conventional concrete removal alternatives.

The benefits that can be achieved vary according to the specific project, but they generally include:

A reduction in downtime;
Reduction in noise, dust, and debris;
A determined precision cutting process;
A capacity for cutting of heavily-reinforced concrete;
The ability to maintain structural integrity; and
Limited-access cutting

Applications for Concrete Sawing

Concrete wall sawing is an innovative system that arguably contributes advantages and resultant benefits that have affected dramatic changes within the concrete cutting industry.

Irrespective of whether a job involves cutting conventional materials, inverted or flush-cut; concrete saw cutting with a skilled operation can be utilised in the majority of situations.

Examples of this factor include:

An easily available, specialised method for cutting concrete, masonry, and steel reinforced concrete;
Ideal for the cutting of openings in walls, windows, and doorways, as well as lift-shaft access points and for reducing the heights of walls;
A solution in reduced working space; and
Positioning of pre-determined cuts

Wall Sawing Techniques

The techniques used today by engineers and general contractors among others are those that have been developed since the founding of the concrete cutting and drilling industry in the 1940’s.

Specialised skills and expertise are required from contractors who are capable of providing concrete cutting and sawing services, with recommendations obtainable from the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA).

CSDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1972. This organisation is composed of contractors, manufacturers, and affiliated members from the concrete construction and renovation industry. Their mission is designed to promote the selection of qualified, professional concrete sawing and drilling contractors, and their methods.

Enlisting a CSDA accredited contractor ensures that the best and most advanced industry techniques and equipment are utilised for the most efficient and cost-effective operation.

The highly skilled operators are fully aware as to which types and sizes of saw blades, drill bits and wires are most suitable for a particular application.

Contractors that are accredited by CSDA have a full understanding of working clearance and disposal, as well as other issues related to a construction site.

Diamond Cutting Techniques

Diamond cutting technique is a particular method employed by concrete wall sawing contractors. This method varies in accordance with the application and specific job site requirements. The primary concrete cutting equipment utilised includes:

A wall (track) saw;
The flat (slab) saw;
A core drill; and
The wire saw

The Wall Sawing Technique

The wall sawing technique calls for a circular blade on a track-mounted machine. This machine is capable of operating on vertical walls, steep inclines, or on floors. It is also suitable in circumstances not suited to flat saws. It involves a round steel core that includes diamond segments attached to the outer side.

The method of diamond wall or track sawing is generally utilised in applications needing precise cutting utilising straight and bevel concrete saw cutting. For example, dimensional window, door and vent openings.

The wall sawing technique is a highly efficient method of concrete cutting, powered by hydraulic, air or electric sources. It is an option that provides a solution for the creation of exact openings in any form of concrete structure.

Flat Sawing Method

This method of concrete cutting known as “flat sawing” is regarded as the most highly utilised diamond cutting method.

It is generally used in the cutting of horizontal flat surfaces, such as flooring, pavement and bridge decks. Flat saws (slab saws) have a diamond blade mounted on a mobile machine that requires only one operator.

Flat saws are popular in the creation of expansion joints or the removal of damaged segments of pavement, as well as in the cleaning and repairing of cracks. They are also used in the segregation of concrete sections designated for demolition.

Similar in design to the diamond wall saw blade, it is mounted vertically on a spindle. This concrete saw cutting machine is moved across a flat surface, with the blade making a vertical cut to a predetermined depth.

Flat saws are usually powered by electric hydraulic sources, gasoline or a diesel engine.

The Core Drilling Option

The need for core drilling arises in the event when exact and circular cuts are being required. This tool enables the easy drilling of holes of virtually any diameter, for openings related to electrical, HVAC and plumbing installations.

In addition, it is found to be very useful in the creation of space for routing cables, anchoring bolts, and in the installation of load carrying devices, such as dowel bars. It is also helpful in obtaining samples of concrete for analysis.

Core drills can be operated vertically or horizontally, and can be powered by electric, hydraulic or air power sources. A core drill bit is comprised of a steel tube with diamond segments brazed or welded by laser, with the core bits mounted on the rotating shaft.

The Wire Saw Technique

The wire saw concrete cutting technique was developed in quarries. This was created to meet the challenges encountered in the operations of extracting stone. It has since been established as a preferred method for removal of dense sections of concrete.

The basis of its operation is a multi-strand cable added to the diamond segments.

It is guided through a sequence of pulleys and continuously through the concrete. Due to the practically unlimited potential of this concrete saw cutting method; wire saws are used in situations where other cutting methods are not viable.

This is an ideal project solution for the removal of bulky and heavily reinforced sections of concrete, such as bridge sections, towers and piers. It is also a valuable and cost-effective asset for concrete cutting, especially in situations where there is restricted work space.

Tips in Hiring a Contractor for Your Concrete Wall Sawing Projects

Concrete wall sawing is a delicate job that requires experience and expertise in the field of concrete cutting or sawing. To be able to achieve desirable results, you will need highly skilled contractors to perform the task.

Here are some tips on how you can find the best concrete wall sawing service provider.

In-depth research

The golden rule for this particular project is to conduct thorough research instead of paying for the negative consequences in the future.

In this respect, your search for a reputable and dependable concrete sawing contractor should begin by contacting friends and business associates. Be sure that these contacts have utilised these services in the past.

You can also search for reliable contractors in reputable online sites and other media outlets.

Below are some options you can look to:

Online reviews

In general, contractors, especially those involved in concrete sawing, supply details of their capabilities and related experience in their websites. Check out these details in their respective online sites.

It is also best to check reviews from satisfied customers and their achievements or portfolios regarding certain past projects.

Doing this enables you to gain insight into their qualifications, including appropriate licensing.

Below are online business directory and review sites that you can start to look onto:

Referrals

Request a list of completed jobs. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your particular type of concrete saw cutting project. Should you be provided with contacts, view their completed work and obtain direct references from the customers.

You may ask the following:

Ask each customer whether the project was completed on time and to their satisfaction.
Were there any unexpected costs incurred?
Did the workers arrive on time and leave the job site clean and tidy?
This can be supported by visiting jobs that are in progress.

Licence and Insurance

Licensing and insurance are essential criteria for any established contractor.

It can extend from a basic registration to a complex qualification process. Therefore, ensure the licence presented by a contractor is current.

Make sure they are appropriately insured for personal liability, property damage coverage, and worker’s compensation.

Experience

As you progress with your research, the experience of a contactor related to concrete saw cutting will to a degree become apparent.

However, in this respect, it could be in your interest to gather information directly, even to the extent of direct questioning and confirming the information provided.

Wisdom before hiring

Before committing to a particular contractor, obtain written estimates from those on your shortlist. However, do not automatically choose the lowest bidder. Instead, request an explanation for any difference in price.

Upon reaching agreement with a selected contractor, ensure a written contract is drawn up.

Why Megasaw is the Best Choice

Equipment, Tools, and Technology

Megasaw have been providing concrete cutting, drilling, and sawing services for over 40 years.

We have gained practical experience in working safely with the most cost-effective methods for cutting, drilling or sawing concrete and other masonry materials.

We are able to provide our customers with the latest in technically advanced cutting equipment, tools, and technology.

Longevity

At Megasaw, we are aware of our responsibility for the future generations and our environment.

This has motivated us in a recycling program that ensures the reusing of as many of our consumables as can be achieved.

In addition, it is our policy to clean up our slurry, to prevent contamination of our waterways.

Customer Service

At Megasaw, we understand that our current and future clients are seeking fast, safe and reliable service at a competitive price. That’s why our fully equipped service vans are regularly maintained to satisfactorily meet our clients’ needs.

This is further supported by our commitment to new technology and equipment in all areas of our expertise.

Expertise

At Megasaw, we dedicate this valuable commodity to our customers, which is derived from tempered experience.

We are an established company, with over 40 years of experience in the concrete cutting and drilling industry.

Our thousands of successful concrete sawing jobs are the proven record of our precision and excellence.

We Get The Job Done!

No job too big or too small

Megasaw18 July 2013Concrete Sawing, Tools

Concrete Sawing – Handheld Concrete Saw or Walk Behind ?

A Concrete Saw is a powerful tool used to cut very hard objects, like concrete, asphalt, masonry, tiles etc. There are several types of saws like portable and hand held saws, a giant walk behind saw and different types of other saws used for various sawing purposes. In the same way it has various blades that are integrated in different types of saws for various types of cutting. A close overview of the types of saws blades and ways to concrete sawing is discussed below:

Types of Concrete Saws

Concrete Sawing Usually there are two categories of concrete saws – small handheld and bigger walk-behind. The formal saws are lightweight and easily movable, compared to the walk-behind saw. These are, more often than not, facilitated to saw wall openings along with minor surface jobs like curbing holes for putting posts in a slab.

Walk-behind saws are used while standing behind the saw and operating it. These are faster cutting devices as they’re equipped with increased horsepower and its power can be increased while cutting. The heavy weight of these saws enables you to hold it down into the cut area giving a better and sharper cut. Due to having wheels and a guide indicator, it is very easy to work over a defined crayon line and get a straight cut. The blades in a walk-behind saw are mounted to one side to enable a cut closer to a standing wall.

Concrete saws are usually associated with gasoline fueled engines. These cannot be used in closed spaces or basements as it generates carbon monoxide fumes. If you are not going to saw much you should opt for a hand-held electric saw as it will eliminate any exhaust fume issue. However it is electric, you can’t facilitate water to settle down dust hence you need to cut dry. Preferably you should use any type of saw in open areas instead of a basement or closed ones.

A better option of using a saw in a closed space is using a pneumatic saw. Such saws functions on compressed air can be found in both hand-held and walk-behind saws. Mostly they are used in wet conditions but in both the atmosphere they perform. If you need to cut completely through a poured concrete wall, you may want to use a chain saw.

Types of Saw Blades

There are two major types of saw blades – abrasive and diamond blades. Abrasive blades are mostly used and found to be affordable, in terms of cost, for small projects. The blade’s full diameter is normally 14″, and it reduces in size as it is used for cutting purposes. Finally it may become too small at one time to cut up to the required depth and then it is thrown off and a new blade is put to use.

Diamond blades do not reduce in size over time due to continuous usage. The particles of diamonds are welded on it in the form of segments using laser to a steel hub. The diamonds keep dropping off as it wears out and a fresh row keeps appearing. When the segment finally wears down the blade is required to be replaced. Diamond blades are quite expensive aka abrasive blades but they last a lot longer than abrasive blades. In addition, they are quite longer and hold their depth of cutting better and are best for larger jobs. Diamond blades cut faster and require less concrete to remove and thus less dust is formed.

Saw Cutting Tips

Concrete contracts and expands when it gets cold or hot. Due to this, control joints are cut in the slab at every 10’ or to find a weak spot of the crack. It is advisable to cut 1/5th of the thickness of slabs so usually 4 inch slabs are cut at a depth of 1 inch. The slab will find the weakest point and crack right beneath the control joint and the cracks will not be that visible.

Concrete sawing is a vital aspect of any construction project and it is one of the most strenuous and important tasks that is done in any construction site. Knowledge of types of concrete saws available and the different types of blades matters a lot when you are actively involved in any construction business.

1 2 3