How to Use a Concrete Saw

Concrete saws are available in several types and sizes. The hand-held concrete saw is the most common and least expensive version. These saws are usually operated with a gas and oil mixture. In some cases, professional companies use heavy duty concrete saws that are operated with hydraulics. There are many types of concrete saw blades, including metal and abrasive blades. The saws will occasionally feature a connection for a garden hose to cool down the blade while the saw is being operated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety glassesDust maskEar protectionSteel-toe boots

1. Snap cutting lines on the concrete with a chalk box to ensure straight and clean cuts. This technique also helps keep the blade from binding while cutting the concrete.

2. Check the saw's gas level. In most cases, the saw will have a fuel and two-cycle oil mixture. Follow the mixture guidelines when adding fuel to the saw. Put on safety goggles, ear protection, a dust mask and steel toe boots for protection.

3. Place the concrete saw onto the ground with the blade facing away from you and turn the on/off switch to the "on" position. Turn the throttle control knob to the choke position. Some saws feature a primer button, which when pressed, will send extra fuel to the engine to allow the concrete saw to start quicker.

4. Holding the concrete saw firmly against the ground, grasp the saw's handle with one hand, and pull the cord with the opposite hand. When the saw starts, place the choke into the "run" position.

5. While holding the saw in front of you, grasp the throttle control with your fingers so that the saw is at full power. Allow the blade to gently sink into the concrete where the line was snapped, making sure that the blade enters the concrete even with the line. Turning the saw during the cutting process may cause the blade to warp, bind or even break, which can cause serious injury.

6. Walk forward and always hold the saw with two hands while making cuts in the concrete. You may need to raise and lower the saw blade so that it cuts through the concrete in a smooth and controlled fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there are no electrical wires or functioning plumbing in the cutting area. Electrical currents can jump through the concrete saw and cause injury or death.

References

• Concrete saw operating tips