5 Tips on Using a Floor Saw to Do Paving Projects

A floor saw is extremely handy when constructing a patio, walkway, or driveway in any type of property using pavers. Because most paving projects require some degree of cutting to fit the materials, like bricks, natural stones, and concrete, into existing areas, it certainly pays more to have the right equipment for the job. Not only can it help you do the project right, it can also help you save time and energy. Meanwhile, if you're planning to do a paving project, here are some tips you might want to consider.

Tip No 1. As you may know, it would a catastrophe if you make a wrong cut on the material because undoing your mistake is next to impossible. Therefore, before you use the concrete saw to cut the pavers, make sure that you carefully mark all edges to be cut. Use marking tools that you can easily see and won't be erased easily. A good example is chalk in a contrasting colour or a felt-tipped marker.

Tip No 2. You might be tempted to cut the pieces in advance and bring them in the work area using a hand truck so you can save time. However, many experts agree that such a practice isn't really advisable. According them, you should cut the pieces using the floor saw only as required and not in advance. If the pavers have incorrect sizes and you still decide to fit them into the design, they can cause stress on the surrounding stones and result in fractures over time.

Tip No 3. If you're not a professional contractor and you're just an avid "DIYer," cutting patios or walkways that curve around existing landscape features, such as shrubs and trees, will prove to be quite difficult. If you don't want to bungle up your project and damage your concrete saw in the process, it's best that you leave this particular task in the hands of experts.

Tip No 4. Before you start with any cutting project, ensure that your floor saw is equipped with the right kind of blade. For paving projects, many experts recommend using diamond blades as they allow you to cut smoothly and effortlessly through hard paving materials like bricks and stones. If you don't want to make any mistake, be sure to ask your dealer for advice.

Tip No 5. This is pretty much a no-brainer, but some people often neglect their safety when working around the home. So before you use your floor saw, be sure to wear the necessary safety gear to avoid injuring yourself. Also, don't try to pick up bricks or chunks concrete on your own. Use a lifting device for maximum safety and convenience.

Important Things You Should Know about Using a Concrete Saw to Cut Asphalt

Contrary to popular belief, concrete is not the only thing a concrete saw can cut. It can also be used to split masonry, bricks, and tiles into two or into smaller pieces. Even asphalt has no match for the cutting prowess of this great cutting tool. For cutting projects where the use of ordinary saws is impossible, you can always rely on this saw to get the job done.

In case you're thinking of using a road saw to cut asphalt, there are a number of things you must remember to ensure the success of your project. Keep in mind that asphalt is different from bricks or concrete. It is much softer yet more abrasive. Cutting asphalt is trickier, too, because asphalt can get hot easily and it can melt in. As a result, if you're not careful enough, it might pinch the sides of the saw blade in and render it useless.

To prevent both the asphalt and the blade of your concrete saw from overheating, utilising water cutting is highly recommended. If your saw has a built-in water tank, it can be a huge advantage and it can provide you with maximum convenience since you don't have to rely on a water hose to keep both the blade and the material cool. But don't worry. You can still use your saw to cut asphalt even if it doesn't have a built-in water tank. Just make sure that you have a good source of water nearby so you can easily splash water on the asphalt while making the necessary cuts.

Before you proceed with the task, make sure that the saw is equipped with the right kind of blade. In most cases, contractors use diamond blades on their road saw because they are of different matrix as compared to the blades used when cutting concrete. But what kind of blade should you use if you are tasked to cut asphalt that has been poured over concrete? In this kind of situation, equipping your saw with a general purpose blade will help get the job done properly. For short-term use, on the other hand, you can utilise abrasive blades.

Just like when using a lifting device, or any other type of construction equipment for that matter, always exercise extreme caution when using a concrete saw to cut asphalt. Don't forget to equip yourself with proper safety gear to avoid accidents and injuries.

And if you're not sure about the type of blades you should be using with your concrete saw, don't be afraid to contact the equipment dealer or manufacturer and ask them questions. Don't worry, they are usually more than happy to help you out so don't hesitate to ask them to provide you with the assistance you require.