How to Cut Concrete

In today’s construction industry, contractors are beginning to save as much concrete as possible by cutting out the cracked pieces. This reduces concrete costs and contractor costs and saves time on the entire project. Using proper safety controls and educated saw cuts can improve the quality of the cut and provide a safe environment for employees. Follow the steps below in order to cut concrete.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concrete saw
• Protective eye, head and ear gear
• Marker or chalk
• Water supply

1. Check your concrete saw. Ensure that all moving parts on the saw are in good working order.

2. Put on head gear and ear and eye protection, as concrete saws are loud and bright, and may throw particles. Make sure clothes fit snugly against the body, since they could get caught. Wear a respirator as well if concrete is being cut dry.

3. Measure and mark the line where it will be cut. This can be done with a marker or a chalk line.

4. Push the speed control until the blade starts to ride up in the cut, then back off about 10 percent. That puts the blade at its maximum safe cutting speed in the material being cut.

5. Disengage the saw’s drive train and raise the saw out of the cut.

6. Shut off the water supply and power down the engine to low idle, or shut off the electric unit. Do not leave the machine until the blade or other components have stopped moving.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association to see where you can obtain your concrete sawing certification.
• Always cut in the same direction if you need to make another pass to complete the cut.

Resources

• How the Professionals Do It
• Concrete Saws