9 steps to avoid the most common concrete cutting mistakes

Most of us don't think much about concrete, so we have to do things like mowing the lawn for home renovations. Many people don't know how to do this work and are completely frustrated when needed. According to experts, cutting concrete is usually due to using the right tools.

Another important thing to remember is that cutting concrete is not the same as cutting wood or other materials in the house. Failure to properly research before starting a project can lead to project failure and possibly even injury.

What is the most important thing to remember when embarking on this project? We've put together a list of concrete cutting tips for beginners.

# 1 Wearing the right safety gear is essential for the job

There is a high risk of injury. Recommended articles are: 

·         safety glasses
·         Helmet
·         shoes with steel toe
·         hearing protection       

# 2 Prepare your workspace

You obviously want to keep concrete dust out of sell your home and other workplaces. If you are outside, make sure all windows are closed. Consider covering the doors and vents with a cotton cloth and turning off the fans.

# 3 There are three ways to cut concrete.

Chisel and Hammer: This method produces a jagged effect. Use a pencil or chalk to mark the lines you want to cut. With a 1/8-inch chisel, scrape the notch and continue chiseling until you complete the line you marked with the chisel.

Power Saw: Using power or a specialized saw will give you a sleeker look and clean lines. It is important to stop the saw before removing it.

Splitter: A third option is to use splitters which can be rented as they are very expensive equipment. It looks rough but is gentler than using a chisel or hammer. By inserting the concrete into the spacer and following the drawn line, the lever can be pushed down until the concrete breaks.

#4 What type of blade should I use for my chainsaw? The power saw method is the most common method, so it's a good idea to research the types of blades available on the market. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. What are the different types of numbers?

Dry ground diamond blades: circular saws or hand saws. Despite the name, it is recommended to lightly wet the concrete for best results.

Wet Cutting Diamond Blades: Using this type of blade requires more water and must remain wet throughout the process. Many experts recommend having a garden hose nearby if possible.

# 5 Are diamond blades worth the investment? Abrasive stones are much cheaper, but in the long run, it is much better to invest in a diamond blade. Abrasive stones work well for shallow cuts, but that's about it. Diamond blades reduce the time it takes to purchase and replace blades.

# 6 How deep should the concrete be cut? A general rule of thumb is to cut the spacers to a quarter of the depth of the concrete. It is important to always make sure that the cut is deep enough. Otherwise, you will have more problems later.

# 7 When should you use a chainsaw or gasoline? If you need to cut concrete up to 6 inches, you will need a gas or electric saw. Many, if not most, of the projects will need to be cut to this depth, including sidewalks and walls. If not, use the same procedure as for the circular saw.

# 8 Do your homework and see if the armor is under the concrete. Reinforcing bars are sometimes used to reinforce concrete. When it comes to working concrete, a variety of tools are required. For the rebar, you will need a diamond drill or saw as other types will not do the job. Devices can be detected by radar or GPR.

 # 9 Use a floor saw to cut concrete on a flat surface.  If you are working on a flat surface, a floor saw is almost always recommended. Another term for this method is panel cutting. This method holds the saw in place by exerting pressure on the concrete while cutting, making it easier to cut.

By following all of these tips, your concrete cutting project should be a success. This doesn't have to be a stressful project with advanced planning and good old hard work. Good luck with your concrete efforts!