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Started By
Message
Concrete Saw
Posted on 3/26/20 at 4:54 pm
Posted on 3/26/20 at 4:54 pm
I have a 12'x6' section of driveway I need removed. Was thinking about renting a concrete saw from Home Depot and cutting it up in pieces myself after getting a quote from a contractor for several thousands of dollars.
I have experience with wood saws (circular, jig, etc) and wonder if that'd suffice with concrete. I do need a straight clean edge with the 12' section.
My wife (no pics) is also worried for my safety. Doesn't help I have a permanent scar on the inside of my index finger from a circular saw incident from my teenage years building speaker boxes...
Basically, is this project suitable for someone with no concrete experience? Already dropping $4k on custom fence work and another $1k+ on pool repairs, trying to save where we can.
Thanks
I have experience with wood saws (circular, jig, etc) and wonder if that'd suffice with concrete. I do need a straight clean edge with the 12' section.
My wife (no pics) is also worried for my safety. Doesn't help I have a permanent scar on the inside of my index finger from a circular saw incident from my teenage years building speaker boxes...
Basically, is this project suitable for someone with no concrete experience? Already dropping $4k on custom fence work and another $1k+ on pool repairs, trying to save where we can.
Thanks
6
Posted on 3/26/20 at 5:07 pm to pressurized
If you’ve never operated a concrete saw, then I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing - and if you want a straight cut to the proper depth to accommodate clean tear out and removal of concrete - once again, I’d let a professional do it. It can get away from you pretty quick if you don’t know what you are doing.
Posted on 3/26/20 at 7:33 pm to pressurized
How deep is the concrete? A rental with a good blade, and water cooling the blade can make the job easy, if you make a guide along the cut line. Use some 2x4s or 6s to act as your straight line.
Posted on 3/26/20 at 7:50 pm to pressurized
Pop a line, nail a 2x4 down as a guide.
Poke a couple pin holes in the top of a water bottle. Use it to squirt water on the blade as you cut. Slow and steady wins the race.
I can't tell you the countless number of 18-20 yr old hombres I've watched do this with no problem.
Wear a face shield if you like being able to see out both eyes
Poke a couple pin holes in the top of a water bottle. Use it to squirt water on the blade as you cut. Slow and steady wins the race.
I can't tell you the countless number of 18-20 yr old hombres I've watched do this with no problem.
Wear a face shield if you like being able to see out both eyes
Posted on 3/26/20 at 8:17 pm to lsuchip30
quote:
If you’ve never operated a concrete saw, then I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing - and if you want a straight cut to the proper depth to accommodate clean tear out and removal of concrete - once again, I’d let a professional do it
On a non reinforced driveway it’s basically like cutting wood just slower. Just make sure you have some face gear gloves, boots, pants, etc.
Op. From what you described. Do it yourself. Save money.
This post was edited on 3/26/20 at 8:31 pm
Posted on 3/26/20 at 8:22 pm to baseballmind1212
quote:
Wear a face shield if you like being able to see out both eyes
I've always found my lack of desire to inhale concrete dust is what really motivates me to wear protection.
Posted on 3/26/20 at 9:19 pm to pressurized
If you have a good circular saw, get a diamond blade for it and score the line 1st then use the demo saw to cut the rest. Any demo saw you rent will have a water hose connector. Use it. Like others said, pin down a 2x4 on the side you are getting rid of to run it against. It’s not hard.
Posted on 3/27/20 at 6:14 am to pressurized
14” cutoff saw rental is the answer here. It can be dangerous if you don’t take your time. They will make you purchase a blade which will cost you about $100.
Make sure it has a garden hose attachment and this will keep the dust down. Gate the water down to where there is no dust produced in the air as too much isn’t great for the saw and blade performance either.
I’d advise against using a straight edge if you aren’t experienced because this puts you or a helper in an awkward position. The way we do it is to pop a chalk line, then spray it will a clear lacquer, so that the water won’t affect it as you cut. I’d make a scoring cut about a quarter of an inch as your guide after that. Then you can go back to the beginning and do your full cut through your concrete, then inch forward. Don’t forget to overcut your line a couple inches so as your corners are cut all the way through. After you pour, you can throw some self leveling caulk to fill this overcut.
Beware of underground utilities. 811 can be of help here if you aren’t in a hurry. I think they are setup to paint in 72hours now.
I’m not sure if you are putting it back, but if you do don’t forget you will have to rent hammer drill for rebar in your original slab. Also, make sure that you have help, whether Quikrete or short load delivery especially with the heat coming quick. Getting a good finish on concrete is much more difficult than the cutoff saw.
Good luck to you.
Make sure it has a garden hose attachment and this will keep the dust down. Gate the water down to where there is no dust produced in the air as too much isn’t great for the saw and blade performance either.
I’d advise against using a straight edge if you aren’t experienced because this puts you or a helper in an awkward position. The way we do it is to pop a chalk line, then spray it will a clear lacquer, so that the water won’t affect it as you cut. I’d make a scoring cut about a quarter of an inch as your guide after that. Then you can go back to the beginning and do your full cut through your concrete, then inch forward. Don’t forget to overcut your line a couple inches so as your corners are cut all the way through. After you pour, you can throw some self leveling caulk to fill this overcut.
Beware of underground utilities. 811 can be of help here if you aren’t in a hurry. I think they are setup to paint in 72hours now.
I’m not sure if you are putting it back, but if you do don’t forget you will have to rent hammer drill for rebar in your original slab. Also, make sure that you have help, whether Quikrete or short load delivery especially with the heat coming quick. Getting a good finish on concrete is much more difficult than the cutoff saw.
Good luck to you.
Posted on 3/27/20 at 8:26 am to pressurized
I would look into renting a saw with a 14" -18" blade. I've used gas-powered rig which is driven by a chain saw motor. It is mounted on little cart and has a garden hose attachment. It'll keep you a safe distance from the blade and give you a fast, straight cut. I do remember scoring the concrete a couple of timen as opposed to doing 1 deep cut.
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