Concrete, brick, asphalt, and other durable building materials have stood the test of time, showcasing their resilience. However, when it comes time to cut or remove them, it can pose a challenge.
Attempting to cut concrete without the proper tools or planning can lead to difficulties. This is where concrete cutting tools like concrete saws come into play. While concrete breakers are suitable for general demolition work, concrete saws excel in providing clean cuts and handling intricate tasks. But how can you maximize the efficiency of a concrete saw?
What is the Concrete Saw?
At Horizont, we offer a diverse array of masonry gear, encompassing various options for concrete breakers and concrete saw rentals. But what exactly defines a concrete saw? This versatile tool is known by several aliases, such as:
- Consaw
- Cut-off saw
- Slab saw
- Road saw
- Concrete cutter
Regardless of nomenclature, the concrete saw remains a sought-after rental item. It is a robust cutting implement available in multiple sizes. Despite its name, the concrete saw is adept at slicing through not just concrete but also other robust materials like brick, asphalt, and tiles.
How a Concrete Saw works?
While nuances exist among concrete saw models, they share common operational characteristics. Typically, these tools utilize diamond or carborundum blades to execute precise cuts. Power sources for concrete saws vary and can include:
- Pneumatic systems
- Hydraulic pressure mechanisms
- Electric motors
Given the rigidity of the materials it tackles, diamond or carborundum blades are favored for masonry tasks. However, it's essential to note that these blades often require post-use cooling to prevent overheating.
Pro Tip: At Horizont, we offer an abundance of concrete and masonry resources. Explore our informative guide on achieving the perfect concrete mix every time.
Advantages of Concrete Saw Usage
- Precision:
While a concrete breaker may suffice for breaking concrete, a concrete saw is preferable when aiming for precise cuts or trimming hard materials. Thanks to its sharp diamond blade, a concrete saw enables clean and straight cuts, essential for achieving specific shapes or measurements.
- Ease of Use:
Compared to larger masonry equipment, concrete saws are remarkably user-friendly. No specialized licenses or training are required to operate one. However, safety remains paramount, as with any power tool or heavy machinery.
- Speed:
Safety considerations aside, using specialized concrete saws or cutters significantly speeds up cutting tasks compared to using unsuitable tools. This enhances efficiency on the job site.
- Versatility:
In addition to concrete cutting, concrete saws excel at cutting through various hard materials like brick, PVC pipe, and steel. This versatility proves invaluable when unexpected cutting needs arise during projects.
Safety Gear for Concrete Saw Operation
In addition to the potential hazards posed by the weighty nature of concrete, masonry tasks also expose individuals to the risk of silica dust. Considering these safety concerns alongside the peril associated with the concrete saw blade underscores the necessity of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while operating a concrete saw or cutter. Essential gear includes:
- Ear muffs
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Boots
- Protective clothing
- Breathing filter/mask
How to Operate Concrete Saws?
Operating a concrete saw may vary depending on its dimensions, model, and power source. However, there exist several general instructions applicable universally. Regardless of the concrete saw type you choose, prioritizing safety is crucial to prevent on-site injuries.
Perform Pre-start Safety Checks
To uphold safety standards, commence with pre-start safety checks before activating your concrete saw or cutter. If obtaining the equipment for a colleague or acquaintance, ensure they've reviewed the safety instructions thoroughly. These instructions, provided with the equipment, may encompass the following:
- Verify that you're not wearing loose attire that could snag.
- Ensure the absence of oil or grease on the handgrip.
- Clear the workspace.
- Inspect the blade for any deformities or damage and confirm the appropriate attachment.
- Ensure availability of an extinguisher or water in flammable zones.
- Confirm the security of the saw's guards.
- Ascertain a full fuel tank.
- If using carborundum, validate the correct blade speed.
Follow the starting procedure
Like any other building equipment or power tool, it’s crucial to follow the starting procedure to the letter. This is to avoid any potential injuries or accidents and to ensure your equipment works to a high standard as intended. The starting procedure will vary depending on the concrete saw you’re using, for example, whether you’re using a petrol or electric option. Here is the starting procedure for most petrol concrete saws:
- Put your concrete saw on the ground
- Place one of your feet below the main throttle on the plastic housing
- Flick the ignition on, and choke if you’re starting from cold
- Press the decompression button
- By depressing the trigger and throttle lock with your thumb, lock the throttle trigger
- Grip the top handlebar
- While gripping with one hand, pull the starter cord like you would a petrol lawn mower
- After giving several sharp pulls, the engine should begin running
- Once running, squeeze the throttle trigger to release the throttle
If you’re using a battery or electric-powered option, be sure to check the starting procedure, which may be different. For most electric concrete saws, you’ll want to grip the saw’s handle with one hand and then the handle with your other. After plugging in the equipment safely, you should simply need to press the power switch lock to then unlock and press the power switch.
Horizont's Assortment of Concrete Saws
At Horizont, we're your go-to source for all your masonry equipment needs, offering concrete saw rentals among our vast selection. The ideal concrete saw for your project or work site may vary depending on factors such as the scale of the job, accessibility, your preference for petrol or electric options, and budget considerations.
- HCS18 Concrete Saw with 10HP Electric Motor
Powered by the 7.5KW electric motor, the HCS18 Walk Behind Concrete Saw is crafted specifically for professionals and construction equipment rental. This Green Concrete Saw ensures straight cuts up to 150mm deep, perfect for concrete slab joints to prevent stress cracks and random cracking. Extremely user-friendly, its simple design allows for fast blade replacement for blade sizes up to 450mm.
| Item | HCS18 |
| Engine Power(HP) | 7.5KW/10HP |
| Power source | Electric Motor |
| Voltage | 380V |
| Water Tank (L) | 25 |
| Cutting Depth(mm) | 150mm |
| Depth Adjustment | Yes |
| Blade Diameter(mm) | 450mm |
| Blade hole | 50/60 |
| Blade fit | Yes |
| width of cutting slot: | 3mm |
| Rotary Speed(RPM) | 2800 |
| Running Speed（km/h） | 0-2km/h |
| Weight | 155KG |
| Packing Size | 103x63x110cm |
- HCS20 Concrete Saw with 10HP Electric Motor
Powered by the 7.5KW/10HP electric motor, the HCS20 Walk Behind Concrete Saw is crafted specifically for professionals and construction equipment rental. This Green Concrete Saw ensures straight cuts up to 180mm deep, perfect for concrete slab joints to prevent stress cracks and random cracking. Extremely user-friendly, its simple design allows for fast blade replacement for blade sizes up to 500mm.
| Item | HCS20 |
| Engine Power(HP) | 7.5KW/10HP |
| Power source | ELECTRIC MOTOR |
| Voltage | 380V |
| Water Tank (L) | 25 |
| Cutting Depth(mm) | 180 |
| Depth Adjustment | Yes |
| Blade Diameter(mm) | 500 |
| Blade hole | 50/60 |
| Blade fit | Yes |
| width of cutting slot: | 3mm |
| Rotary Speed(RPM) | 2800 |
| Running Speed（km/h） | 0-2km/h |
| Weight | 170KG |
| Packing Size | 112x70x110 |
Exploring Additional Masonry Equipment?
Explore a plethora of equipment and guidance for masonry tasks at Horizont, featuring our diverse selection of concrete saws. Easily rent any necessary equipment online and collect it from your nearest Horizont branch. Browse through other informative guides, such as our advanced gear guide covering concrete mixers and vibrators, as well as our concrete breakers guide, for further insights.
