What to Know When Choosing a Concrete Saw

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At any jobsite, the workers are only as good as the tools with which they are outfitted. For certain types of jobs, concrete saw rental may be necessary to complete the job efficiently and correctly.

Of course, it’s important you select a concrete saw that is actually sufficient for your needs at the jobsite.

Here’s a quick overview of how to pick a concrete saw the next time you need to rent one.

Consider the application

For what will you be using the saw? This is the foremost consideration you need to factor into your search. Different types of concrete saws are made for different types of cutting jobs. You might find any of the following:

  • Walk-behind saws: These are large saws mounted on carts that are best used for large, horizontal concrete slabs, such as parking lots, airport runways, patios and foundations. Their larger size helps keep the blades aligned properly.
  • Chainsaws: Similar to chainsaws made for cutting wood, concrete chainsaws are able to create a deeper cut than cutoff saws and other alternatives. They’re used for cutting deep, narrow openings, sharp angles and square corners.
  • Cutoff saws: Cutoff saws are able to cut through concrete, brick and metal up to 5 inches thick. They’re portable and easy to use, often used for cutting openings for doors and windows in precast concrete.
  • Early entry saws: These saws implement downward pressure on the cutting surface and are generally used for cutting crack-control joints in uncured concrete.

The type of blade

Concrete saws require hard-edged blades because of how hard concrete is. Contractors generally prefer diamond blades because there’s nothing harder than diamond. Such blades feature diamond chips and dust adhered to the blade; as cutting friction wears away that blend, new, sharp diamonds are exposed, ensuring the blade stays sharp for longer.

You should also consider the compatibility of the blade. The blade should have a cutting depth and diameter that is compatible with the specifications of the saw, including horsepower and revolutions per minute (RPM). If the saw is too powerful for the blade, you run the risk of malfunctions and injuries. If the saw is too slow for the blade, this will likely lead to reduced lifespan and performance.

Finally, consider the blade’s specialty. Some blades are designed for cutting green concrete, while others are used only for dry cutting.

The saw’s niche

There are some saws that are developed for specific types of jobs or to address certain industry niches. For example, you can find saws that are specifically designed to cut through concrete walls, others that are capable of cutting up to 10 inches deep while reducing vibration and others that are designed for cutting through concrete that is still wet. Make sure you match the saw’s purpose with your needs.

For more information about concrete saw rental and how to pick a concrete saw, get in touch with the team at Ram Rent-All, Inc. We look forward to helping you get ready for your next project!