What Is a Concrete Cutting Saw?
Concrete cutting saws are tools (construction equipment) used to cut hard objects such as concrete and asphalt.
Cutting concrete by human power is called “digging,” while cutting by the power of a tool such as a concrete cutting saw is called “demolition.” When compared to human-powered cutting operations, noise and vibration are reduced more when concrete cutting saws are used.
Another advantage is that the amount of dust generated is also reduced and cutting can be done with high precision.
Uses of Concrete Cutting Saws
Concrete cutting saws are mainly used in construction, demolition, and repair work.
Examples of concrete cutting saw applications are as follows:
- Cutting asphalt pavement and concrete
- Trenching for rainwater drainage
- Cutting roof tiles, tiles, etc.
- Cutting trenches for laying pipes and electric cables
- Demolition of buildings and bridges
- Saving lives during disasters and accidents
Concrete cutting saws have many roles and are used in various industries.
Principle of Concrete Cutting Saws
Concrete cutting saws cut concrete, stone, and other materials by rotating a circular blade at high speed, powered by electricity or an engine. The blade is made of a metal substrate studded with diamond abrasive grains.
By cutting the object with these hard diamond grains, even hard materials can be cut effectively.
How to Select a Concrete Cutting Saw
The key to selecting a concrete cutting saw is to consider the type and blade dimensions according to the intended use.
1. Types of Concrete Cutting Saws
Concrete cutting saws are classified into three main types. Select the appropriate type according to the location and application.
Portable Concrete Cutting Saw
Hand-held in size, these tools are used for cutting concrete, tiles, and roof tiles. Various types are available, ranging from small, lightweight types to large types with large blades.
Because they are easy to carry, they are suitable for use in places where large machines cannot be brought in, or at sites that require a lot of moving around.
Concrete Cutting Saw Drums
This is a large tool for cutting concrete, asphalt, and other materials. It has a drum-shaped blade (diamond blade) at the bottom, which is pushed by hand at the rear of the machine.
Concrete Cutting Saw/Wall Saw
This tool is used to cut concrete building walls. Cutting is performed by moving the diamond blade along the installed rails. Since the motor-driven, self-propelled blade cuts the object, the cut surface after installation is uniform and clean.
2. Blade Dimensions
The size of the object determines the cutting depth, which in turn determines the blade dimensions. It is important to select a blade after confirming the method of adjusting the cutting depth.
3. Traveling Method
Concrete cutting saws can be run in “hand-pushed” or “semi-self-propelled”. If the cutter is large, selecting a semi-self-propelled type will improve work efficiency. Most concrete cutting saws as construction machinery are semi-self-propelled.
4. Types
Concrete cutting saws are available in “wet” and “dry” types. The wet type cools the blades by applying water, while the dry type does not use water. Wet type is used for cutting paved roads.
Other Information on Concrete Cutting Saws
How to Use Concrete Cutting Saws
To use a concrete cutting saw to make the desired cut, it is important to draw a clear line of demarcation on the object to be cut. Start the cutter and wait until the rotation of the blade is stabilized away from the object.
Once the rotation is stabilized, the blade can be placed on the object for cutting. The concrete cutting saw is moved from the front to the back.
When using the concrete cutting saw, one must be prepared for dust and noise. Therefore, protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, dust masks, and ear muffs should be used as necessary.