Cutting concrete, stone, granite and similar materials is a serious job and requires some serious equipment, including masonry saws, floor saws and diamond blades. It also requires a good dose of technique, know-how and common sense. There are several tips you can follow when cutting these types of materials with a masonry saw to ensure the cleanest cut possible, while also extending the life of your diamond blade and keeping everyone safe in the process. Here are our top tips for cutting concrete, granite, or stone with your masonry saw.
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Have a plan before cutting, especially with floor saws
Measure twice and cut once might be fine for woodworking, but when cutting stone you might want to err on the side of caution and measure three times before marking your cutting line. Another important consideration, particularly with floor saws or ground saws, is whether there is any rebar embedded in the material, electrical lines and/or gas lines. It’s extremely important to have this information ahead of time to avoid some costly and potentially dangerous errors.
Use the correct diamond blade for your masonry saw and material
First, common sense tells us we should only use blades that fit the specifications of our machinery; if the blade doesn’t fit perfectly, it can cause damage to the blade, the masonry saw and be a safety hazard. Additionally, wet cutting diamond blades should be used for wet cutting only, and dry cutting blades for dry cutting. Dry cutting blades should also only be used on low horsepower masonry saws, and if you have to choose between a bond that is too hard for your material or too soft, err on the side of too soft; a bond that’s too hard will cause the blade to overheat faster and can cause it to crack.
Inspect the blade and masonry saw before use
If using a diamond blade that has been used before, check to make sure it is in good condition, that there is no damage to the arbor hole and that the blade hasn’t warped. Similarly, check key parts of your masonry saw before working, such as oil levels, belts, bolts, etc., as well as the condition of the power cord if using an electric motor. Ensure that water flows freely to both sides of the blade if wet cutting.
Don’t force the blade
As a general rule, let the diamond blade do most of the work. Don’t force it to move through the material faster than it naturally wants to go, and don’t force it depth-wise into the material too fast, either. Similarly, applying excessive pressure from the side to try to steer the blade can be dangerous and decrease blade life. When dry cutting, give the blade plenty of opportunities to cool down by making short, shallow cuts; overheating can cause the blade to crack.
Always wear proper protective gear
Finally, make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing and protective equipment for the job, and ensure that nearby workers are protected as well. Eye protection, head protection, suitable clothing and shoes are a must, and some machines should be used with ear protection as well. A respirator mask must always be worn when dry cutting, as silica dust inhalation can cause serious and irreversible lung damage.
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