How to Cut Concrete
Lay out the area of concrete to be cut., Use a 15-amp circular saw with a diamond or abrasive blade to cut a depth of 2 inches (50.8 mm)., Employ a gasoline or electric powered cut-off saw to get the job done when working with concrete deeper than 4...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Lay out the area of concrete to be cut.
You need to use a chalk line and box to mark a straight line on the concrete.
This is the area to be cut. -
Step 2: Use a 15-amp circular saw with a diamond or abrasive blade to cut a depth of 2 inches (50.8 mm).
This works particularly well when working with a sidewalk.
Set the blade depth of your circular saw at 2 inches (50.8 mm).
Begin cutting at the edge of the concrete and slowly follow the line you have laid out with your chalk line.
I have found keeping the blade wet by pouring water on it as you cut reduces dust and helps keep the blade cooler.
This depth of cut will give you a straight edge scoring the concrete to finish breaking the remaining depth and a straight edge at the top to tie in with fresh concrete. , The cut-off saw allows you to penetrate to a depth of 6 inches (152.4 mm).
Most driveways, housing slabs and basement or concrete retainer walls are in this range. , Cut concrete to the correct depth.
Proceed slowly, maintaining minimum RPMs of the cut-off saw.
Slow speed allows the saw to keep from overheating the blade and causing shrapnel-like pieces to be tossed into the air from a broken blade.
If you have helpers, have them keep the chalk line free of concrete dust made by the saw cut. -
Step 3: Employ a gasoline or electric powered cut-off saw to get the job done when working with concrete deeper than 4 inches (101.6 mm).
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Step 4: Follow the same steps as you did in the use of a circular saw and identify your starting point.
Detailed Guide
You need to use a chalk line and box to mark a straight line on the concrete.
This is the area to be cut.
This works particularly well when working with a sidewalk.
Set the blade depth of your circular saw at 2 inches (50.8 mm).
Begin cutting at the edge of the concrete and slowly follow the line you have laid out with your chalk line.
I have found keeping the blade wet by pouring water on it as you cut reduces dust and helps keep the blade cooler.
This depth of cut will give you a straight edge scoring the concrete to finish breaking the remaining depth and a straight edge at the top to tie in with fresh concrete. , The cut-off saw allows you to penetrate to a depth of 6 inches (152.4 mm).
Most driveways, housing slabs and basement or concrete retainer walls are in this range. , Cut concrete to the correct depth.
Proceed slowly, maintaining minimum RPMs of the cut-off saw.
Slow speed allows the saw to keep from overheating the blade and causing shrapnel-like pieces to be tossed into the air from a broken blade.
If you have helpers, have them keep the chalk line free of concrete dust made by the saw cut.
About the Author
Joseph Brown
Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.
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