A concrete saw is a special type of saw used to cut concrete and masonry surfaces. It is also sometimes referred to as a masonry saw or an abrasive saw, due to its abrasive cutting action. Concrete saws can have either gas or electric power.
Most modern concrete saws are either a walk-behind or a scissor-type saw, both of which can cut most common masonry materials such as bricks, blocks, and pavers. The saws are equipped with a diamond-tipped, or other hard-tipped, blade to make the cuts, and are widely available from most tool suppliers and hardware stores.
Depending on the type of job, some specialty saws such as bridge saws and wall saws may also be necessary for specific projects.
Can you use a regular chainsaw to cut concrete?
No, a regular chainsaw is not designed or manufactured to cut concrete. Chainsaws are designed to cut wood, and while some special types of chainsaws may be able to cut concrete, a regular chainsaw is not suitable.
The chainsaw blade lacks the required hardness to make a cut in the hard, abrasive surface of concrete. It is also difficult to control a chainsaw when cutting concrete, as the vibrations created by the concrete can be intense, often causing the chainsaw to jump around, making it difficult to keep a steady cut.
Depending on the depth and type of the concrete, more specialised diamond blades and tools such as a disc cutter, an angle grinder, and a wall saw may be more suitable for cutting through concrete.
How deep can a Stihl saw cut?
The depth of a cut a Stihl saw can make will depend on the type of saw you have. For instance, Stihl’s chainsaws are designed for cutting trees or large limbs, in which case they can cut extremely deep depending on the size of the tree or limb.
Stihl also makes smaller saws designed for pruning and cutting through branches, in which case they may only be able to cut up to 10 inches in depth. Stihl also manufacturers pole saws, which can range from 8 to 10 feet in length and can be used for cutting limbs up to an impressive 18 feet away.
Lastly, Stihl makes portable saws such as jigsaws, which are used for cutting thin boards and other thin materials, in which case the cutting depth you can reach will depend on the thickness of the material.
What happens if you cut concrete too deep?
If you cut concrete too deep, you run the risk of compromising the structural integrity of the slab or other concrete surface. Over-cutting can create weakened areas that can be vulnerable to cracking and possible collapse.
The depth of the cut should always match the intended purpose, such as for a sump pump discharge, bathtub overflow drain, or water heater pan. If the concrete is cut too deep, it can remove important structural components such as concrete footings or pillar supports, or strip away the reinforcement elements, making it more susceptible to bending, spalling, cracking, or crumbling.
When cutting concrete, it’s always best to cut shallow and gradually increase the depth of the cut as needed, rather than cutting too deep. Additionally, cutting concrete too deep can lead to problems during the finishing process, such as grinding, staining, and sealing, as the surface of the concrete may not be even or level.
Will a concrete blade cut through rebar?
No, it will not. A concrete blade is designed to cut through concrete and other masonry materials such as brick, block, and stone but it is not suitable for cutting through rebar. Rebar is made from high-strength steel and a concrete blade, which is designed to cut through concrete, is not hard enough to cut through the steel.
Rebar can be safely cut using either a rebar cutter or a grinder with a diamond blade specifically designed for cutting rebar. It is important to use the correct type of blade to avoid any potential damage to the blade and injury to the operator.
Can a concrete saw cut steel?
No, a concrete saw cannot cut steel. A concrete saw is typically equipped with a diamond-encrusted blade that is designed for cutting, shaping, and finishing concrete surfaces. The blade is made from either a high-grade steel, a tungsten carbide, or a diamond segment, which are not suitable for cutting steel.
Steel is much harder than concrete, and is best cut using blades made from specialized materials like carbide-tipped steel, bi-metal, or diamond-coated blades. Additionally, a concrete saw is powered by an electric motor and contains a water reservoir for dampening, both of which are not enough to cut steel efficiently.
For these reasons, a concrete saw is not suitable for cutting steel, and other specialized tools must be used.
How do you cut rebar reinforced concrete?
Cutting rebar reinforced concrete requires the use of special saws and tools. While standard power saws such as circular saws and reciprocating saws will work for some applications, for thicker and harder concrete, a saw equipped with a diamond blade may be necessary.
Before beginning, make sure you wear protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and heavy-duty boots. Start by measuring and marking where you want to cut and then use a hammer and cold chisel to make a groove along the line you set.
This will help to guide the saw, so you know where to make your cut. Insert the diamond blade attachment into the saw so the cutting depth is snug with the concrete surface. Make sure the machine is running at full power, then carefully align the blade with the groove and slowly cut into the concrete following the line you marked.
To prevent the saw from walking around the groove, use a couple of finishing nails to hold down the saw so it runs straight. As you’re doing this, keep wetting the saw blade and keeping the concrete damp.
Once you’re done cutting, use a grinding wheel to smooth out any rough edges. Finally, dispose of hazardous materials, such as dust and chips, safely.
What should you not cut with a chainsaw?
It is important to remember that a chainsaw is a powerful and potentially dangerous tool, and should only be used for the cutting of wood, plastic, or composite materials. You should never cut any material that is not specifically recommended for the type of chainsaw you are using, as it can cause damage to the tool and pose a safety risk to yourself and those around you.
Some of the items that you should never attempt to cut with a chainsaw include: metal, stone, brick, concrete, glass, or any other hard and/or brittle material.
Can a chainsaw cut through metal?
No, a chainsaw cannot cut through metal. A chainsaw is a powerful portable saw with a long blade that is used for cutting through wood, and even some softer materials like plastic. While a chainsaw may seem like a very sharp, powerful saw, and it is, it is limited to cutting softer materials like wood and plastic, so it cannot be used to cut metal or other hard materials.
Harder materials require a different type of saw and often high powered electric saws or specialised blades that can be used to cut through metal.
What happens when a chainsaw hits metal?
When a chainsaw hits metal, it can cause sparks to fly and the chainsaw chain to become dull. The metal dulls the chain and puts it under tremendous stress due to the hardness of the material. If a user continues to use the chainsaw against metal it can cause the chain to break apart and can potentially cause injury to the user.
The best way to avoid this is to avoid contact with metal while using a chainsaw. If you must cut through metal, use special blades specifically made for cutting metal. Also, be sure to never mix woods and metals when cutting.
If needed, replace the chainsaw chain after contact with metal in order to keep the saw safe and efficient.
Can a Sawzall cut concrete?
A Sawzall, which is a type of reciprocating saw, can be used to cut concrete, but only for shallow cuts. The Sawzall is mainly used for demolition and home projects, and it can cut through certain metals and woods.
However, it is not a good tool for cutting deep into concrete. The Sawzall’s motor isn’t powerful enough to make an effective cut that is deep enough for concrete cutting. Additionally, the blade on a Sawzall can’t withstand the high pressure needed for deep concrete cutting.
For cutting into concrete for any type of project, a diamond blade saw is the most effective tool to use. A diamond blade saw is much more powerful and durable than a Sawzall, and it can cut through concrete with ease.
It is also important to remember to wear protective gear when using power tools, such as a saw, to cut concrete.
How do you cut concrete corners?
Cutting corners in concrete involves the use of multiple tools to ensure a smooth, even edge. The first step is to make sure the area is free of any dirt or debris. Then, use a hammer and chisel to score along the desired line.
For finer lines, use a cold chisel, but for thicker lines, use a heavy-duty chisel. Use a large-size masonry blade in an angle grinder to cut along the scored lines. If needed, use a diamond cutting wheel to make straight and accurate cuts.
For very small areas, use a carbide tip drill bit to make a hole at each corner, then use a reciprocating saw to connect the holes. Finally, use a grinder to smooth out any uneven edges. Make sure to wear safety equipment, such as safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask, during this process.