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