Author: Stephanie Box

Choosing the right blade can make the difference between a clean, efficient cut and unnecessary downtime on the job. In concrete and masonry work, one design that’s become a contractor favourite for its speed and versatility is the turbo rim diamond blade—a blade engineered to handle tough materials like concrete, brick, and stone with both power and precision.

In this blog, we explore how turbo rim diamond blades are designed, where they perform best, and what contractors should know about selecting and using them safely on the job.

What Is a Turbo Rim Diamond Blade?

A turbo rim diamond blade is a type of diamond blade that features a serrated or spiral-patterned rim. These grooves help move air and debris away from the cutting surface, improving cooling and reducing friction. The result is a faster cut with less risk of overheating or glazing—two common issues when cutting through dense materials.

Turbo rim blades are considered a hybrid design between segmented and smooth-rim (continuous) blades. They deliver a cleaner finish than segmented blades while cutting faster than continuous rim types. This makes them an ideal middle ground for crews working with concrete, masonry, and other abrasive building materials.

How Turbo Rim Blades Are Used in Concrete and Masonry

Turbo rim diamond blades are widely used across construction and utility applications. Contractors rely on them when both speed and precision matter, especially in tasks such as:

• Cutting cured concrete, block, and brick during installation or repair
• Preparing trenches or access points in concrete slabs
• Cutting masonry units or pavers on job sites
• Performing small-scale patching or removal work where clean edges are required

U.S. Saws’ turbo wave blades are a prime example of this design, offering smooth, high-speed performance for concrete and masonry cutting.

Key Design Features

What sets turbo rim blades apart from other diamond blades is their ability to maintain cutting efficiency while reducing heat buildup and edge wear. Some defining characteristics include:

• Serrated Rim Pattern: Promotes faster cutting and effective debris removal.
• Improved Cooling: The grooved edge helps circulate air or water to cool the blade during operation.
• Durable Bond Matrix: Determines how quickly new diamonds are exposed for cutting—critical when moving between hard and abrasive materials.
• Versatile Use: Can be operated wet or dry depending on job conditions, though wet cutting is recommended to extend blade life and control silica dust.

Wet cutting helps extend blade life and reduce airborne silica. For practical water use tips, see The Do’s and Don’ts of Wet Tile Cutting with Diamond Blades.

Choosing the Right Turbo Rim Diamond Blade

Selecting the right turbo blade depends on several key factors:

• Material Type: Use a harder bond for abrasive materials like asphalt or green concrete, and a softer bond for dense materials like cured concrete or stone.
• Cutting Method: Wet cutting helps cool the blade and manage dust in compliance with OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction (29 CFR 1926.1153).
• Blade Speed: Always match the blade’s maximum RPM rating to the saw’s specifications.
• Maintenance: Inspect blades for glazing, cracks, or uneven wear, and store them in a dry environment to prevent corrosion.

These best practices ensure optimal blade performance and extend the tool’s lifespan under daily job site conditions.

Safety Best Practices

Even though turbo rim blades are designed for control, contractors should always follow basic safety procedures when cutting concrete or masonry:

• Wear PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and respirators.
• Verify that guards and water feeds are properly installed and functioning.
• Let the saw reach full operating speed before starting the cut.
• Avoid excessive force; let the diamonds do the work.

Following these precautions not only improves results but also helps crews stay OSHA-compliant and avoid preventable blade damage.

Why Contractors Trust U.S. Saws

For more than 30 years, U.S. Saws has developed professional-grade tools and blades for the construction and utility industries. Their diamond blade lineup, including turbo wave and multi-purpose designs, is engineered for speed, safety, and durability in real-world conditions.

From slab cutting to masonry work, U.S. Saws products are built to perform where reliability matters most.

Explore the full selection of diamond blades and cutting tools at U.S. Saws to find the right blade for your next project.

On construction and utility job sites, crews often face materials that standard tools struggle to cut. An air saw, also known as a pneumatic saw, is designed to meet that challenge. Pneumatic simply means powered by compressed air, a system that provides consistent energy without cords, batteries, or fuel.

Because of this unique design, air saws perform reliably in environments where electric or gas-powered saws may be impractical. They reduce risks of sparks, overheating, and electrical hazards, making them a trusted choice for projects involving concrete, asphalt, ductile iron, and large-diameter pipe.

This article looks at the history of pneumatic saws, the main types of air saws in use today, and the reasons they remain a preferred tool on demanding job sites.

A Brief History of Air Saws

Air saws emerged as part of the broader use of pneumatic tools in the early 20th century.

Factories, shipyards, and mines relied on compressed air systems because they eliminated the fire hazards associated with electricity and sparks. This made them invaluable in industries working with fuel, chemicals, or explosive dust.

As infrastructure expanded, these saws became more specialized. By the mid-20th century, water and sewer departments used air chain saws and belly saws to cut ductile iron pipe underground, where gas-powered tools were unsafe. In roadwork, walk-behind saws proved reliable for trenching, curb cutting, and asphalt repair, especially in wet or dusty conditions where electric saws often failed.

Types of Pneumatic Saws

Air saws come in several forms, each designed for specific job site requirements:

Hand-Held Air Powered Saws:

Portable and precise, used for cutting ductile iron, steel, or reinforced concrete where mobility is important.

Walk-Behind Air Saws:

Stable and powerful, common in roadwork and municipal projects for trenching, asphalt repair, and concrete slab cutting.

Air Chain Saws:

Purpose-built for ductile iron pipe, producing clean cuts without sparks — ideal for waterworks and underground utility crews.

Air Powered Belly Saws:

Specialized for large-diameter pipe, offering safe and efficient cutting for municipal water, natural gas, and infrastructure projects.

Why Air Saws Are Preferred on Job Sites

Pneumatic saws combine safety, consistency, and durability. Crews value them because they:

• Deliver steady cutting power from compressed air
• Operate safely in environments with fire or electrical risks
• Perform reliably in wet, dusty, or variable conditions
• Provide long service life with proper maintenance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights pneumatic tools as widely used in construction because they reduce electrical hazards and the risks of sparks. These qualities explain why air saws remain a mainstay in demanding environments.

In addition to safety, they support productivity. Air saws operate without overheating, reduce downtime, and help extend blade life. Over time, this reliability translates into efficiency gains and lower costs for contractors and municipalities.

Safety Considerations

While air saws eliminate many risks associated with electric or gas tools, proper handling is essential. Best practices include:

• Air Supply: Use a compressor that meets the saw’s requirements for pressure and volume.
• Blade Selection: Match blades to the material being cut to prevent wear or kickback.
• Work Area: Secure pipes or clear debris from surfaces before cutting.
• Protective Gear: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks.
• Hose Management: Keep hoses away from sharp edges and heavy traffic.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect and lubricate moving parts to extend tool life.

U.S. Saws and Air Saw Development

U.S. Saws manufactures and supplies air saws and other specialty tools designed for the construction industry. With more than 30 years of experience in concrete repair and tool design, we design equipment that improves both safety and productivity on job sites.

Explore our complete selection of air saws and specialty tools to learn more about the options available for you.

Contractors need a diverse toolbox to cover the needs of a wide variety of jobs. Are you a contractor who often finds him or herself with a pipe in a tight spot with no clearance? If so, one unique tool to consider adding to your toolbox is the belly saw.  The Belly Saw is different than other types of pipe-cutting saws, and its numerous benefits make it a valuable asset. This saw does things other saws can’t, in conditions contractors with standard pipe cutting saws normally can’t access, all while making the process safer for the saw user.

What Is a Belly Saw?

Often times contractors find themselves dealing with a burst pipe that needs to be handled quickly.  This can be frustrating with standard saws because they require space and do not perform optimally in wet conditions with excessive dirt and debris.  The belly saw, however, is a tool that efficiently and effectively cuts pipes in wet conditions.  Pipe cutting requires precision and efficiency.  That’s where the belly saw shines.  Pipes in tight, hard to reach places are no longer a nightmare.  These saws are able to make fast work of a variety of pipes, from PVC, HDPE, ductile iron, and cast-iron pipes, and they excel in wet conditions.  They work with pipes ranging from 8” to 74” in diameter and only require about 7” of clearance.  By limiting the required clearance, the amount of time spent removing dirt and debris from the area surrounding the burst pipe is reduced, allowing for an efficiently managed job site.

What Are the Benefits of a Belly Saw?

Effectiveness in Imperfect Conditions

Contractors know that no two projects are ever exactly the same, and each comes with its own challenges. Typically, jobs that include burst pipes are in wet, subgrade locations and require a deep breath and a lot of patience.    Belly saws are the right choice for these substandard conditions.  While standard pipe cutting tools are perfect in dry, open spaces with plenty of clearance, belly saws excel at the other end of the spectrum.  Workers are well aware that perfect conditions with no unforeseen problems are an anomaly.  Clean, precise cuts are always a challenge when workers are wedged in a wet, tight space covered in dirt and debris.  Why try to cut a steak with a butter knife when you have access to a steak knife?  The same standard rings true for cutting pipes.  Use a standard saw for dry cuts in open spaces.  But when things get tough, tight, wet, and messy, the belly saw comes to the rescue and makes fast, precise work in those imperfect conditions.

Precision

Using a saw that makes precise cuts is a must in pipe-cutting.  Belly saws offered by U.S. SAWS utilize the Tiger Tooth blade, offering a superior cut.  Their belly saws are guided by four spring loaded wheels to optimize stability and precision.  Perhaps the best and most prized aspect of the belly saw is the strap.  The strap is used to attach the saw directly to the pipe.  Strapping the saw to the pipe allows the user to ensure accuracy and control.  U.S. SAWS belly saws have a throttle and a handle that provide stability for the user in order to allow cuts to be made accurately.  All of these features working together means the saw will be effective no matter what obstacles encountered.

Versatility

U.S. SAWS’ belly saws are the perfect addition to a contractor’s toolbox and are the ideal solution for wet pipe projects up to 72 inches in diameter. They cut with precision in wet conditions and require only seven inches of clearance space, meaning it won’t become difficult to use under difficult conditions. Project locations aren’t always predictable, and what looks like a simple job can change quickly. With a U.S. SAWS belly saw on hand, you’re prepared to handle all types of situations in a precise and efficient manner. It’s truly a versatile tool for use with a wide array of projects and will quickly become your favorite for projects that require precise pipe cutting in wet conditions.

Portability

Another aspect of the belly saw that makes it a leader among contractors and municipal workers is its portability.  Tight, wet conditions can be a problem on a worksite, and burst pipes often do not occur in convenient locations with electrical outlets.  Save the generators and the gas they use and invest in a cordless belly saw.  Belly saws can be air powered or operate with hydraulics.  This makes them the optimal saw for diverse locations.

Safety and Security

As with any tool, safety is paramount, and the U.S. SAWS Belly Saws shine in that department. U.S. SAWS’ belly saws offer a safe alternative to the use of standard pipe cutting saws.  Other types of saws may produce a work environment that is both difficult and dangerous for the worker.  However, with the belly saw’s ease of operation, workers can breathe a sigh of relief as the features of the belly saw have been developed with their safety in mind.  Strapping the saw in place, directly onto the pipe, eliminates kickback, protecting the user from severe injury.  The belly saws also have a clamshell design.  This design provides a guard that covers the saw blades which also protects the user from coming in direct contact with the saw blades.  Further, the belly saw’s air or hydraulic powered design means that workers won’t be exposed to harmful exhaust, and in tight spaces that benefit becomes a safety necessity. Features like small clearance and no harmful exhaust create a safer environment for everyone involved, and extra protection from the blades makes the belly saw a safe choice.

FAQ’s

1. When should a belly saw be used? Belly saws are the perfect choice for tight, wet locations that may not be near a convenient source of electricity.  They make precision cuts in difficult spaces in an efficient manner.
2. Why can’t I just use a regular saw for wet cutting pipes? Cutting pipes at wet job sites can be dangerous.  Saws slip, and when that happens injury is likely.  Belly saws attach via trap to the pipe itself, allowing for precise cuts while minimizing the risk to its users.
3. Why are standard saws a bad idea for tight spaces? Many times pipe cutting is needed for situations that require swift action.  When trying to use a standard pipe cutting saw in a tight space, excessive time may be spent clearing out dirt and debris in order to operate a standard saw.  This takes up valuable time causing conditions to worsen.  Using a belly saw eliminates the need to clear out dirt and debris as they require only seven inches of clearance space in order to operate.
4. Why should my company spend the money on a belly saw? The belly saw makes fast work of burst pipes in wet, tight locations. Having a belly saw on hand for workers to use simplifies the process of fixing the broken pipe and reduces water wasted or excessive spills of other fluids spewing from the pipe.
5. Does it matter how big the pipe is? Belly saws are versatile and make easy work of pipes ranging from 8” to 72” in diameter.
6. How are belly saws powered? S. SAWS is proud to provide two options for powering belly saws:  air powered and hydraulic.  Both guarantee exhaust fee cuts, saving your workers’ lungs!
7. Is a belly saw safe to use? Belly saws are the safest option for pipe cutting in wet conditions with limited clearance. They are designed specifically for subgrade locations where standard pipe-cutting saws fall short.  From their clamshell design, protecting users from the saw blades until its time to cut, to the strap attaching the saw directly to the pipe in order to eliminate kickback, these saws are the right option for difficult situations.
8. Is a belly saw worth the price? S. SAWS had your workers’ safety (and limbs) in mind when they developed their belly saws.  The belly saws produced by U.S. SAWS are top of the line, versatile tools made from high end materials and are guaranteed to make those wet cutting jobs easier, saving contractors time and money.
9. What belly saws does U.S. SAWS offer? S. SAWS offers multiple belly saws from air powered to hydraulic versions. Each saw works has different limitations as to the size of the pipe it will cut, but no limitation as to the type of pipe it can cut.
10. How do I know which belly saw is right for my toolbox? Contact U.S. SAWS to speak with a representative who will be able discuss the intricacies of each belly saw and work to find the right one for your business needs.

 

Trust U.S.SAWS

We understand the importance of getting jobs done safely and efficiently, with accurate cuts and a minimum of debris.  All of our products are like the Belly Saw: Designed to help you do your job with confidence. At U.S.SAWS, we’re always happy to discuss our tools and how they will help your business.  Contact us today to see which belly saw is right for you!

Having the right tool for the job makes every contractor’s life easier.  However, simply having the right tool on hand is not sufficient to guarantee a successful cut.  In order to ensure you get the best possible cut on the first try, you’ll need to do more than “measure twice, cut once.”  You will need to make sure all of the circumstances have been considered before any cuts are attempted in order to save time and money on the project.

Better Quality Cuts Save Downtime and Limit Overtime

In order to run a successful business, every contractor knows they need to provide professional service while keeping costs low.  One fast way to raise costs at a job site is by making poor, imprecise cuts.  When this happens, it is inevitable that downtime will increase, and overtime will be necessary, causing a job to run over both in schedule and in budget.  Both of which are damaging to a contractor’s bottom line.  While it may seem a small thing, one simple cut is not always simple.  Therefore, it’s crucial to get it right the first time.  Here are some tips to saving yourself the frustration and expense of a job full of bad cuts:

Get the Right Tools for the Job

In order to save time and money and ensure your job is completed on time and within budget constraints, have in your toolbox the necessary supplies for the job, including the right tools.  Rakes and shovels are both tools that move dirt around, but nobody wants to dig a hole with a rake.  The same is true with saws.  There are a wide variety of saws on the market, each with a specific purpose.  Have a clear idea of what the project will entail and make sure you know what cuts need to be made and under what conditions.  This will determine whether wet cuts or dry cuts are needed and which saw will work best for the project.  Other factors to consider when choosing the right saw for the job include the type of material being cut, the size of the material being cut, and the location of the material.  Will there be electricity available?  How much clearance space is needed?  These are questions you should have answers to before any tool is chosen.

Get Familiar with the Tools

Train your employees on how to use the saws in your toolbox.  Make sure they have a clear understanding of how to determine which saw is right for each potential scenario.  Allow them to practice with the saws prior to using them on a jobsite.  This will reduce the number of cuts made and ensure precision in your cuts.

Clean the Area

Make sure the area you need to cut is free from dirt and debris.  Dirt and debris can not only cause mechanical issues with the saw, but will also cause faster wear on the saw blades and opens up the potential for injury to the worker using the saw.  A clean area makes working easier, moving tools around fast and simple, and creates conditions where good cuts can occur the first time.

Measure and Mark Cuts

Once a cut is made, there is no going back. Before any cuts are made make sure you’ve taken proper measurements and all cuts needed are clearly marked.  Prior to making the cut, use a measuring tape and a straight edge to mark a clear-cut line on the material.  This helps ensure that any cuts are accurate and straight.

Secure the Material

One way to ruin a precision cut is to have the material shift when you initiate the cut.  By making sure the material you are cutting is firmly secured in place, you will prevent the material from moving during the cut, helping you do it right the first time.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush!  Rushing through the process sets you up for disaster.  In order to ensure your cuts are precise the first time, slow down, ensure everything is marked properly, and move slowly with the saw.  Cutting at a steady pace will make your cuts more accurate.

Use Proper Safety Gear

Nothing gets in the way of precision cutting like losing a digit.  Safeguard yourself and your workers from injury by providing the necessary safety gear.  Cutting materials can cause flying debris which can potentially be lodged in someone’s eye.  Safety goggles are a must for any crew working with saws.  Heavy duty gloves and boots are also essential as they protect fingers and toes from saw blades.  Masks are also a good idea to reduce inhalation of exhaust or fumes from saws and to reduce the amount of inhaled silica from the material being cut.

Cut Down the Number of Blade Uses

Excessive use of saw blades wears them down faster. Besides labor, supplies are the largest cost facing a contractor.  Protecting your equipment from excessive or overuse is a smart way to save money.  By increasing the efficiency and precision of your cuts, you are able to protect your saws from overuse.  Other ways to reduce the number of times a blade is used and to ensure accurate cuts the first time include:

Using the Right Blade

No single saw is optimal for every situation, and that is the same for saw blades.  Some saw blades are great for dry cutting while others require the application of water to reduce heat and friction.  Different blades are designed for different materials.  Ensuring the use of the appropriate blade for the material being cut will help preserve the longevity of your saw blades.

Keep the Blades Clean

Debris can accumulate on saw blades.  Sawdust, resin and other materials will cause blades to dull faster.  By keeping the blades in good condition and cleaning them in between each use, your sawblades will continue to make accurate cuts for a longer period of time.

Proper Use of the Blade

Those pamphlets that come with your saws and blades indicating the manufacturer’s recommendations for use are vital to the longevity of your blades.  Make sure to read the recommendations carefully and adhere to them.  Reputable manufacturers are not out to steal your money.  They pride themselves on creating long-lasting tools.  Follow their recommendations and save money in the long run.

Use the Right Cutting Techniques

 Not all materials are created equally.  In order to protect your blades during the cutting process, have a fair understanding of the material being cut and how it reacts when cut.  Ensure the material is properly stabilized and ready for contact with the saw.  This will keep your blade from getting duller faster.

Maintain Equipment for Higher Performance

Success in the current job actually begins at the end of the last one.  All equipment should be cleaned and kept in good working condition. The small amount of time you save not ensuring the tools are in the best shape possible will be spent many times over in future jobs, or in extra money spent when the lifespan of your tools is shortened. Poor maintenance leads to poor cuts, so make sure the tools are put away in the same shape they were in when taken out. Proper maintenance habits save, money, and helps ensure good cuts the first time.

FAQs

1. My crew keeps messing up their cuts. How can I make sure the get it right the first time?  The first step is to ensure your workers have the right tools available for the specific job.  Next, make sure those same workers are experienced with those tools.  Allow them to practice with the tools prior to cutting anything.  This will ensure any cuts made are right the first time.
2. Supplies and labor costs are putting me in the red. How can I save money on the job? Eliminate downtime and the need for overtime.  Make sure you follow the suggestions above for ensuring accurate cuts each and every time.  Also, make sure your crew is protected by having necessary safety equipment on hand at all times.  This will ensure no employees are injured on the job, reducing insurance premiums and not forcing other workers into overtime to cover a missing employee.
3. What can I do to ensure my equipment lasts? Saws and saw blades can be expensive and frustrating to replace.  The best way to preserve the longevity of your equipment is through proper use and maintenance.  Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, cleaning your equipment after each use, and using the right saw and blade for the correct scenarios will help reduce wear and tear on your equipment, saving your business money in the long run.

U.S. SAWS has decades of experience in the construction industry and is a leader in manufacturing powerful tools to get a wide variety of jobs accomplished timely and with precision. We’re the experts in helping you find the right tools for your job, with the correct blades, and the right advantages specific to your needs. Whatever your job entails, U.S.SAWS can help you find long-lasting equipment that will make the work easier for you and your crew. Save time and money, and keep those projects coming!

We’re here to help guide you toward the right tool for your job.  Contact us today to discuss what cutting tools you need in your toolbox!

The annual Water & Wastewater Equipment Treatment & Transport Show (WWETT) is set to take place February 20-23, 2023, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This annual event brings together industry-leading educators and exhibitors to explore the latest innovations and newest equipment.

With four days of seminars including hot topics such as “Incorporating Pumps and Controls into Design,” “Introduction to Submersible Wastewater Pumps, “Are We in a Septic System Crisis?”, a wide variety of industry and professional topics will be explored, with certification options and continuing educational units (CEUs) and professional development hours (PDUs) available for the maintenance of your professional licenses.  There will also be technical tours available as well as new diversity tracks.

The Expo Hall is the heart and soul of the convention, housing more than 600 exhibitors.  It is here that attendees can interact with industry-leading manufacturers, learn about the latest trends, and purchase products and equipment.  This is also the place where new product launches can be found and where attendees can get a real feel for the products, equipment, and services offered by the exhibitors.

WWETT understands sustainability is vital to the future and is proud to say this convention is powered by renewable energy.  Their three pledges are to:

• Inspire sustainable development by focusing on content and partnerships to deliver a sustainable event;
• Environmental responsibility through a reduction in the carbon footprint; and
• Social responsibility by rethinking the impact we have on the local community.

Make sure to stop by the U.S. SAWS booth, where we will be showcasing the following items:

• Battery-powered pumps like the BP1520 Dewalt Utility Pump, a high-volume pump used to remove standing water from underground structures.
• Magnetic manhole cover lifters, like the 3 Magnet Robotron, with a lifting capacity of up to 250 lbs, and the Bo Bop – Magnetic Valve Box Lifter with a powerful magnet and ergonomic handle to reduce injuries for the operator.
• Valve exercisers like the S. SAWS VEX-400, which is a high torque, valve turning machine used to open, close or exercise vales with less manual labor.
• Hydraulic saws like the S. SAWS FSB 150H, a hydraulic-powered walk-behind saw effective for concrete and asphalt cutting applications.