Cutting concrete is a deceptively difficult process, chiefly because there are so many different types of concrete and each requires slightly different considerations. Large scale concrete cutting jobs are best tackled with your wet cutting masonry table saw, although smaller jobs or touch ups can be done with angle grinders or circular saws. In this article, we will cover some tips for cutting concrete with a masonry table saw under a few different circumstances. Most of these circumstances will affect the type of blade you use for your cut. In general, the blades most recommended for concrete cutting are laser welded diamond coated blades, which come in different varieties depending on the type of concrete.
Contents
Does the concrete you are cutting have other embedded materials?
Usually when we talk about embedded materials in concrete, we are talking about steel bars embedded in reinforced concrete, but there may very well be other materials, like plumbing and wiring materials, in the concrete that you will be cutting. If you know or suspect that such materials are in your concrete, you should choose a blade that is designed to cut through those materials. Special blades for cutting through reinforced concrete are available from SIMA saws and at some hardware stores.
Are you cutting green concrete or cured concrete?
Green concrete, or fresh concrete, is more abrasive than cured concrete, while cured concrete is harder. How hard and how abrasive your concrete is will affect the blade that you choose.
What type of aggregate is the concrete made of?
The type of sand or aggregate material is a detail that most people overlook, but knowing this information can help you choose the most appropriate blade for your project, resulting in cleaner cuts and longer blade life. For example, hard aggregates like quartz dull the blade faster and require a blade with a softer bond so that new diamond particles can be exposed more easily during cutting.
What is your masonry saw’s horsepower?
Higher horsepower masonry saws require diamond blades with either a harder bond or higher diamond concentration to prevent the diamond coating from being eaten away very quickly.
Other tips for cutting concrete
Wet cutting is recommended for cutting concrete, as it extends the life of your blades and reduces the production of dangerous silica dust. All SIMA table masonry saws are equipped with high capacity water tanks for this reason, but if you must perform a dry cut because no water source is available, make sure you use a blade indicated for dry cutting and make your cuts very short and shallow, allowing the blade to cool between passes.
Mark your cuts ahead of time with a chalk line, an easy tool that gives you a straight line very quickly. And remember the old saying, “measure twice, cut once”.
Finally, don’t skimp when it comes to your diamond concrete cutting blades. For very small jobs, cheaper blades may be fine, but for any medium to large projects you should consider investing in a high quality blade, which will make up for the price tag with a longer life and better cutting performance.
Loading...