How to use a concrete saw is a question that we get asked all the time, with diamond saw cutting being one of the most difficult tasks of all. With that being said, how deep a concrete saw can cut is one of the most important things that you need to know on this front.
Understanding the depth capabilities of a cement cutting blade is very important because it will determine what kind of jobs you can and cannot do with a specific saw. If the saw blade depth isn’t deep enough, you won’t be able to finish a task, and having the saw blade set too deep can also be problematic.
What does need to be said however is that VEVOR has a very advanced electric concrete cutting saw that can achieve great depths, plus it has other beneficial features as well. Today, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how deep a concrete saw can cut.
Table of contents
Exploring Maximum Concrete Cutting Depths
When it comes to diamond saw cutting, it’s very important for you to know what the maximum concrete cutting depths are. These saws, although they are very powerful, can only cut so much and go so deep. To provide you with a bit of extra assistance, further below, will provide you with a diamond blade depth chart, to know exactly how deep different sizes of diamond cutting blades can go.
Something that you need to be aware of here is that the maximum cutting depth doesn’t specifically refer to how deep a saw can cut.
Realistically, the maximum concrete cutting depth refers to how far through a slab of concrete you should cut before it starts to become unstable or structurally unsound. For instance, if it is a weight-bearing piece of concrete, such as on a road, it is not recommended to cut more than 1/3 of the way through it, or else it will lose its structural integrity.
Factors Influencing Concrete Saw Cutting Depth
There are a few very important factors that you need to consider when determining the concrete saw cutting depth, so let’s take a quick look at what these main considerations are.
Blade Type
First and foremost, you always need to consider the type of blade that the concrete saw in question is outfitted with. A regular steel or metal blade will only be able to cut so deep and through materials of certain densities. However, we then also have carbide tipped blades as well as diamond tipped blades. For instance, the VEVOR concrete saw features a diamond blade that should be able to reach great depths.
Blade Size
Of course, one of the main factors that influences how deep a concrete saw can cut is the size of the blade. Generally speaking, a blade can cut to around half of its diameter. This means that a 16-inch blade should be able to make a cut that is almost 8 inches deep.
Power
The power level of the saw in question also needs to be considered. If we are talking about electric concrete saws, this is usually measured in watts or volts. Simply put, the higher the power level is, the faster the blade can move and the more power it has behind it, ultimately resulting in deeper cuts being able to be made.
The Material
You then also need to consider the material that is being cut. For instance, concrete is quite tough, but there is also just regular cement, which is not nearly as tough. Different materials will allow for different cutting deaths.
Tips for Making Deeper Cuts
Using a concrete saw is not the safest thing in the world, but if you follow the tips and techniques that we’re about to discuss below, it should be as safe and successful as can be.
Using the Right Technique
If you plan on making very deep cuts, using the right technique is very important. First and foremost, this means that you absolutely need to get the saw blade running at full speed before you touch it to the concrete.
Start by touching the saw blade to the concrete until you feel no more resistance and then slowly keep pushing it down. The trick here is to not push too hard at once, or else the saw blade may stall.
Let the saw blade and the motor of the concrete saw do the work for you. If you keep encountering resistance, feather the saw blade up and down to achieve greater depths.
The Right Blade
If you plan on making deeper cuts when working with concrete, having the right blade is essential. Generally speaking, this comes down to a heavy duty blade that is fitted with diamond tips. A diamond tipped blade should be able to make its way through virtually any kind of material.
Maintain Your Equipment
If you plan on making cuts as deep as possible in concrete, then maintaining the equipment is essential as well. You need your saw to be well oiled so that there is no friction, you need the blade to be straight and in good condition, and you need all the teeth to be perfectly sharp. Being able to do a good job most often starts with having the right equipment.
Depth Selection
Needless to say, a lot of concrete saws allow for depth selection. To make the deepest cuts possible, ensure that the blade is extended as far as possible.
Pushing the Limits: Techniques for Maximized Cutting Depths
How to make cuts deeper is a question that so many people have. In reality, it comes down to the size of your saw and the blade. Generally speaking, you’ll only be able to make a cut as deep as the blade’s radius. You just can’t cut any deeper than to the spindle of the concrete saw.
However, there may be some cases where you may be able to make multiple passes. You can continuously lower the blade to the cutting depth that is allowed based on the project at hand, and then make multiple passes over the same cutting line.
If you happen to be working with a piece of concrete that you can move, you can always attack the situation from both sides. Even if you can only make it halfway through from one side, you can then turn the concrete around and meet in the middle.
One of the best ways to maximize your cutting depth is by using a large concrete saw, such as the 12 inch model from VEVOR. It has a big blade and should be able to reach great cutting depths. Furthermore, the water pump it includes is also ideal for eliminating dust, therefore allowing you to make even deeper cuts.
Diamond Blade Depth Chart: A Practical Guide
Here is a simple little guide that shows you exactly how deep a diamond cutting blade can cut based on its overall size.
IMAGE COURTESY OF 4 Questions to Ask When Purchasing Diamond Blades (bartellglobal.com)
Safety Measures for Deep Concrete Saw Cuts
There are also various safety measures that you need to follow when making deep concrete saw cuts, so let’s take a look at what these might be.
Protective Gear
One thing that you always need to do when using a concrete saw is wear protective gear. Remember, these are dangerous tools. They can send a lot of dust flying into the air, which means that you need to wear eye protection. They can also be very loud, so hearing protection is called for as well. However, you also want to wear very thick and long sleeved shirts along with thick pants, and steel toed boots.
Workspace Preparation
When using a concrete saw to make deep cuts, you also need to make sure that the workspace you are working in is well-prepared. If the workspace has debris or clutter around, you risk tripping and falling, which can be extremely dangerous if you are operating a power tool. Make sure that any items that are not being cut or are needed for the task at hand are safely put away. If needed, now is also the time to set up a dust collection system.
Proper Tool Handling
Concrete saws can be quite dangerous, which means that the proper handling of the tool is essential. First and foremost, never let go of either of the handles while the machine is still in operation. As long as the saw blade is still moving, you need to hold on to it all the time. Furthermore, never point the blade at yourself, whether it is moving or not.
Conclusion
The bottom line here is that if you use the right saw and saw blade, such as the largest model from VEVOR, making deep cuts in concrete should not be very difficult. Just remember to adequately prepare the workspace, to keep your own safety in mind, and to choose the right size and type of blade for the job at hand.
