Considering a Dust Collection System

15-12-2021 - Product

Surface prep is dirty work. Concrete grinding and cutting is notorious for causing a large amount of debris, especially if it is a dry cut. Including a dust collection system in your kit not only makes post-job clean up faster and more efficient, but also can save your life.

Particle dust from surface prep gets everywhere, into all of the nooks and crannies, coating surfaces it comes in contact with. Worse, this dust is small enough to be airborne and can be inhaled by workers not using the proper safety masks. The dust particulates contain known carcinogens which linger in the lungs and may eventually cause respiratory distress or even lung cancer.

Ideal Solution for Dust Collection

Dust particles released on job sites can be hazardous to your health, and that of your co-workers and the people who utilize the location at which you worked. In order to cut down on airborne dust particles, it is important to use some sort of dust collection system. Advanced dust collection systems like U.S. Saws Ultra Vac 1250 Dust Collector have changed the game for contractors. This specific dust collection system comes equipped with:

Top of the line large HEPA (or High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are capable of filtering out about 99.7% of various airborne particulates, even concrete dust;
Two 120V motors providing extra sucking power;
Durable steel frames that can withstand constant use;
High capacity dust bins that allow you to reduce the amount of times needed to empty the bin, which always risks releasing more dust back into the air;
Front and rear handles for effortless transport.; and
It is OSHA certified.

These high powered performers allow contractors to completely clean the project site after a long afternoon of surface prep.

Performance Options

It is important that the dust collection system perform optimally to ensure it is removing as much particulate as possible. In order to ensure your system is set up to do handle that heavy-duty job, make sure it is equipped with powerful motors to ensure the system will provide the proper suction needed to remove the dust. Another important piece of the dust collector that improves performance and ensures safety is an extended hose for hard to reach places. The U.S. SAWS Ultra Vac 1250-G is a gas powered machine that used wide, flat wheels to ensure that all of the hard work just put in on that concrete floor doesn’t wind up with indentations in the clean-up process.

Vacuum Capacity

Vacuum capacity is a serious consideration for contractors hired for heavy-duty surface prep work. High capacity dust bins help reduce the amount of times collected dust is stirred up and potentially re-released in the air. Many dust collection systems come equipped with Longopac bagging systems. These dust collection bags allow for the bags filled with dust to be removed from the dust collection system in a sealed manner, allowing for a cleaner environment as opposed to opening a dust bin full of particulates and allowing them to potentially contaminate an area again.

Additional Dust Tips

It is crucial to understand the size of the job you are going to perform before you get started. Many times contractors will try to utilize a standard shop vac to manage debris from surface prep; however, these shop vacs are unable to handle heavy-duty jobs and may also violate OSHA regulations, which can land the contractor into legal trouble.

Another way to reduce the amount of dust and debris released into the air is to use a dust shroud with your concrete grinder. Dust shrouds attach directly to the grinder and collect dust before it can be emitted into the air. Using an top of the line dust collection system in conjunction with a dust shroud will make your job cleaner and more efficient to clean up at the end of the day.

Contact U.S. SAWS today to ensure your dust collection system meets not only your job’s needs, but is also OSHA certified.

The Dos and Don’ts of Wet Tile Cutting with Diamond Blades

03-12-2021 - Featured

Diamond blades. Doesn’t the name sound luxurious? In the world of tile cutting, there is nothing stronger than a diamond blade. These blades are perfect for cutting tile, glass, concrete and porcelain and have the capability to do so in wet or dry conditions. They are usually made of stainless steel and have diamond chips adhered to the blade. Typically a cleaner cut is made with a diamond blade when the diamond fragments are more exposed. As the blade use wears down the fragments, the cuts become less clean and precise.

When cutting tiles, no matter the material, the key to the perfect fit is a clean, precise cut. An experienced contractor will have a sound understanding of when to use and when not to use diamond blades. Let’s explore some of those dos and don’ts for wet-cutting.

Wet Cutting Diamond Blade Dos

Diamond blade water cutters are a must have for every contractor’s tool box. These saws can be your best friend for wet cutting tile if used properly. One would assume the first DO for wet cutting tile would be water, but it isn’t. The first DO of properly using these diamond blade water cutters is pre-inspecting the blade before use. You want that diamond blade to complete fast, precision cuts. You are able to ensure that precision and smoothness by inspecting your blade for any cracks or obvious wear and tear. Not only will a worn blade ruin a perfect cut, it can also be dangerous. It is important for everyone that you have a smooth, precise cut and finish that cut with all of your digits intact. So take a minute and inspect your blade before every use.

The second big DO of wet cutting tile is the use of water while cutting. Ensuring there is a steady supply of water for the blade is crucial to the blade’s performance. Water is such a vital component to the process because it reduced friction during the use of the blade, which ensures the blade is operating optimally during the entire cut. The goal is a fast, clean cut with perfect precision. That can be achieved by using properly prepared diamond blade combined with a continuous stream of water.

The third key DO of wet cutting with diamond blades is ensuring you are wearing all of the proper safety gear. Don’t let the glitz of that diamond blade cloud your common sense. Safety gear is the key to protecting your eyes, fingers, feet, and other body parts from serious harm. That includes eye protection, gloves, steel toed shoes, and ear protection.

Wet Cutting Diamond Blade Don’ts

The DON’TS are just as important as the DOS when using a diamond blade. First, DON’T operate your diamond blade saw without reading the manufacturer’s operating manual. It is imperative you are versed in how the blade fits into the saw and how to operate the saw to avoid malfunctions, poor cuts and injury. Take the time to read the manual and familiarize yourself with the tool before use.

Second, DON’T use your new blade on a saw that does not meet the correct specifications for the size of your new blade. The saws that work with diamond blades are made for particular saw blades. Using a blade that is too large or small for the saw you have will set you up for failure and potentially severe injury.

Third, DON’T operate your water cutter without a blade guard. The purpose of the blade guard in wet tile cutting is multifold. Of course a blade guard is there as a safety feature to protect your fingers. It also, however, ensures that the water that is splashing off of the blade during use hits the guard and makes its way back to the blade, reducing friction to the blade as it cuts and preserving the longevity of the blade while keeping cuts smooth and precise. That pesky blade guard also does a good job of keeping you dry while operating the saw.

A fourth DON’T is also mentioned in the DOS, but is worth reiterating here. DON’T operate your diamond blade without safety gear. Heavy duty gloves and goggles may not be en vogue, but losing a finger does is an expensive way to get out of remodeling your master bathroom. Wear the gear and reduce your risk of harm.

Contact U.S. SAWS today to discuss your diamond blade options.

Cup Wheels: Top Benefits When Finishing Concrete

16-11-2021 - Press room

There are different methods to finishing concrete, and all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Some techniques are preferred due to their speed, or expense, or an existing level of comfort with them. Sometimes you use a certain method because that’s what you learned years ago. In other cases you might not be familiar enough with other options to make a fair comparison.

But businesses and individuals often turn to cup wheels for their concrete finishing as opposed to other methods. Why? What advantages do cup wheels offer in their own right? If you don’t use them currently, consider these reasons for implementing cup wheels into your finishing method.

Clean finish. Obviously, a finishing method has to actually work properly, and cup wheels provide a smooth surface that gives off a reflective quality in the right lighting. For professional-looking concrete, cup wheels are an effective option.

Safety. You might think that a mirror-like concrete finish would make the surface slippery and prone to safety hazards. In reality, the opposite is true. Using a cup wheel increases friction to the finished product, providing slip resistance and another element of safety to high-traffic areas. Finishing concrete with cup wheels produces a less-slippery product than other finishing methods.

Resistant. Finishing concrete with cup wheels helps the completed project remain durable in varying weather environments or high-traffic situations. The smooth surface is resistant to materials that could erode or stain the concrete, meaning it remains in good working order for a longer period of time. Concrete that doesn’t need frequent repair or refinishing saves money in the long run, and looks better during its life cycle.

Variety. Just as all concrete isn’t the same, and all jobs aren’t the same, cup wheels can vary a great deal as well. Different types of work will require different tools, and cup wheels come in enough variations to accommodate all those jobs. Size and diamond content are just a couple of specifications that will determine which cup wheel will be right for your job.

Affordable. Featuring high diamond content and a variety of grits, U.S.SAWS has a collection of cup wheels that can tackle any job, whether it’s implementation, repair or decoration. And all of them fit into a cost-conscious budget, providing long-lasting value as a trusted solution for creative or industrial projects.

U.S.SAWS: Another Advantage. As a leader in construction solutions, U.S.SAWS is an advantage for anyone with complicated jobs or precise work requirements. Our team is led by principals with decades of experience, so no job is foreign and no task is out of their area of expertise.

Knowing what type of tool to use in any given situation is one thing, but finding the right version of that tool can present its own challenges. U.S.SAWS can not only offer whichever cup wheel best suits your needs, but can assist in finding that tool and answer any questions you might have along the way. We’re happy to help you at every stage of the decision-making process. Use our contact page for prompt answers to your important questions.

Diamond Blades and the Benefits of Wet Cutting

09-11-2021 - Press room

When precision cutting, diamond blades can be your best friend. They’re versatile, dependable, and able to handle a variety of tasks. They’re your go-to piece of equipment for many jobs, so you’ll want to take care of them.

With that in mind, what’s the truth about wet cutting? What are the benefits over dry cutting? Does it really matter, or can you really extend the life of your diamond blades by utilizing that method? What other advantages does wet cutting offer?

Let’s go over the wet cutting method and reveal the benefits associated with using it whenever possible.

Cleaner Air

When dry cutting, your work area will often become littered with dust and debris. It’s a natural part of the cutting process, so what can you do about it?

If you switch to wet cutting, when possible, you’ll reduce the amount of dust and particles that result from your work. The water traps the particles, leaving the air cleaner and your work environment clearer. Less debris means you can see better, and focus on your work instead of trying to navigate around dust and other particles. The end result is a cleaner and safer work environment for everyone working on the project.

Cooler Blades

Wet cutting helps cool the blade while you’re working. And the more you work, the more obvious those benefits become. The blade doesn’t overheat as quickly, so breaks are less frequent and each cut can go deeper.

The blades are less likely to warp in the heat so the cuts themselves are reliable and can be created more efficiently. Fewer breaks for maintenance means better workflow, and a project can be completed faster. And, as the saying goes, “time is money.” Wet cutting can create a faster work process, which affects the timeline and the budget in a positive way.

Other Considerations

Wet cutting also lends itself to better work conditions based on what kind of work you’re doing. If the job requires constant deep cutting, as opposed to shallow cuts at various intervals, wet cutting can be even more beneficial. Cooler blades, deeper cuts and fewer breaks will all be beneficial in those situations.

What you’re cutting and where you’re cutting it also matters. Masonry, metals, tile, and concrete will often yield better results from wet cutting for the reasons mentioned above. And since wet cutting requires an active water source, a simple, indoor project is often a candidate for dry cutting because it can be less messy. But with a water source and the right environment, wet cutting offers a number of benefits for your projects, especially if they require deep, constant cutting and would benefit from a cooler blade as the work is being done. Wet cutting can improve the quality of your work process and lengthen the life of the blades you depend on to get that work done.

Trust U.S. SAWS

U.S. SAWS has been optimizing the workplace for surface preparation and related jobs for more than 15 years. If you’re looking for the best tools to integrate wet cutting into your work product, we can help. Our specialty diamond blades will help you meet and exceed your project goals, and our team is ready to assist you if you have any questions or need further assistance. Simply use our contact page to get started.

Making Life Easier with Magnetic Manhole Lifters

08-10-2021 - Press room

Manholes are essential to municipal infrastructure. They provide swift, easy access to storm drains, sewers, and a wide variety of underground pipes. Ensuring there is proper access for utility workers to these areas is crucial to maintaining this important part of the area’s framework. While utility workers need swift, easy access, the public should not be able to enter these areas. Because of this the manhole cover was created.

Manhole covers are beneficial for a few reasons. First, in order to help keep the public out of municipal water systems, storm drains and sewers, manhole covers have been developed to be exceptionally heavy, causing the average person to not be able to lift it on their own. Second, manhole many covers have vents, allowing the manhole to be protected from any public shenanigans but also allowing dangerous gases to escape before building up to dangerous levels.

Many times you hear utility work is back-breaking work. This is one of those specific instances where it can literally be back-breaking work, but it does not have to be anymore. With the advent of magnetic manhole cover lifters, the utility worker can maximize safety, time management and convenience all with one tool.

Benefit Your Body

Lifting manhole covers by hand is a terrible idea. Don’t try it! You risk a multitude of injuries by doing it. Manhole covers are made a few different ways, be it cast iron, steel, or concrete, and come in varying sizes, but all of them are heavy. Manual lifting can result in serious back injury, especially If you’ve misjudged the weight. Back injuries are debilitating and painful, and can require surgery to fix. Manhole covers can be slippery too, risking a crushed finger or hand. Toes and feet are also susceptible to injury, especially if they proper shoes are not being worn, as heavy manhole covers may be dropped suddenly, crushing toes or feet under the weight of the cover.

By including U.S. SAWS’ diverse variety of magnetic lifters in your toolbox, you can be sure to save energy and protect your back and limbs from painful injuries. The Megatron 2 Magnet Break N’ Take is the right tool for jobs with a 350 pound lifting capacity. For even heavier jobs, up to 900 pounds, the Supreme Duty Collapsible Dolly is your answer.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Time is money, and moving heavy manhole covers can be time consuming work due to the heavy load of the cover. Magnetic lifters not only make the work easier on your body, but also save you significant time and effort. U.S. SAWS has developed smoother and more efficient ways to handle complex jobs. The Twin Magnetic Spreader Bar provides a beam that allows two magnets to be utilized at once, instead of only using one, making the job completion quicker and providing a safer lift, with the added bonus of greater stability during the lifting process.

Convenient Carry

Not only are magnetic lifters better for your body and more efficient, but they are even space saving and convenient to pack and store. Portability is important when you are working in an area far from where you had to park. Carrying a several pieces of heavy equipment is never convenient. U.S. SAWS magnetic lifters have dolly handles that break down for easy shipping and storage. Lifters like the Supreme Duty Collapsible Dolly also eliminate the use of pry bars, reducing the amount of equipment being hauled to and from the site. U.S. SAWS has the right durable tools that are portable and quickly and easily stored allowing you to get the job done safer and more efficiently, sparing your valuable time and protecting your body from injury.

Contact U.S. SAWS today to discuss the beat magnetic manhole cover lifters for your team and to see what new products they have waiting in their wings.

Author: Scott H