Selecting a Concrete Saw That's Right for Your Concrete Cutting Application

Selecting the right concrete saw is critical to ensuring concrete cutting jobs are carried out properly, but with many different styles of concrete saws being offered for sale or hire on the construction market, selecting the right saw can be an overpowering responsibility for an inexperienced person. Knowing what to consider when choosing a concrete saw you can buy or hire for your concrete cutting job will play a big part in ensuring the job is performed well.

Think through these essential factors when selecting a concrete saw for your concrete cutting application.

The size of your job.

Different concrete cutting jobs have different requirements, and it is imperative to choose a concrete saw that's specifically designed for your application. Basically, all concrete saws can be categorised into two groups: handheld saws and walk-behind saws.

Handheld saws are lighter and ideal for smaller applications that call for meticulous cuts. Walk-behinds, also known as push saws, are used with the operator standing behind the saw and pushing it. These saws cut faster than handheld saws and are usually favoured for jobs too big for most handheld saws to handle well.

The environment in which the concrete saw will be operated.

Though most concrete saws on the market are usually fitted with gas-powered engines, concrete saws may be powered by diesel engines, hydraulic pressure, electricity or compressed air. Gas concrete saws are ruggedly designed and built to handle the toughest jobs and withstand rough-handling. These saws offer the most portability because they are meant to be used for outside applications.

Gas-powered concrete saws must not be used in closed spaces because they produce exhaust fumes — this issue makes diesel engine saws also unsuitable for indoor applications. For jobs that need to be done in closed spaces or indoor areas, concrete saws powered by electricity, hydraulic pressure and compressed air are an ideal choice, as they do not give off exhaust fumes.

If you are going to cut into a small section of concrete in a wet basement floor, for example, you should use a hand-held pneumatic saw, as it will eliminate electric shock and exhaust fume hazards.

Concrete saws must be used together with saw blades. Concrete sawing blades come in different types and they are available in different sizes, so make sure you select blades that is compatible with your concrete sawing equipment and also match the specific requirements of your job.

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