It’s time to break down some of our best tips for using a concrete saw safely and effectively.
While using a concrete saw may seem intuitive enough and can be appealing to beginners as a result, there’s quite a bit to it. In fact, a good cut is entirely dependent on familiarity with some of those specifics. Beginners are going to benefit from these nuggets of information, but even if you’re an advanced cutter, you may end up learning something. It’s time to break down some of our best tips for using a concrete saw safely and effectively.
Pick the Right Blade For Your Concrete Saw
Someone new to using a concrete saw may not realize how important your diamond blade could be. Every diamond blade has a bond that keeps the diamond pieces in their place and, as you use your concrete saw more often, that bond begins to wear away. The wrong kind of bond may end up cutting poorly, or that bond will just wear out quickly.
If you’re doing a smaller cut, look for multi-application styles, which may not cut as well as a material-specific blade but can help with longevity and will make the selection process much easier. If you have to get many cuts done, you may want to look for a material-specific blade.
Surface Cut First
Most of the time, you’re going to benefit from making a surface cut first. This is essentially a light cut that will serve as a guide for your blade once you go deeper, thus ensuring that you have a good, clean edge. It’s also helpful in that it creates less area to grab, allowing you to adjust more on the fly and get the kind of cut with your concrete saw that you’re really looking for.
Controlling Dust While Using a Concrete Saw
As we all know, dust can be pretty harmful to our bodies. It also makes getting the job done a whole lot harder! It’s important that you get an actual dust control system up and running. Get a vacuum that is suitable for concrete dust. If you can’t get a concrete vacuum, look for a saw with a water feed – but keep in mind, this introduces its own issue in the form of slurries. Dispose of slurry correctly and keep your work area as clean as possible for your own wellbeing, as well as to create the most productive job space you can.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.