Best Practices for Your DIY Concrete Sawing
There are many different types of concrete saws that can be used to cut through concrete. If you are going to use these power tools for your concrete cutting, then you should know how to go about the project. Otherwise, you risk getting injured during the job, as well as not getting the results you desire.
Read through what you can do to ensure you perform the job safely and efficiently — just like a pro!
Pick the correct saw for the job.
Like most other power tools, not all concrete saws are made equal. Generally speaking, there are two broad categories of concrete saws — handheld concrete saws and walk-behind concrete saws. Handheld saws are designed to handle lighter workloads, and they are suitable for most DIY concrete-cutting projects, which are usually small in size and scope. The walk-behind versions, on the other hand, are much bigger in size, and they are ideal for large projects. Both types of concrete saws can be powered electrically, pneumatically or using a gas-powered engine. In addition, they can use two major types of saw blades — diamond blades and abrasive blades. Diamond blades are generally more expensive to buy, but they last longer and provide more accurate and precise cuts. On the flip side, abrasive blades are cheaper to buy, but they can't outlast diamond blades or match their superior level of precision.
As you can see, selecting a concrete saw for your concrete cutting undertaking is not as easy and straightforward as you might think. You will need to carefully assess the specifications of your project and find a suitable concrete saw for the job. If you are working on a small project in an indoor environment, an electric handheld saw equipped with a diamond bits and blades would get the job done, for example. This is because an electric model of the saw will not release harmful emissions at the jobsite the way a diesel-powered saw would do.
Learn how to properly use the chosen concrete saw.
Once you have selected a suitable concrete saw for the job, you will need to familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of operating the equipment. Even if you have used the equipment before, it is always advisable to have a refresher, as you might have forgotten about some essential operating requirements, especially if a lot of time has gone by since the last time you used the equipment. Concrete saw manufacturers or renters will always provide you with a user's operating manual containing a set of instructions you should follow during equipment operation. Make sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before operating your chosen concrete saw. If you have any concerns, a professional can help you address them accordingly.
