Concrete saws (sometimes called a slab saw, or quick cut) can be used for cutting concrete, brick, masonry, asphalt and tile, usually with a diamond blade. They can also cut steel and stone, using an abrasive wheel. Concrete saws are available in multiple formats, including gas powered, electric or hydraulic, and come in a wide variety of configurations, including handheld, chop-saw and walk-behind models.
While concrete saws can function wet and dry, it is most common to use water cooling during operation. This serves a dual function, as it protects the diamond blade from breaking during use. It also reduces wear and stress on the steel core below the blade.
Breakage in this area can results in unpredictable and uncontrolled blade section ejection, which can injure equipment operators and other in the vicinity. Also, using wet cooling during cutting helps reduce airborne dust particles that have been linked to serious lung diseases, including lung cancer, silicosis and others.
Used for precision cutting floors, pavements, walkways, ramps and other flat sawing applications, accuracy of the cutting work is greatly affected by blade wobble, lack of power, and excessive vibration.