The jobs you can accomplish with a concrete saw are impossible to do with any other power tool. If you are cutting concrete, brick or tile for any decorative or functional necessity, such as cutting expansion joints, you need a concrete saw with a diamond blade in your toolbox.
Finding the right concrete saw for your DIY project or job will depend on a few important factors such as blade size and depth, your site location, types of concrete, and your budget.
Continue reading to find out which concrete saw is right for your job.
The Different Types Of Concrete Saws
The Main Types
Gas-powered concrete saw
- Best for outdoor jobs as no electrical wall socket is needed.
- More powerful than electric concrete saws
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Suitable for dry-sawing technique as they come with a dust containment system
- Requires regular maintenance
- Not recommended to be used indoors or in a space with minimal ventilation. Gas-powered concrete saws create a lot of mess with dust, and exhaust fumes
- Extremely noisy
- Heavy. Exhausting to handle for long periods of time.
Model we recommend: makita ek7651h 14-inch
Electric-powered Concrete saw
- Perfect for indoor use as they produce less dust and fumes than gas-powered concrete saws. This means they are also better for the environment which is a big plus for us
- Less noisy
- No fuel chamber means lighter to hold
- Easier to store as there is no potential fire hazard
- Easier to start than gas-powered concrete saws
- Easy maintenance
- Available with a cord or cordless. The cordless models run on a battery that can be plugged into an electrical wall socket when the battery dies.
- Can’t be used during the early stages of construction or locations that have no access to an electrical power socket
- Electrical cords are a tripping hazard
The model we recommend: Skilsaw spt79-00
Battery-powered concrete saw
- Battery-powered concrete saws are basically cordless electric-powered concrete, so the benefits are the same.
- You can carry a fully charged spare battery with you to a variety of different job sites that don’t have access to electrical wall-sockets
Other Types Of Concrete Saws
- Walk-behind concrete saw:
- Hand-held concrete saw
- Chainsaw and ring saw:
- Floor saw
- Wall saw
- Wire saws
Hire Vs Buy
If it’s a speciality job and you will only be using it once, it will be more affordable to rent a concrete saw.
If you are a landscaper or a construction business, or if you have a lot of DIY projects planned, and will be needing a concrete saw consistently then purchasing one will be a good investment. With proper care and regular maintenance, your concrete saw will last you many years and will eventually pay for itself by widening the options of jobs you can now accomplish/offer.
Overall hiring vs buying will not only be determined by your circumstances/situation but also your budget. This is something you need to weigh up.
What You Need To Consider Before Purchasing A Concrete Saw
Cost
Be prepared to invest anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars when purchasing this impressive power tool. The price will depend on the type and size you need, as well as renting vs buying. There are really affordable good quality concrete saws available through an array of stores so don’t worry if you are on a budget.
Job Specifications
The type of job will determine the type of saw you need. What kind of cutting depth does your job require? If you need a straight line or even a cut, you will need to buy a concrete saw with a built-in laser guide.
How big is the cut you need to make? If it’s really deep you will need a concrete saw that provides big blades. It is important to note that some concrete saws will allow you to adjust the depth of your cut.
If you are working on a construction site where there is no access to electrical power sockets then a battery-powered or gas-powered concrete saw will suit your job better.
Blade Types
Do you need a corundum masonry blade or a diamond-tipped blade? Corundum masonry blades are best used for short and shallow cuts, around an inch deep. Unfortunately, these blades wear and break easily and need to be replaced more often.
Diamond blades are perfect for deep and long cuts and can be used for both wet and dry sawing. Because diamond blade edges are composed of metal and diamonds they cut concrete more efficiently.
Convenience
Before purchasing your concrete saw, convenience is really important in ensuring you have made the right choice. Here is a few questions you can ask whilst research the different models of concrete saws:
- How long will the battery last on your battery-powered concrete saw?
- How long is the electric cord on your electric concrete saw? Do you need the cord to be a particular length?
- Do you need a concrete saw that is lighter and easier to handle for long periods of time?
- Will you be working in an environment that requires a concrete saw that is less noisy and won’t create a lot of dust?
Safety
For optimal safety ensure your concrete saw comes with safety features such as safety guards, dust filters, and voltage protection.
Safety Measures
When working with a gas-powered concrete saw or an electrical-powered concrete saw wearing protective gear is extremely important.
Personalised Protective Gear:
- Safety goggles
- Steel midsoles
- Heavy-duty leather gloves
- Hard hats
- Earplugs or earmuffs (have a look at our guide on how to manage noise on construction sites)
Setup a safe working environment before the job begins
- To avoid damage to the property or, most importantly, yourself or anyone else on site, it is always recommended to thoroughly read through the operations manual for the particular type of concrete saw with diamond blades you purchased before you begin.
- Before you begin using your concrete saw it is important to prepare your worksite accordingly. If you are using a wet cutting system, make sure there is no risk of water getting near any electrical wires. Always make sure the worksite is well-lit and properly ventilated whether you are using the wet or dry method
The Most Common Uses For A Concrete Saw
Concrete saws are most commonly used for cutting control joints and expansion joints into concrete with diamond blades. This prevents cracking in concrete slabs and sidewalks when expansion and contraction occur during temperature changes.
The difference between control joints and expansion joints is simple:
- A control joint is a continuous vertical joint filled with mortar
- An expansion joint is a continuous vertical or horizontal joint filled with elastomeric sealant to keep it watertight instead of mortar
Whether you need a concrete saw for cutting into concrete blocks, slabs or walls, hiring a Perth professional will ensure precision and efficiency every time.
Diamond Cut Concrete are the industry leaders in concrete cutting. Whether your project or job requires concrete demolition or concrete slab expansion joints, Diamond Cut Concrete ensures high-quality and professional results every time.
