Cutting Concrete With a Circular Asphalt Blades

Types of Blades for Cutting Concrete

In this part of the article, we are going to look at the different types of blades used for circular saws or grinders and what they are used for:
These types of blades are usually quite inexpensive – a 7″ blade will set you back less than $5. They are widely available and can be used to cut asphalt, stucco, as well as concrete. Asphalt blades Unfortunately, the low price of abrasive corundum blades has a negative effect on their speed, as they are only able to cut shallow passages from 1/2″ to 1/4″. Cutting with them can take a long time and they also wear out quite quickly.

A 7″ abrasive corundum blade will wear down to 6 1/2″ after cutting a foot or two along your cut line. This means that the operator must frequently change the depth of the saw in order to expose more of the blade. These types of blades create plumes of dust and usually get so hot that they glow. But they are still the best choice for people on a budget and for those who only need a few shallow cuts.

Diamond Blades

These types of blades feature a metal blade that is coupled with a diamond or metal composite. When used, their metal composite wears slowly and reveals a cool, sharp diamond edge. Buying a diamond blade for your 7″ circular saw can be a big investment, but you can be sure it will outlast an abrasive type blade – it's a perfect choice for those who cut a lot of concrete.

They can Be Separated into two Distinct Categories:

Dry diamond blades: These usually have toothed or serrated rims that help them eject waste and cool the blade. They are exceptionally well suited for making deeper and deeper cuts. Their biggest drawback is that they create a lot of fine dust. When used indoors, the entire work area should be sealed with tape.

Wet Cut Diamond Blades: These are either smooth perimeter or standard tooth, with water cooling the blade and keeping dust away. Cutting with these blades is quick and clean, but the only way to use a wet cutting blade is to place it in a saw that can dispense water. One solution is to plug the machine into a cord protected by an GFCI and have someone direct a stream of water past the machine while you're using it.

How Fast Can Concrete be cut?

The time frame depends on several different factors, including weather conditions, blade type, hardness, aggregate size, and concrete mix design. Those who start cutting too soon risk cracking, and those who cut too late are sure to see uncontrolled cracking. If the weather is warm, the cut should start somewhere after an hour, although this also depends on how the concrete reacts. Of course, the operator can do a few test cuts and try to determine if the material is ready to be saw cut. If the work piece is too large, the wisest decision would be to run two saws at the same time. Some contractors like to delay the whole process to protect their tools and reduce abrasion. The types of blades mentioned above can be used depending on how quickly cuts can begin and the current condition of the target concrete. Avoid the following actions:

• Cut with a high speed saw
• Using an inappropriate blade
• Pushing the device too hard
• Determine where to cut
• Before starting the process, it is essential to choose the areas in which you will make the cuts. We recommend starting in the center of the column rows. Joints should be spaced 23 to 35 times the thickness of the part, Asphalt blades although this should be confirmed by an engineer beforehand. In general, joint spacing varies between 10 and 18 feet, depending on the reinforcement volume of the slab. Those using high shrinkage concrete may wish to reduce the spacing of the cuts. Here are some actions that should help you decide which areas to cut out
  
  Make continuous saw cuts.
• Form square patterns.
• Choose areas that do not have consecutive rebars from square to square.
• It is always better to have small cracks than to increase the cost by maintaining a few joints.
• If the weather is warm, you can try to form a larger square, and only then cut the inner seams.
• This will help you control cracks that appear quickly on larger areas.