Concrete Cutting

Before you start operating with a concrete saw, its operation manual should be read and understood, because serious safety issues could take place if the concrete saw is used in an improper way. The operator then should inspect the saw machine to see if it is in working condition, and do some cleaning work. Next, the operator should check the diamond saw blade.

There should be no distortion of the pin hole. Check the steel core of the blade for cracks that may have propagated from the gullets. Cracks indicate extreme fatigue failure and if sawing continues, catastrophic failure will occur. Check the diameter edge for discoloration (blue oxidation) indicating an overheating condition caused by insufficient cooling water/air. Overheating of blades may lead to loss of core tension and/or increase the possibility for blade failure. Check to make sure the steel core's width is uniform about the rim of the blade, and not succumbing to an "under cutting" condition brought about by highly abrasive material or improper under cutting core protection. Check to ensure that the blade is oriented properly. Reference the directional arrow on the blade and place it so the direction of rotation "downcuts" with the turn of the shaft. Ensure there are no cracks, dings, or missing portions of the diamond segments or rim. Do not use a blade that is missing a segment or a portion of the rim. Damaged and/or missing segments/rims may cause damage to the saw, and injury to the operator or others in the operating area. Ensure that the blade' features and specifications properly match the sawing operation. Wet blades must have water to act as a coolant. Utilizing a diamond blade not matched properly to the task may result in poor performance and/or blade damage. It is essential that the diameter of arbor hole matches the blade, and that it is free from distortions. Correct blade flanges (collars) must be used. The inside face of the flanges must be clean and free of debris. An out of round arbor condition will cause damage to the blade and the saw. Then the operator should be sure that all blade guards of the saw are in place and functioning properly. He should never operate the saw without blade guards and covers in place, and should not operate with the front of the blade guard raised. The blade exposure cannot exceed 180 degrees during operations.

To make a straight cut, the operator can use a chalk line to mark a straight line on the concrete, and put a straight wood board along the line. Then he can do a shallow cut along the wood board. With this shallow cut, the operator can cut straight in further cuttings along it. Before starting the engine/motor of the saw, the operator should raise the saw blade clear of the working surface, and then allow it to reach operating speed. Then the blade can be lowered to the slab surface to cut. The maximum cutting depth of the diamond blade should not be exceeded, and the arbor flanges should not contact the slab surface. The saw blade cutting should remain straight, and the saw blade should not be twisted and/or forced. To finish the cutting, the operator should raise the saw blade out of the cut high enough to clear the slab surface, and then turn off the engine/motor.