Whether you are a beginner or an experienced saw user, you aim for a perfect cut. That can be challenging, especially if you use core-cut saws to drill through concrete and other hard materials.
You’ve come to the right place if you make a core cut. Here is what you need to know about the cutting process and how to ensure everything does perfectly!
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1. Always Go with High-Quality Equipment
- Chapter 2. The Importance of Timing
- Chapter 3. Protect Yourself from Dust
- Chapter 4. Never Cut without Safety Gear
- Chapter 5. Consider Taking a Break to Let the Saw Cool Down
- Chapter 6. Use Chalk to Mark the Cutting Spots
- Chapter 7. A Guide Board Can Be Useful, Too
- Chapter 8. Don’t Use Excessive Force
- Chapter 9. Do You Know What’s Under the Concrete?
- Final Thoughts
Caption: Cutting concrete floor with a diamond saw blade
Chapter 1. Always Go with High-Quality Equipment
Caption: A construction worker cutting Asphalt paving slabs
Before we even discuss cutting, it is crucial to discuss equipment. You want to have all the right gear necessary for the task. That starts with getting a high-quality core-cut concrete saw.
Forget about using low-quality tools since they are not the right way. Not only can you compromise the result of your cutting, but there is a danger of injury. If you see breaks during the process, it can hurt you.
Even the equipment of the highest quality needs to be maintained well and used correctly. It would be wise to use the wet-cutting technique for core cuts.
Additionally, ensure you are comfortable with the tool and know how it works. If it is your first time using the saw, grab a piece of material for practice. Once you feel confident in your skills, proceed to your project.
Chapter 2. The Importance of Timing
Are you cutting concrete? If the answer is yes, the essential importance might be finding the right timing. Those who know a thing or two about concrete know that this material starts to set once you place it.
The idea is to perform the cut before the concrete is entirely set, but when you feel it becomes solid.
That state is perfect for cutting this material. The idea is to secure the conditions that will allow for making a smooth cut without potential issues.
It is demanding to cut wet concrete and ensure the results are adequate. And if you plan on cutting cured concrete, it is crucial to be careful. Fracturing the material during the cut is a possibility.
That is why you want to ensure the concrete is in the perfect cutting state. It will make your task easier and increase the odds of a smooth cut and a satisfactory result.
Chapter 3. Protect Yourself from Dust
Caption: Cutting concrete closeup
Dust can be an enemy when cutting concrete. It can compromise your eyesight so that you don’t see what you are cutting correctly. Dust also means particles flying around, which could cause respiratory problems.
You don’t want to inhale debris as that could hurt your health. That is particularly true for professional cutters who perform these projects daily.
Their long-term health might be in danger. Additionally, the companies have the task of meeting standards for debris release.
What is the best way to tackle the dust using a core-cut concrete saw? You can do two things – the first is to use the wet cutting technique.
If you apply damp cutting, wash away the dust before inhaling it. Additionally, you want to use a dust extractor. These tools can assist in protecting you from dust.
Chapter 4. Never Cut without Safety Gear
It is a tip that we all know but often forgets. Despite being aware of the risk, cutters often resort to cutting concrete without applying optimal security measures.
The first thing you want to ensure is to protect your eyes. That is why safety goggles are essential when using power tools. The dust flying around could get into your eye and cause inconvenience or a more severe problem.
You should consider using gloves to protect your hands. Why would you risk scratches and cuts while operating? Additionally, gloves could secure a better grip while cutting.
Some cutters believe that protecting your hearing isn’t necessary, and earplugs can be useful. They protect your ears in the long run and enable easier focus on the cutting process.
If you anticipate debris flying around, consider wearing a dust mask or respirator to protect your lungs. Ensure you’ve got appropriate boots to keep your feet safe.
Chapter 5. Consider Taking a Break to Let the Saw Cool Down
Caption: A construction worker using a suitable tool to cut concrete
A core cut saw is a powerful tool capable of meeting your expectations each time you use it. However, using the product comes with various challenges.
The most common problem cutters face is overheating of the tool. The best way to avoid overheating is to use water during the process. Water can keep the temperature low, which is crucial to perform the task optimally.
It is also possible to avoid overheating problems by taking breaks while cutting. It will take some experience to recognize the right moment to take a break.
However, if you notice that the tool is getting overheated, stop for approximately 30 seconds.
That should give the tool and the material enough room to cool down. You can continue using your saw to make the core cut. While this takes a bit more time than usual, it can be a useful alternative when no water is available.
Chapter 6. Use Chalk to Mark the Cutting Spots
If you need to cut paper precisely, you will mark it with a pencil before using scissors. Marking what you need to cut gives you the confidence that you will do a great job.
You don’t have to think whether you got the position right because the mark will tell you that.
Now, you cannot use pencils or pens on concrete. The best alternative is chalk, visible on concrete, and you can remove it later.
White-colored chalk is best, but you can use any other bright color if necessary. You want the marking material to be visible so that you don’t have to think about where to cut once you start.
Make sure that you analyze everything thoroughly. The markings must be accurate since that is the only way to achieve an optimal cut.
Chapter 7. A Guide Board Can Be Useful, Too
Do you need a straight and smooth cut of the concrete? How about using a guideboard if you are not confident in your skills and have difficulty maintaining the direction while cutting?
A guideboard is a useful tool that can be useful when making core cuts. You want to place a guideboard close to where you will cut. That way, you can follow the board to ensure you maintain a straight line. This can be an essential accessory if you are looking for a nice and smooth cut. And if you don’t have an actual guideboard, pretty much any other straight material will do. Creativity can get you a long way sometimes.
Chapter 8. Don’t Use Excessive Force
Caption: A worker using a power tool
While you will need a certain level of strength, no power tool requires excessive force. The entire idea is to utilize the power that the tool itself has. Your strength is important to maintain the saw in position and guide it in the preferred cutting direction.
You don’t want to use excessive force on the blade. That could only cause overheating and other issues. You might ruin the tool or the material you are cutting.
Here is a neat trick to minimize overheating problems. Besides not using too much force, lower the number of rotations per minute (RPM) on the blade. It will take a bit of time and patience to finish the project, but the result will make it worthwhile.
Chapter 9. Do You Know What’s Under the Concrete?
Caption: Saw cutting concrete
The concrete material you are cutting might hide some other materials inside. For example, you might encounter a metal nail while cutting. In worst cases, that will be piping or wiring.
Piping and wiring might be active so that you could compromise the water or electricity supply. These are also serious threats to the cutter, so it is crucial to be careful.
Always be aware of what is under the concrete before you start cutting. The odds are a diamond blade can cut through almost anything.
However, the materials you are going through might put you in danger. That is why you should only cut once you are certain that you can perform the task safely.
Final Thoughts
You will feel proud the first time you make a flawless core cut. It will become easier to use core-cut concrete saws from that point. You need a trustworthy provider to optimize your experience working with power tools and blades.
NCCuttingTools has been in the business of designing top-quality tools for over two decades. Thanks to exceptional equipment and skillful engineers, they can handle customized orders in a short timeframe. Give them a call to consult with the experts about the specific tools you need!
