Benefits of renting a concrete chainsaw
When starting a new project, the most daunting question can often be “do I have the right tools to get the job done right?” If the scope of your project includes cutting accurate & deep holes in concrete and removing stone, renting a concrete chainsaw is a cost effective and efficient solution.
When tackling a task by renting a concrete chainsaw you know you will be working with a high-quality machine. The chains used on concrete chainsaws are much stronger and more durable than alternatives, allowing them to cut through difficult surfaces. Also, because of the friction created when in operation, water is used to lubricate the chain. This also washes away the silica dust, which is dangerous to the operator, and prevents inhaling it.
Which concrete chainsaw should I rent?
Acknowledging that renting a concrete chainsaw is the way to go, how do you know which type is right? Cut-offs and diamond concrete chainsaws are common concrete cutting tools and while there are similarities in usage, they are not the same. Understanding how they function, and their usage will make renting a concrete chainsaw easier.
Cut-off
Most renters prefer cut-off concrete chainsaws for cutting jobs. They are hand-held saws used to cut concrete, asphalt, and metal. Cut-off concrete chainsaws can be powered by a two-stroke gas engine, a hydraulic unit, an air compressor, or an electric motor. The type of power source depends on what type of project the renter is working on.
- Gas-powered concrete chainsaws are easy to transport and familiar in use to a lot of renters, but they often require quite a bit of maintenance.
- Electric concrete chainsaws are popular with renters because they are lightweight and easier to operate than other types. The downside is they are less powerful and can add to the timeline for completing a project.
- Concrete chainsaws powered by a hydraulic unit provide the highest output of power for the saws weight. However, they can be more expensive to rent and less user friendly than pneumatic saws.
- Operating pneumatic concrete chainsaws is simple and has less safety hazards. Pneumatic saws are also easy to maneuver and maintain.
Diamond
A diamond concrete chainsaw includes a blade which has diamonds fixed on its edge for cutting hard or abrasive surfaces. Renters find various types of uses for diamond concrete chainsaws, including cutting stone, concrete, asphalt, bricks, and ceramics in the construction industry. When selecting a diamond chainsaw, the most important thing is to consider whether you need to cut openings deeper than five inches.
If you have significant cutting needs, you might want to consider renting a hydraulic or pneumatic diamond concrete chainsaw, which have more power and can utilize guidebars for openings around 2 feet. These are efficient tools for more difficult and heavy-duty projects.
Best Practices when operating concrete cutting chainsaws
Once you identify which concrete chainsaw you need to rent for your project, the next step is knowing best practices for how to operate. Whatever the scope and scale of the project, using the right equipment and operating procedures will make the job easier and more importantly, safer.
Before even firing the equipment up, always wear protective gear when using your concrete chainsaw rental. Recommended clothing items include a thick, long-sleeved shirt, jeans or work pants, steel-toed boots, work gloves, face shield, hearing protection and a mask to protect from dust inhalation.
Know when to start. Concrete that is cured can be extremely difficult to cut, no matter what concrete chainsaw you rent. Having the timing down is key for maximizing use of the blade. Try to cut the concrete when it is solid but only half-way cured. The cutting will produce less dust and have a smoother edge.
Watch out for dust. Renters beware of respirable crystalline silica dust. The American Rental Association provides resources for addressing and managing a project that could involve the dangers of silica dust. Visit the ARA’s learning platform RentalU for more information.
Be strategic with cutting. Clearly mark the areas you want to cut using bright colored chalk and bold lines. Once you begin cutting, make several shallow movements instead of one deep cut. After each pass, turn the concrete chainsaw off, and start slightly increasing the depth with each pass. Making multiple shallow cuts is safer because it provides more control throughout the project.
If it feels like you are working to hard to make the cut, stop. The concrete chainsaw you rented is there to do the work. You are simply there to guide its path. If you force the blade too often it could possibly cause the equipment to overheat and create a maintenance issue.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should you cut concrete?
Try to cut the joints one quarter to a third of the concrete thickness. For a six inch slab of concrete, you would cut about one and a half to two inches deep. Always check that the saw cut depth meets the structural engineering requirements.
How fast can a concrete chainsaw cut?
This will vary based on the material being cut, the type of chain being used, user skill level, and how much rebar there is in the slab. Gas powered concrete saws usually saw one foot by six inches deep in two to three minutes. Hydraulic saws operate faster and are typically more efficient.
What is the best approach to cutting concrete with rebar?
Start by carefully measuring the location of the cutting. Then mark off the measurement locations with bright colored chalk. Rent a more durable type of concrete chainsaw and make sure you are meeting all the safety requirements mentioned above.
Rent a concrete chainsaw and get the right tool to get the job done right. Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your projects’ needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.
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