What Is A Diamond Wire Saw? 

A diamond wire saw is a diamond-embedded strong cutting saw that is shaped like a wire designed for concrete cutting and other tough surfaces like concrete and much more.

It works similar to a band saw or reciprocating saws but instead of using teeth, it uses diamond abrasion. It is often cooled with water or oil.

It can have a single strand or multiple strands depending on the cutting requirements.  It is a versatile concrete saw that is becoming more and more popular today.

It has become a favourable alternative to the old big diameter diamond blades for construction and various other industries. 

A diamond wire saw is used for cutting the following:

  • Concrete
  • Marble
  • Granite
  • Limestones and other stones
  • Fragile Crystals
  • Substrates
  • Stones
  • Foams
  • Metal Parts

Advantages Of Using A Wire Saw

  • High Precision – Because it is flexible and versatile, it can cut through concrete with high precision. 
  • Reduced Damage – Because it uses a slow and gentle sawing process, damage to the concrete is minimal. The gentle, low-force cutting lowers the stress in both the saw and the material. The material savings by using a diamond wire saw means less removal of waste, can cut thinner pieces, improves yields, and lowers the costs. It also means less chipping, cleaner corners and more improved cutting quality.
  • No Depth Restrictions – Because it is built like a wire, it can easily be manipulated and can cut through any depths with ease.
  • Reduced Labour Intensity – The process is slow and gentle as stated above. This means the technician operating it does not need to exert a lot of force, energy and effort. One only needs to guide the saw to the designated areas to be cut.
  • Safe and Reliable Operation 
  • Strong Power
  • Improved Cutting Ability
  • Higher Labour Productivity

Like other types of concrete saws, diamond blades are highly recommended and are popular in the construction field. Here’s why:

  • Extreme wear and tear resistance
  • Longer lifespan
  • High-quality cutting performance for cutting concrete
  • Less heating during operation
  • Less likely to burn or break the surface being cut
  • Smoother cuts and clean lines
  • Higher saw blade velocity
  • Less noise and fewer vibrations
  • Less dust pollution
  • More cost-effective due to its high resistance to wear and tear

Safety First

Diamond wire saws may be more effective than other concrete saws but they still pose a real danger to its users and the people around the area of operations.

Diamond wire saw operators and technicians still need to follow strict safety protocols, safety requirements and the use of Personal Protection Equipment or PPE.

What Is Diamond Wire Saw PPE

Here are some safety tips you can follow when using a diamond wire saw:

1). Educate your self in proper use and operations.

2). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

3). Do not use or operate without supervision or assistance.

4). Check the machines are working properly before cutting.

5). Do not begin work without wearing safety gear or personal protection equipment. Here are the required PPE according to the Code of Practice for Concrete and Masonry Cutting and Drilling under the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health:

  • Safety helmet
  • Safety footwear, preferably steel-toed boots
  • Safety goggles
  • Face shield
  • Hearing protection
  • Gloves to improve grip, reduce force and vibrations
  • Respiratory protection

6). Do not wear pieces of jewellery and loose-fitting clothes.

Final Thoughts

Concrete cutting is complicated and dangerous. It is better to hire professionals who know their way around a diamond wire saw and its applications.

Doing the cutting yourself can cause damage to the concrete costing you more than it should. You are also putting yourself at risk of losing a finger and other accidents.

MEGA SAW is the leader in concrete cutting and drilling in Melbourne for over 40 years now. 

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.

Tips For Performing Safe and Efficient Concrete Cutting Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

First Step Is Finding The Right Concrete Saw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose The Right Blade

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

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

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

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

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

Sharpen Your Blade Regularly

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

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

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

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

Match Your Tools To The Task At Hand

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

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

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

Important Tips For Cutting Concrete Safely

Are you planning to cut concrete with a concrete saw? Are you aware of the safety measures when cutting concrete? Please continue reading for some important safety information.

If you are involved in any type of construction work in Australia, you know the importance of concrete in the industry.

With over $20-billion worth of construction work being done every month, the industry has never been as busy as it is today.

Due to the work overload in the industry, there is a high demand to do as much as you can as fast as possible.

This means a lot of short cuts are taken when cutting concrete. If the short cut is unsafe, you may experience disastrous consequences in the process.

That’s why you need to follow safety tips when cutting concrete including the following:

  • Follow The Local Standards
  • Check The Concrete Saw For Safety
  • Wear Safety Gear
  • Check The Blade
  • Keep The Air Clean

Follow The Local Standards

Local safety standards may change constantly. You should be aware of the latest safety standards in your locality.

You can’t expect the workers to abide by the safety standards in the area if they are not aware of the rules.

You should always check with the local authorities for the latest updates to the safety standards for concrete cutting.

If there any updates, make sure to inform all workers of the latest updates. This is important so you aren’t exposed to fines for not abiding by the safety standards in the construction industry.

Check The Concrete Saw For Safety

Make sure the concrete saw is in good condition before you decide to use it. A dull or damaged saw can injure your workers. The power cord and water pump of the saw should also be in good order.

Don’t forget to double-check the water tank before anyone uses the saw. Check the handle and guards for any signs of wear or damage.

If you find any signs of damage or wear, make sure to keep the saw away from workers and have these replaced immediately.

Wear Safety Gear

Every construction worker should have the right safety gear and equipment to protect themselves from injuries.

This is one of the most important things to do to when running a safe construction workplace.

Ensuring the protection of your workers is part of your job as a contractor, site manager or supervisor.

Long pants, protective garments, and safety boots are some of the most important safety gear you need to protect yourself when engaged in concrete cutting.

Don’t forget to wear eye goggles to protect your eyes from sharp objects when cutting concrete.

Concrete cutting involves a lot of water. Boots with weak treads are not the best for construction workers as this may cause the worker to slip and fall.

Masks and face shields are important for people who are working in the cutting area. Ear protection equipment is also important because concrete cutting involves a lot of noise.

Check The Blade

Concrete saws use diamond blades. The blade should be the right size depending on the concrete saw you use and should be sharp enough to cut the concrete.

Diamond blades come in different sizes and shapes for various purposes. If the blade vibrates too much when you switch on the machine, stop the machine and inspect the blade.

This is important to guarantee the safety of the workers on your construction site.

Keep The Air Clean

Make sure all workers have the necessary respiratory equipment in place when cutting concrete blocks.

Although water will flow over the diamond blade to reduce concrete dust, eliminating all the dust isn’t totally possible.

Where possible, you should encourage wet cuts to keep the air clean and reduce the concrete dust.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

What Is The Best Way To Cut Concrete Indoors?

Do you need to cut concrete in your home or yard for whatever reason? Did you know that indoor concrete cutting is much more different from cutting concrete outdoors? Please continue reading to learn more.

When cutting concrete indoors, it’s vitally important to take into consideration the limited spaces and cluttered areas around you.

It’s critical that you also follow the appropriate safety procedures to protect yourself as well as the dwellers in the building.

Most importantly above all things, the area should have proper ventilation before you start the cutting project.

For that extra level of comfort, you really should hire a professional concrete cutting service for such a project. However, if you decide to take the DIY route, here are some tips to consider.

  • Proper Ventilation
  • Right Tools
  • Right Safety Equipment
  • Wet Cutting Method
  • The Vacuum System
  • The Best Way To Cut Concrete Indoors

Proper Ventilation

Ventilation is very important when preparing your indoor space for concrete cutting. It can make the difference between a safe work environment and a hazardous one.

You should make sure that there is proper aeration available when working in a confined space.

Right Tools

You need to choose the right tools when cutting concrete in enclosed spaces. This will ensure that accidents are kept to a minimum.

With the latest technological developments in the industry, you can easily find the appropriate cutting tools to work in confined spaces. These tools will let you work comfortably even in confined spaces.

You should also use a vacuum or water for dust suppression when working in restricted indoor spaces.

Right Safety Equipment

Apart from taking care of the working environment, you need to protect yourself and take care of your health when cutting concrete indoors.

Continuous exposure to concrete dust can result in various respiratory illnesses. If your skin comes into contact with wet concrete this may lead to skin rashes, burns, and irritations.

If concrete pieces come into contact with your eyes, it may require immediate medical intervention. That’s why you need to use the right safety gear to protect yourself from such things.

A dust mask, safety goggles, thick gloves, thick clothes, and boots are important to protect yourself when cutting concrete indoors.

Wet Cutting Method

The wet cutting process is a safe and cost-effective method of cutting indoor concrete slabs.

However, you need to consider water damage to indoor surfaces when you use this method to cut concrete in your home or office.

Use preventive measures and sheeting to ensure protection to the indoor areas when using the wet cutting method to cut indoor concrete.

The Vacuum System

The vacuum system is another effective process of cutting indoor concrete and preventing the dust from being airborne and affecting your health and well-being.

The vacuum system directly attaches to a hydraulic chain saw to use this method successfully. This system is ideal for collecting the slurry resulting from the wet concrete cutting method.

The concrete slurry will be collected in a secure tank – which can easily be rolled around on the job site.

Today, there are advanced vacuum systems with attached floor squeezers mounted on the tank for ease of use.

The Best Way To Cut Concrete Indoors

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

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

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

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

How Do You Cut A Concrete Floor For New Plumbing?

Are you wondering how a builder cuts a concrete floor to install new plumbing? If so, please continue reading the article below.

When building a house, the builder will install drain lines and stubs to connect the new plumbing fixtures before pouring the concrete foundation.

If the homeowner wants to add more space to his or her home or if an existing drain line ruptures, it’s necessary to cut the concrete floor to reach the existing plumbing fixtures to connect a new line.

Following are some of the things that need to be taken into account:

  • Things to consider before cutting the concrete floor
  • The right tools
  • Marking and cutting the concrete floor
  • Special considerations

Things To Consider Before Cutting The Concrete Floor

You need to make sure you obtain a set of the building’s mechanical prints to determine the location of existing plumbing before cutting the concrete floor.

Most drain pipes are located beneath the concrete floor and run through the layer of soil beneath. If the building has an in-floor heating system, cutting through the coils can destroy the heating system.

You shouldn’t cut the concrete floor until you are sure about the location of all the conduits and electrical lines of the building.

This is the first step you need to take before cutting the concrete floor for new plumbing.

The Right Tools

Most residential concrete floors are about four inches thick. They have steel reinforcement in the form of a steel mesh. You need the right tools and supplies to cut through such floors.

The best way to do it is to work with a professional concrete cutting company. You should do your research before choosing the best service provider for your project.

If you plan to do the job yourself, you should hire a wet concrete saw that has a diamond blade. A wet saw can reduce the amount of concrete dust – which can be hazardous to your health.

You have to use the right protective gear when cutting a concrete floor to install new plumbing fixtures. A respirator and protective eyewear are essential items in this regard.

Marking And Cutting The Concrete Floor

The next step is to mark the concrete floor you plan to cut.

Before marking the cut, you need to find the centre of the new line at its orientation point as well as the point where it will connect with the existing plumbing fixtures.

Snap two chalk lines on both sides to form a 12-inch strip. The next step is to set the diamond blade of the concrete saw to a depth of 4 1/2 inches. Now cut along both chalk lines.

The process can be time-consuming and noisy. This may also depend on the amount of steel reinforcement in the concrete.

Once you have cut both sides of the concrete, you should use a sledgehammer to break the concrete slab into chunks. This way you can easily remove the pieces of concrete from the floor.

Special Considerations

Cutting a concrete floor is not the best DIY job for an inexperienced homeowner.

The best way to cut through the concrete floor in your home is to work with a reputable concrete cutting company. They are the best people to do a quality and a safe job at an affordable price.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

The Top Reasons You Need a Concrete Cutting and Removal Service

MEGASAW-Times-you-need-to-cut-and-remove-concrete-V0

Concrete is durable that’s why it has been a popular material for ground surfaces.  

Unfortunately, there are times when you need it removed.  It may have been broken beyond repair or you want to replace your floor or any other surface.

And if you’re still deciding whether it would be a do-it-yourself project or hire a professional for it, here are some points to consider tapping a pro to do it.

 

1. Repairing A Broken Water Pipe Or Sewer

The cause of the damage may differ. For instance, it could be unsettled ground or corrosion of the pipe. The latter is more likely when copper pipes are used, as copper can corrode easily.

In going about the repair, it’s necessary to remove the concrete slabs that are directly above the pipes. This is because sewage line and water pipes are often underneath sidewalks or pavements.

 

2. Adding Drainpipes

In specific countries in the Northern Hemisphere, rain can go on for weeks without ceasing.  This may seem beneficial for plants after a drought, but too much water can damage them.

So that the water would amass into a flood, property owners place additional drainpipes in the yard.

To do this, it is necessary to dig trenches from the area to the sewage system.

 

3. Changing The Property Landscape

This is one of the most common reasons for you to enlist concrete cutting and removal services.  For example, if you want to have a jacuzzi in the backyard, you need to remove the patio. With this, you need the removal of the concrete patio surface.

In the same manner, when you’re building a swimming pool in the backyard, you would need to cut a concrete slab to make space for the pool and replace it with another surface.

 

4. Widening Doors And Window Spaces

Windows typically have wood that expands and contracts to depend on the temperature. In most cases, the moving areas of the windows are painted over to “make them pretty”.  

However, these wooden and painted surfaces could get stuck, making the window immobile and useless.  In the same way, wooden doors will contract and the painted hinges will become fused to the expanding wood.

For both instances, you need to cut and remove the concrete. Professional concrete cutters will cut around the windows and doors; thus, reducing the tension on the item and remove any jamming.

 

5. Gaining Access To Crawl Spaces

Concrete cutting and removal services are also needed to have access to crawl spaces.  

This access is usually necessary when laying down new electrical wiring or tinkering with the plumbing system.

What is Concrete Resurfacing

Concrete is an extremely strong and durable material. That’s why it is ideal for the following spaces in indoor floors, garages, driveways, patios, pool decks and among many others.

concrete resurfacing

But no matter how durable concrete is, foot traffic and harsh elements can wear it out over time. Fortunately these days, concrete floors that are not in top shape can be restored.

 

What is Concrete Resurfacing?

Concrete surfaces can be damaged and have discolourations in the long run. Traditionally, to repair damaged areas, worn out concrete must be removed and replaced. But recently we have seen that it’s easier and more cost-effective to restore concrete surfaces.

Concrete resurfacing renews mildly worn out or slightly damaged concrete surfaces, without needing to remove or replace the existing concrete.  The old concrete structure is used as the base for the resurfacing material.

concrete resurfacing

Concrete Resurfacing VS Traditional Method

Compared to the traditional method, concrete resurfacing is:

– cost efficient

– less tiring

– time consuming

This is because there is no need to replace the broken concrete. The concrete resurfacing material is made of special bonding agents and a thin cement-based overlay that are combined together to form a mixture.

This mixture is then poured on top of the existing concrete to form smooth and renewed surfaces. It would take around 24-72 hours for this concrete resurfacing material to dry up and ready for you to step or drive on. When it dries, your concrete floor becomes more durable and stronger.

 

How To Concrete Resurfacing

Any handy homeowner can do concrete resurfacing provided they have all the necessary equipment. It takes cleaning, repairing and overlaying a new concrete material.

 

Step 1: Clean the entire aging surface.

This is crucial. Take out any debris and loose concrete completely. You can use a power washer to make sure will help you remove all the remaining fragments.

Most manufacturers of concrete refurbishing material recommend cleaning with a 3,500 psi washer. To remove tree or paint sap and oil stains,  use a sealer.

concrete resurfacing
Image credit to Concrete Repairman

Note that when using cleaning agents or chemicals, you must thoroughly wash the surface to remove  the chemicals.

This is necessary because any residue can interfere with how the concrete resurfacing material adheres to the old concrete surface. Also, make sure that the adjoining house walls and the surroundings of the treated area are covered to protect against over spraying.

 

Step 2: Repair the concrete.

Fill cracks, holes and dents properly to have a smooth canvas for the new concrete material. Reinforce cracks with fabric and then cover them with a polymer concrete. Be sure to smooth it out evenly with the surrounding concrete. On the other hand, fill holes with epoxy mortar. After this, you can apply the first coating.

concrete resurfacing mixture
Image Credit to Today’s Home Owner

Step 3: Mix the concrete resurfacing material one bag at a time.

A 40-pound bag usually needs 3½ quarts of water. If you are mixing in warm temperature, use cold water, while use warm water in cool temperatures. For best results, mix the substances using a ½ inch drill and paddle mixer.

Here’s how you create a mixture. In a clean plastic bucket, pour the water and mix in the 40-pound bag resurfacer. Mix for several minutes until it becomes smooth and has a pourable consistency. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes and then mix again.  Add a little more resurfacer or water if needed. Doing this creates a pourable mixture.

concrete resurfacing
Image Credit to Multi Coat

Step 4: Overlaying.

Once your concrete surface is cleaned, repaired, and moistened, it is now ready for overlaying. But before laying out resurfacing material you must spray the surface with the hose. This is done to prevent the concrete won’t draw the moisture out of the resurfacing material.

Be sure to remove all the water off the concrete surface. Then, pour a little amount of the mixture on the surface. Spread the resurfacing material evenly to create an even and smooth finish. Try using a trowel when finishing the surface.

For professional-looking edges, use a concrete edger. But do this within the first 15-20 minutes after application.

Note that the resurfacing material often creates a smooth finish which is not very advisable for sidewalks, indoor flooring, driveways and patios. However, you can scuff the surface using a long-handled broom and make full strokes across the concrete surface. Be sure to do this within 5 minutes after application when the mixture is still wet.

 

Step 5: Leave it for 2-3 days

Let it cure by leaving the area untouched for about 48-72 hours. When the surface dries completely, you will have a stronger and more beautiful, brand new floor.

concrete resurfacing floor
Image Credit to DRK Concrete

Depending on your taste, there are surface enhancers or decorative concrete resurfacing treatments you can use. You can even choose the appropriate seal coat to protect your new concrete surface.

In addition, there are also non-slip coatings that can prevent injuries and unwanted accidents, which are necessary  considering  concrete surfaces can become slippery when they get wet.

With decorative concrete resurfacing, you will have countless options for texture, colour, and patterns as well as a plethora of many different choices for resurfacing, patching and sealing systems.

It also includes acrylic concrete sealer for outdoor floors and clear epoxy sealing for indoors. You can also have matte or high gloss finish and non-slip grits when you choose to have decorative concrete resurfacing.

 

When should you do Concrete Resurfacing?

Concrete resurfacing is actually not designed to repair all concrete damages. This only works best with minor or slight floor damages.

Keep in mind that most concrete resurfacing materials are suitable only to a deep of 3/8 inch to ½ inch. Ergo, this is not suitable for concrete surfaces that are not structurally sound — chunks of concrete have lifted or sunk or broken and there is evidence of heaving. For this, you will need the area be replaced.

In addition, serious problems such as large, deep cracks running through the slab and disintegration of the concrete surface into powdery substances cannot be corrected with just the concrete resurfacing method.

Ultimately, concrete resurfacing is more economical and can be done  more quicker to do perform than replacing the concrete with new material. Plus, you have the option to put decorative concrete, to add character to your dull floor.

But to be sure that resurfacing is suitable to repair your concrete, consult with a concrete repair professional.

Polishing Concrete like a Pro Even on a Budget

how to polish concrete

Polished concrete floors are common nowadays in residential properties.This is unlike before when such floors could only be found in public spaces such as lobbies of office buildings and malls.

One reason for its popularity is because it lasts longer than other types of flooring. While a tiled floor may last 10 to 20 years, a polished concrete floor will serve for more than 100 years.

Flooring-concrete-home-remodeling-ideas.jpg

Plus, they are easy to maintain and are more beautiful. Their durability also means you save money in the long run.

And another way to save money is to polish your concrete floor by yourself. If this is anything you’d consider doing then read on – here’s all the information you need to let you polish like a pro.

Just as any other specialized skill like concrete cutting, core drilling and wire sawing, concrete polishing is a multi-step process that requires the use of the proper tools and equipment to get better results.

To help you get started, here’s an overview of concrete polishing basics.

Knowing The Basics

Concrete polishing can be likened to wood sanding. You need polishing machines fitted with diamond abrasives just like sandpaper.

The rough surface with diamond abrasives is what polishes the concrete surface, bringing out its desired level of smoothness and degree of shine.

Just like in wood sanding, work the surface gradually. Start with an abrasive with a coarser grit and proceed to one with a finer grit to achieve a glossy finish.

Grit refers to the diamond particles on the coarse surface of the tool.

Note that concrete diamond abrasives come in different grits. Use a low-grit abrasive and progress to a high-grit abrasive for a lustrous, mirror-like finish.

A low-grit abrasive is typically a coarser and more aggressive tool.

A higher-grit diamond abrasive such as a 3000 grit tool on the other hand is more even and produces a high shine and glossy look.

RELATED: Key Steps in Concrete Grinding and Polishing

Concrete Polishing Methods

There are two primary methods of polishing concrete: wet and dry polishing methods.

  1. 1. Wet polishing method

This method uses water to cool the diamond abrasives. The water acts as a lubricant and reduces friction between the diamond abrasives and the concrete surface you are polishing.

There is no dust produced in this method and with the lubrication, the polishing plates are likely to have a longer service life.

The diamond segment is often bonded to the grinding disc using a resin that can melt at high temperatures. The water therefore keeps them from melting by controlling their temperatures and increasing their lifespan.

Wet polishing ensures no silica dust (potentially harmful to health) goes into the air.

But this method produces mud from the mixture of the ground concrete dust and the water.

You have to clean up the mud and dispose it in an environmentally sound manner. Wet polishing can therefore be a slower option and may also be messy for interior spaces in homes and retail setups.

  1. 2. Dry polishing method

No water is used in this method. The plates are designed to withstand the high temperatures generated while polishing concrete. Though the technology also allows the disc to withstand the friction, it reduces its lifespan nonetheless.

Dry polishing machine has a vacuum system for dust containment.

This is therefore a more convenient polishing method and increases productivity by reducing downtime for commercial purposes. It’s also convenient for concrete polishing in interior spaces.

The vacuum system however won’t capture 100 percent of the dust produced. Some of the harmful silica dust may remain on the floor and may get into the air as people walk on it.

Now that you know about the wet and dry polishing, you can decide which suits you. Regardless of the method, here’s the procedure to  get the job done.

– Determine the condition of the concrete

Use a MOHS concrete hardness tester.to evaluate the concrete’s surface before you polish.

– Prepare the surface

Before polishing, the concrete’s surface must be clean. Mop it and removing coatings and sealers if any. If it has thick coatings, consider using a 16 or 20 grit diamond abrasive.

As a rule of thumb, the more aggressive the tool, the better and more suitable it is for coating removal.

After removing the coatings, repair the surface by sealing any crack and joint. Use an epoxy or other semi-rigid filler.

But in case the floor has only very light coating or minor blemishes, this phase won’t as necessary or elaborate. You can simply proceed with the initial process of floor grinding.

– Start polishing

For this initial polishing, use of a low-grit abrasive. Start with a 30 or 40 grit metal-bonded diamond.

Then, proceed to grind with an 80 grit metal-bonded diamond abrasive. This will be your initial rough grinding, which prepares the concrete for its final smoothing.

As noted earlier, concrete grinding is a multi-step procedure.  It usually has three or four steps, depending on the condition of the concrete.

– Densify the concrete

It’s helpful to apply a liquid chemical hardener to the concrete after the initial grinding. This will help densify and solidify the surface for a better polish and extra protection from staining and penetration of water.

– Final polish

Use a 100 or 200 grit resin-bond diamond to polish, then progress to polish with a 400 grit resin-bond diamond and finally with an 800 grit resin-bond diamond. Like grinding, polishing is a multi-step process, depending on the condition of the concrete.

You may finish with a 1500- or 3000-grit resin-bond diamond. This will result in a lustrous finish, depending on your desired level of sheen.

– Protect the polished surface

This is optional. You may apply a stain guard to help shield the polished surface. This makes it easier to maintain.

Conclusion

Each concrete polishing job presents a different set of conditions and challenges. Don’t be discouraged. Instead,  deal with it with the end result in mind so you’ll have the desired finish.

Detailed Concrete Cutting Pros and Cons

Concrete cutting involves a number of pros and cons that have to be considered before embarking on a project. This might not be a perfect solution which suits everyone and their respective project. Yet, this is regarded as one of the best cutting solutions for those who are serious about getting the results that are needed in the modern age. Stop wasting time with a solution that is not going to work efficiently because this might not be the best option for you to keep in mind. Let’s take a glance at the most important and detailed concrete cutting pros and cons to help you decide if you’re going to need it in your next project.

Quality

It all begins with the quality of the work that is being produced. There is no point in relying on a solution that is not going to provide the kind of quality that you are looking for. What is the use of having concrete cutting solution when it is not going to give you satisfaction-guaranteed quality?

This can be quite vital for those who want a great, high-quality solution now and in the long-term too. Concrete cutting is definitely a quality solution due to its high-precision quality finish.

Affordable

Due to the need of less manpower on the project, concrete cutting becomes far more affordable than any other conventional means.

This is important for those who want immediate results that don’t cost them a lot. This could be quite advisable for the average person who does not want to spend a lot and rack up the expenses. Spending a hefty amount of cash for a certain project is what most people tend to avoid, but that is easier said than done. So you need to find an affordable concrete cutting solution with uncompromised quality as that is what matters the most.

concrete cutting with a hand saw

Fast

Want to settle with a solution that works super fast? The real essence of a concrete cutting solution is to be able to get the job done efficiently and extremely fast. An exceptional and reliable concrete cutting service can perform cutting jobs in a time-efficient manner compared to other solutions available in the market.

Missed deadlines are lesser with concrete cutting solution because work can be completed faster than ever before. Efficiency, quality as well as speed should be something that a person working on a project should give top priority. This is the advantage that concrete cutting solutions can give.

Dust-Free

Health is one of the biggest issues concerning concrete cutting solutions. This is absolutely due to the inevitable dust that is popped out from the concrete being cut into. This is unavoidable in some situations, but that is generally when conventional means are being employed.

It is best to go with a dust-free solution that is going to make you feel good at present and in the future. This is all part of getting a solution that is as clean as possible. Sure, there might be a little mess, but it does not have to go overboard as other methods tend to do so.

Less People Required

Part of the features of concrete cutting solutions is they need less manpower. So you won’t need a lot of individuals anymore working on your project which means reduced manpower cost.

Having concrete cutting solution only requires a selected few people who are going to work on the project and get the results done efficiently and fast.

They will be able to work quickly and produce the same high quality that the concrete cutting solution guarantees. How is this possible? It has to do with the methods that are being employed and the tools that are being used to get the results perfectly.

Tight Spaces

You are never going to get results that are better than this because of the tight spaces that are being offered. This is possible because the radius of the work being done is reduced and this increases the accuracy of the project.

The tools that are being used will ensure that the drilling and cutting can be done in tight spaces without making a mess. And that is the charm of the process as a whole.

Not Conventional

Is there a con to the process? Yes, of course no method is ever perfect and there is always a huge issue that can be presented over time. The solution is not as ‘conventional’ as most people would think it is and this can make it tough to understand.

There are so many nuances to the process but anyone can get the hang of it. Be sure to get only the quality concrete cutting service as not everyone can actually perform this type of cutting without making mistakes. Mishap is never a good thing considering the amount of money that is being spent.

These are just some of the concrete cutting pros and cons and all that it has to offer. Keep these detailed pros and cons in mind when you are in search for a quality concrete cutting solution that is going to go a long way in the future. Concrete cutting solutions may have its downsides but it generally will give you convenient efficient and quality solutions for your concrete cutting problems.

A Brief Introduction to Concrete Sawing

Are you interested in learning about successful concrete sawing techniques? Let’s start by looking at the two basic saw types ideal for concrete sawing:

  • Handheld saws
  • Walk behind saws

Difference between Handheld and Walk Behind Saws

Handheld saws as the name implies are handheld tools, which are relatively easy to use. A good handheld saw should be lightweight, portable and flexible.

You can use them for cutting wall openings or for small surface jobs, such as, access to holes, or curbing. Proper access to holes allows you to place posts in existing slabs.

Walk behind saws, on the other hand, are much larger than handheld saws. To use them, you have to walk with them. With this kind of saw, you have to remain standing throughout the sawing process.

Walk behind saws also pack more horsepower. Their cutting rate is also considerably faster than the handheld varieties.

The size, weight and power of walk behind saws combine to allow greater force during the cutting process.

However, due to their size, walk behind saws require more room for maneuvering. For cutting of short runs however, handheld saws are a better option. The single side blade mounting in walk behind saws allows close wall cuts.

Gasoline powered concrete saws emit harmful fumes, making them unsuitable for confined spaces such as basements. In cases where high windows are present in the project space, even the presence of a fan will not be of any help.

However, in garage areas, and factories with ventilation at floor level, the use of fans seems a practical choice for controlling exhaust fumes.

With electric hand held saws, however, the need for proper exhaust isn’t so critical because no fumes are emitted.

Due to being electric powered, these saws only lend themselves to dry cutting. This, however, poses hazards related to dust that emanate from the cutting process. You will not be able to use it in the basement.

The best saw for enclosed spaces is however, the pneumatic saw. These utilize compressed air for operation and can be of walk behind or handheld varieties.

In addition, these also offer flexibility of use for dry or wet cutting, leading to better dust control. Rental costs of pneumatic saws are high because of the need for a large portable air compressor.

The unit itself sits outdoors with a big hose reaching the places you require for proper cutting. Chain saws are your best choice when you want to make a small cut into a wall.

Pneumatic powered chain saws, equipped with diamond chain for concrete cutting are also available. These are so powerful they’re able to cut through a 15-inch wall effortlessly in one pass.

Saw Blades

Concrete cutting involves grinding using blades designed for the purpose. Eventually, the blade will wear out during the grinding process.

One of the most cost efficient options for such projects is of course the aggressive blades and these are ideal for short jobs. One can use it until it completely wears down.

Diamond blades have the ability to resist wear and tear, making them a popular choice for cutting and grinding jobs. These remain laser welded to segments with steel hub.

As they wear with use, they will drop off within the cut, allowing a new row to emerge to take its place.

Compared to the abrasive variety of blades the diamond ones are quite expensive and for good reasons too. They signify enhanced durability, resistibility, and faster cutting besides a host of other benefits, which makes the extra expenses easier to bear.

The narrow swath related to these blades signifies a narrower cut with less dust emanating from the process.

Hints for Optimizing Cutting Results

When cutting concrete, how deep you want to go is an extremely important consideration. In most cases, these cuts are mostly 2 to 4 inches deep.

As a result, the cement considerably weakens; leaving the smooth joints on surface visible. After this, you can break off the concrete pieces easily using an air hammer or an electrical breaker.

Asphalt Cutting

It is important to remember that asphalt saws are different from those intended for cutting concrete. Asphalt saw blades are usually more aggressive yet softer than concrete blades and yield to both dry and wet cutting methods.

Aggressive blades are the best for short jobs. General blades work well with asphalt over concrete, but you require extra care when cutting asphalt over gravel.

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