Concrete Saw Blades
Concrete Saw Blades for Fast and Accurate Cutting
Cement saw blades are used to cut through poured concrete, cured slabs, pavers, block, brick, and in many cases asphalt and masonry too. What the blade handles well depends on the segments, rim design, and bond. A blade designed for green, uncured concrete will not perform in the same manner when used on aggregate-heavy cured slabs, and a blade designed for asphalt will wear out unevenly on dry concrete. Before matching the blade to the saw, match the blade to the material.
Types of Concrete Blades and Their Applications
Dry-cut blades operate without water, relying on gaps between the segments and airflow to control heat. They're the best solution for jobsite applications where it's not feasible to run a water line, but they do require rest periods to prevent overheating. Water-cooled wet-cut blades keep the blade cool and remove dust during the cutting process, allowing the blade to last longer and create a cleaner edge, particularly during longer or continuous cuts.
Diamond blades are a favorite choice for professional concrete cutting and for good reason. Diamond segments will penetrate the abrasive aggregate much longer than conventional abrasive blades, and maintain their shape when used under heavy use. A segmented diamond blade removes debris efficiently for general demolition and flatwork. A turbo or continuous rim provides a smoother, more controlled cut for finish work such as tuck-pointing or scoring decorative patterns. Surface prep is accomplished with cup wheels and grinding discs, which range from removing old coatings to smoothing out rough areas prior to finishing.
When working with rebar, the blade needs to be reinforced concrete, as it will not dull out in the middle. A general-purpose or combination blade designed for reinforced material will cut through steel-embedded slabs, but a standard blade for cutting concrete will not last long and will slow down the process if pushed into rebar.
Professional Features to Look For
The hardness of the bond is as important as the quality of the diamonds. A softer bond brings up fresh diamond, which is better suited to harder, abrasive concrete. The harder bond wears slower and is used for softer, less abrasive materials.
The height and spacing of the segments will influence cooling and cutting speed, and the arbor size must be the same as your saw. In addition to the spec sheet, consider the way the blade is constructed: laser-welded segments are more likely to withstand stress than those that are not, and that difference becomes evident after the first few dozen cuts.
How to Choose the Right Concrete Saw Blade
Begin with material and saw. The diameter of the concrete-cutting blade must be compatible with the diameter of the arbor and the guard of the saw. If the blade is too large or too small, it will vibrate or not cut through. Match wet or dry capability to your set-up and job site conditions. A segmented diamond blade pays for itself rapidly for daily production use. A turbo or tuck-point blade provides better control for detail or finish cuts.
There are a few habits that will help keep a blade cutting well. Do not push the blade against the feed rate. If using a wet-rated blade, keep it cool. Clear the segments of debris regularly. A blade that begins to generate more dust than debris or loses segments should be replaced before it causes damage to your saw. Respect the hazard when cutting concrete: wear eye and hearing protection. Use a respirator or wet cutting to control silica dust. Keep the blade guard in place at all times.
Get Ready to Cut with Tool Academy
Tool Academy supplies concrete saw blades from Husqvarna, Pearl Abrasives, Makita, Dewalt, Bosch, Metabo, Milwaukee, Freud and other brands. The blades come in a variety of diameters to choose from. For more than three decades, Tool Academy has supplied contractors and tradespeople with hand tools and accessories to help them work efficiently and safely.
