Concrete cutting is one of the toughest jobs in construction. But it has to be done. The work can be made easier with the use of the right tools and equipment.
That is why professionals use only top of the line concrete saws that will make the light work of the job and also keep it accident-free.
Concrete saws are an everyday essential for construction and masonry work. Different types of saws are used for different purposes and different types of sawing techniques are also used.
This study will show you a list of different concrete saws professionals use depending on the application, type of concrete materials and other factors.
Methods Of Sawing
The two most common methods of sawing concrete are:
- Dry Sawing – This type of concrete sawing does not use water. You just cut through the concrete as it is. This method produces more dust which is a big health risk because inhaling concrete dust particles can cause severe irreversible damage to the lungs. Concrete dust contains crystalline silica that can cause scarring in the lungs and also damage the eyes.
- Wet Sawing – Wet sawing uses water to keep the concrete saw blade cool and prevent the dust from becoming airborne. As such, it is a highly recommended and more environment-friendly sawing technique. It is also better for people’s health.
Types Of Concrete Saws
The two most common types of concrete saws are:
- Hand-Held Concrete Saws – These are small light-weight handheld or portable concrete saws that are easy to handle, carry and move around. These are used for cramped and hard to reach areas. Handhelds have lower horsepower than bigger saws and are slow in cutting but they can do the job.
- Walk-Behind Concrete Saws – these are bigger units that require the operator to hold it from behind when using because they are heavier and larger. They are not as easy to move around and maneuver but they have high horsepower and are very fast in cutting concrete.
Chain Saw and Ring Saw
Chain saws and ring saws are ideal for smaller projects because they are compact and easy to handle. They can work well in cramped and hard to reach areas.
They can be used for cutting walls, bricks, concrete pipes, and floors. Professionals in construction and masonry work use chain saws and ring saws regularly for hard to reach areas in bigger projects.
Floor Saw
Floor saws are used to cut flat surfaces like floors, concrete slabs, footpaths and roads. They are also used for joints, trenching, and demolition.
Floor saws are very stable but large and heavy so they can only cut through flat surfaces.
Wall Saw
Wall saws are used for vertical surfaces like making openings in walls usually during renovations, extensions and even in new construction.
They are used to create windows, ventilation ducts, and doors. Wall saws are also called track saws. They are secured into the target area using a track-mounted system. Wall saws cut accurately and produce precise clean lines.
Wire Saw
Wire saws are made of diamond-laced cables that are pulled through the area that needs to be cut. Wire saws are ideal for small to large projects.
Wire saws can cut through rebar and reinforced concrete. They are also used to cut through awkward spaces and shapes.
Not all concrete that requires straight cuts so if there are curves or irregular shapes that need to be cut, using a wire saw is the best option.
Safety Reminders:
- Always choose top of the line or proven brands when choosing a concrete saw to use.
- Before and during use, always check your saw’s fluid level if you are using a petrol-powered concrete saw.
- Regularly check concrete chains to make sure they are well lubricated.
- Check the blades and make sure that they are in good condition and don’t have any damage.
- Do not exert too much pressure on the concrete saw. Just guide it along the marked areas and let the concrete saw do its work.
- For wet sawing, make sure that you have enough supply of steady water for the entire duration of the job.
- Keep onlookers and unauthorised people away from the site, due to the dust, debris and the noise.
- For electric saws, connect it to grounded outlets only.
Concrete cutting is vital to the construction process and becomes much easier when you understand the equipment you are using and the materials and characteristics of the concrete you are cutting.
That is why it’s best if you let the professionals do the hard work for you. If you are looking for the most experienced and trustworthy concrete cutting service in Melbourne, look no further than MEGASAW.
We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete services in Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!
For all concrete cutting needs, be it commercial or residential, please call us today on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.