A concrete saw (often known as a masonry saw) is a power tool that you can use to cut concrete, masonry and other solid materials. A concrete saw uses a gasoline, hydraulic or an electric motor to generate power. If you are interested in the field of sawing, there are several key terms that you will need to understand. This guide covers some of the common terms, including dry or wet cutting, inverted cutting, hand-held saws and carborundum blades.

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Diamond Saw Blades

A diamond blade is a circular saw blade with rectangular teeth that contains diamond crystals on the tip. Workers use diamond saw blades in concrete saws for grinding solid materials such as concrete, brick, block, stone and other materials with similar properties.

I recommend: For detailed information on diamond saw blades, you can refer to East-West Rental Center, a company that rents industrial equipment and accessories.

Carborundum Blades

A carborundum blade consists of a mixture of silicon carbide grains and resin bond. You can use a carborundum blade to cut concrete that is fewer than 30 hours old (also called green concrete).

I recommend: Integrated Publishing, an online information resource, explains more about carborundum blades and their usage.

Dry Cutting

You can use the dry cutting technique to cut designs into the concrete slab. This technique is also useful for indoor concrete work. A dry blade has segmented welds. You can use this method for intermittent cutting.

I recommend: ConcreteNetwork.com, an informative website dedicated to the concrete industry, explains the dry cutting technique.

Wet Cutting

Many concrete saws have a water tank that squirts water while cutting concrete blocks. The main advantage of this type of cutting is less dust is generated. The water prevents the blades from overheating, thereby increasing the blade's life. A wet blade does not have segmented welds.

I recommend: Paver-Saws.com, a site for professionals from the sawing industry, publishes detailed information on the wet-cutting technique.

Inverted Cutting

Inverted cutting refers to cutting a slab or floor from its base. This method is extremely dangerous if the operator works with hand-held saws, since the operator has very little control over the saw.

I recommend: Government of Western Australia’s (PDF) Department of Commerce publishes information about the inverted-cutting method and its application.

Handheld Saws

You can use hand-held saws to cut or shape concrete products. Hand-held saws do not require electric or pneumatic power for operation.

I recommend: Occupational Safety & Health Administration publishes detailed information about types of hand-held saws and their application.

When you need to cut concrete, there are a variety of saws available to help you complete the job. Concrete saws can be powered by gas, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical motors. They range from 5 horse power on a small hand-held unit to over 100 horse power on large concrete industrial saws. Cutting depths vary according to the type of application.

Concrete cutting saws are used for joint sawing, floor sawing, wall and column sawing, trenching, road repair, demolition work and plant maintenance. Types of concrete saws are pneumatic chain cutting saws, hand held concrete saws and walk behind saws. To determine the type of concrete saw you need, ask the following questions:

1. What is the maximum depth you'll be cutting?

2. How much horse power is needed for your concrete saw cutting?

3. What is the weight of the concrete saw?

4. What are the concrete saw’s dimensions?

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Compare prices for hand-held electric concrete saws

Hand-held concrete cut off saws are used when quick, precise cutting is needed, and the size and location of the penetration is small. An ordinary circular saw can be turned into a concrete circular saw by using a special concrete saw blade.

I recommend: Sunbelt Scaffolding and Supply offers cut off saws that are great for cutting concrete, stone, asphalt and other materials. Construction Complete offers several hand-held cement saw models for many types of cutting applications that feature a maximum cutting depth of 5 inches. Aubuchon Hardware offers a complete line of circular saw blades for masonry applications.

Choose concrete chain saws for concrete sawing applications

Concrete chain saws are designed to cut through walls, floors and columns in a single pass. They can cut straight cuts through concrete up to 14 inches and square cuts through concrete up to 13 inches.

I recommend: CS Unitec offers a pneumatic concrete chain saw with a powerful 6.5 hp motor that can cut straight cuts through concrete up to 14 inches. Masonry Saws offers a concrete chain saws that can cut twice the depth of an ordinary circular blade concrete cut off saw and weighs only 21 lbs.

Use walk-behind concrete saws for big projects

Walk-behind saws are used in all kinds of demolition applications, in removal of deteriorated sections of concrete slabs and bridges, and in trenching applications for plumbing and electric utilities. A walk-behind unit can saw cut concrete for stairways and elevator openings without causing structural damage to the remaining floor slab.

I recommend: Northern Tool offers a lightweight walk-behind unit for concrete saw cutting that can be used for both wet and dry applications. Dynatech offers several walk-behind industrial concrete saws for heavy duty applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Concrete saws generate significant friction, which sometimes requires the blades to be cooled to prolong their life and reduce dust. Many concrete saws have built-in water distribution systems that supply water to both sides of the blade.
• •  If the cement saw should stall, raise the blade out of the cut before restarting the saw. Be sure the blade is perfectly aligned with the cut before lowering it again.

If you want to use concrete saws (also called masonry saws), you must be aware of their types, applications and safety measures. If you are a supplier of saw cut concrete, you will need to train your workforce on the operation of concrete saws.

For concrete saw distributors, it is always beneficial to update your knowledge about other aspects of the concrete saws business. You can stay ahead of your competition by having up-to-date information about the latest masonry saw designs and products. You can also browse through different magazines and online publications to update your knowledge on concrete saws.

To educate yourself and/or your employees on various concrete saw components, you can:

1. Read through basic information about concrete saws
2. Subscribe to magazines which deal with concrete saws
3. Join associations catering to the concrete / masonry saw industry
4. Understand the safety procedures when using concrete saws

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Understand the basics of concrete sawing and the relevant terminology

You can find important information about the various types of concrete saws, such as a concrete chain saw or concrete circular saw, by browsing through different online resources. Some reputable data publishing companies provide information about concrete saws in the form of articles.

I recommend: Contractor Tools and Supplies publishes information about the effective usage of concrete saws. You can also refer to Inside Woodworking, which explains the benefits of using concrete tools, including concrete saws. Paver-Saws.com publishes an article called ‘Concrete Saw Cutting: Wet or Dry?’ that explains various cutting methods.

Join associations to learn more about concrete saws

You can join various associations to learn about the latest technologies and upcoming events in the concrete industry.

I recommend: To keep yourself updated about the latest developments in the concrete sawing industry, you can join Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association, an association for cutting professionals. Being a member of AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) will give you a platform for communication and interaction among the experts, service providers and customers in the concrete sawing industry.

Understand the maintenance principles and safety measures related to concrete saws

Following safety procedures is of utmost importance when working with industrial concrete saws and electrical concrete saws. Adequate knowledge can keep you and your workers informed about the necessary maintenance tasks and safety measures related to concrete sawing.

I recommend: State Compensation Insurance Fund publishes an article that explains the safety procedures you will need to follow while working with a masonry saw or concrete saw. You can also refer to WorkSafe Victoria to learn about the injury risks while using concrete cutting saws. Safety Culture also gives you information about the necessary safety measures that one should take while working with concrete saws.

Concrete saws are a necessary piece of equipment for hardscaping companies, as well as many construction companies. While this piece of equipment makes the job easier and more uniform, it can put a significant dent into your budget.

The type, style and features of the concrete saws you purchase will affect the price you pay. When preparing your budget, consider the following concrete saws pricing and costs:

1. Save money by purchasing a hand held concrete saw for your business.

2. Ensure a uniform job is done by purchasing walk behind concrete saws.

3. Prepare your budget to absorb the cost of replacement parts for your concrete saws.

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Consider purchasing hand held concrete saws

Hand held concrete saws are ideal for trimming concrete. However, hardscaping companies can use these saws in a variety of applications. The price you pay for a hand held concrete saw depends on the specific features you want. Generally, concrete chain saws are more expensive than concrete cut off saws.

I recommend: You can find a varied selection of hand held concrete saws at Contractors Direct. Prices start at around $2,000 for a concrete chain saw, while a concrete cut off saw starts at around $900. DrillSpot.com sells concrete saw cutting equipment. Prices for hand held saws range from $800 to $1,500.

Invest in walk behind concrete saws

Walk behind concrete saws are ideal for businesses that do a significant amount of concrete work. When you are pricing these saws, you must take the size of the equipment into consideration. Generally, a compact model is the least expensive; however, it is also less functional than a full sized model that has an adjustable cut.

I recommend: Improvement Direct offers walk behind concrete saws. Prices from this company start at around $1,300 for a compact industrial concrete saws. Dynatech also offers walk behind concrete saws.

Factor in the cost of replacement parts for concrete saws

As with any saw, cut concrete saws will need blade, guidebar or chain replacements. These parts can put a considerable dent in your budget if you aren't prepared for them. For businesses that use the concrete saws frequently, this expense should be factored in monthly. When you are pricing these replacement parts, make sure you price parts that will fit your concrete saw.

I recommend: Northern Tool sells replacement parts for concrete saws. You can expect to pay under $200 for most guidebars and chains. Cheapconcretesawparts.com also offers replacement concrete saw parts.