Choosing the Right Diamond Blade

Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, and while they can be buffed and polished into brilliant gems that adorn the crowns of royalty and the necks of celebrities, they are also a very handy medium for tools.  Scoring a 10 for hardness on the Moh’s scale, diamonds are renowned for their beauty and durability, and diamond blades are no different.  While not made of the stunning gemstone found on the fingers of the wealthy, a diamond blade will certainly evoke that same sense of awe in the eyes of the construction worker when viewed in action. Diamond blades are efficient and cut with precision.  Two essential characteristics for the measure twice / cut once crowd.  But how do you know which diamond blade is the right blade for your project?

What Is a Diamond Blade?

Diamond saw blades are created from synthetic diamonds.  These synthetic diamonds are broken into small pieces and attached as a grit to the saw blade.  They work with tools to provide a superior grinding action to coincide with the cutting action of the saw blade in order to work quickly and efficiently through abrasive material like concrete.  It is important to know that one size does not fit all when it comes to using diamond blades.  Knowing the medium through which the blade will be cutting, the depth of the cut required, and the location of the project are crucial details that help determine which blade is right for your project.

Understanding The Medium and Its Hardness

Diamond blades are efficient devices for cutting through a wide variety of mediums.  Contractors commonly utilize these blades with a wide variety of saws, grinders, and core drillers, each requiring their own specific type of diamond blade based on the medium through which they intend to cut.  Mediums ranking high on the Moh’s Scale require a slower shaft speed from the tool than mediums ranking lower on the scale, like concrete.  Further, the medium decides the size and spacing of the teeth on the blade.

Concrete is a great example of a medium that benefits from the use of diamond blades due to its softer medium and highly abrasive nature. Because of this abrasive nature, cutting concrete is best used with diamond blades that require a faster shaft speed.  When installing concrete, the cutting of control joints is critical in order to take control of concrete’s natural, and often times frustrating, habit of cracking.  To cut control joints, the most efficient option is to utilize a walk behind saw with a diamond blade.  This blade  Early entry saws are another standard saw used during the installation process of concrete that highly benefits from the addition of a diamond saw blade.  Handheld cut off saws may be used create decorative designs in freshly cured concrete.  again, since this is concrete, diamond saw blades are handy due to their ability to make easy work of concrete yet in a precise manner.  Diamond saw blades are not only necessary for concrete flooring work, but also for use with wall saws.  Because these saws are cutting concrete, the teeth on the saw blade should have wide slots, like the U.S. Saws Supreme Concrete Blade.

When working with glass or glazed tile, it is important to utilize a diamond blade that will provide a smooth cutting action.  Therefore, a blade with closely spaced segments is ideal in this situation.

Blade Size and Mesh

Another factor instrumental in ensuring your project is completed properly with a diamond blade it is ensuring you have the right size blade with the proper mesh to create those precision cuts.  The mesh of a diamond blade determines the coarseness of the blade. A coarse mesh size of 20 to 60 is what would be used for concrete or masonry.  Medium mesh size it’s ideal for glass and porcelain, while a fine mesh size is optimum for grinding and polishing.

The size of the blade is dependent on the job you’re trying to complete.  for decorative work on concrete, a smaller blade makes the most sense.  Should the job requires the cutting of control joints with a walk behind saw, then a larger blade will make faster work of the concrete.  It is important for the longevity of the blade to ensure that you are using the right size blade for your project.

Wet Blades vs. Dry Blades

When shopping for your perfect diamond blade, you will see options for wet blades and dry blades.  In order to choose the proper what or dry blade, it is vital to understand not only the medium with which you are working but also the location of that medium.  Dust is a dangerous factor when cutting concrete and other mediums.  one way to reduce the amount of dust emitted during the cutting process is by wet cutting.  Wet saw blades are efficient at reducing friction that may occur during the cutting process.  By reducing friction, the longevity of your blade will increase and ensure precision cutting for a longer period of time. Wet cutting is perfect for outdoor spaces as the blade requires constant application of water as the saw does its job.

Dry cutting is optimal for indoor spaces as it makes less of a mess with the water.  However, while there is less water mass, dry cutting does increase the amount of dust released into the air.  Therefore, it is imperative that safety measures are taken to prevent the inhalation of the silica dust created by dry cutting.  It is recommended that dry cutting be used for shallow cuts as it requires airflow to reduce heat, as opposed to wet cuts which use water to reduce heat.

Also, keep in mind that dry cutting diamond blades may also be used wet.  However, wet cutting specific diamond blades may never be used dry, as they are prone to overheating which may affect the outcome of your final product and damage a beautiful blade.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the tool industry.  Diamond blades are versatile saw blades that will take your project to the next level.  As there are many factors to consider in choosing the proper blade for your project, engaging with a company to help guide you to the right blade will ensure your project is completed promptly in the right manner.   Contact U.S. Saws today to find the Diamond blade to meet your specific needs.

 

Easy Use with One Man Polymer Pump

Surface prep is long, arduous, dirty work.  Contractors are always looking for ways to complete the job more efficiently.  One way to save money on labor is through the investment in innovative tools that simplify the work.  One such tool is the one man polymer pump.  If you’re in the construction business and need to complete surface prep jobs efficiently, then this is the tool for you.

Polymer Pumps and Surface Prep

Concrete flooring is a versatile flooring option that can be as utilitarian as a sturdy warehouse or a glossy painted floor in a swanky high-rise condo.  While the materials may be fairly inexpensive (as far as high-end flooring goes), prepping concrete floors is a long process with several precise steps required to create that perfect finish.

Concrete cracks.  It’s a fact of life. This is due to temperature changes in the concrete which causes shrinkage.  It’s versatility, however, has led contactors to develop ways to make those cracks work for them.  As a concrete slab is laid, control joints need to be created in precise measurements to allow the cracks to form in predetermined areas.  The control joints require a filler to provide a seamless surface for finishing.

The control joint filler needs to be strong, yet flexible.  The flexibility is needed in order to move with the concrete as it undergoes its natural changes.  This helps reduce any further cracking in the slab as well as the appearance of cracks in the final paint or epoxy finish. One of the optimal choices for control joint filler is polyurea.

Polyurea joint filler is fast acting.  Some polyurea fillers will set in twenty minutes, allowing contractors to start the next step in the finishing process:  sanding.  If epoxy is used for the filler, further construction will have to wait at least 8 hours for the epoxy to cure.  Polyurea is definitely the right choice for time sensitive projects.

In order to apply polyurea or epoxy, you need a pump to apply the materials in a fast and precise manner.  The pumps are two tank systems that dispense the polyurea or epoxy with a hardener.  Equipped with a dispensing rod that typically has on/off controls as well as speed controls, the polymer pump allows for precise placement of the polymer materials in the control joint without making a mess on your new concrete slab.  Pumps like U.S. Saws’ Dual Component Polymer Pump are two person systems.  One person works the dispensing wand, controlling the joint filling procedure, while the second person controls the movement of the pump and ensures there is enough material in both tanks to complete the job.

How Does the One Man Pump Help the Process?

The advent of the one man polymer pump has been a game changer.  Instead of paying two people to work one machine, due to its ease of use, the one man polymer pump makes control joint filling a one man job, freeing up the second person to work on a separate aspect of the construction job.   U.S. Saws is a proud innovator of the one man polymer pump.  This pump allows the user to control the dispenser with one hand and maneuver the pump with the other.  This is accomplished through the use of a T shaped handle, which allows left and right hand operation.  These pumps come with 6.5 gallon buckets that will hold full 5 gallon jugs of joint filler, allowing the user to have a reserve in case they run low.  The tanks are also semi-transparent, allowing the operator to stay on top of their material levels without needing input from another person.  They are also equipped with enough space to hold a generator or deep cycle battery, making it the ideal option for spaces lacking electricity.  Plus, there is no need to worry about the electrical cord getting in the way and causing a mess.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the tool industry.  As concrete flooring gains popularity, U.S. Saws remains on the cutting edge of tool manufacturing for concrete surface prep.  Contact U.S. Saws today to discuss how a one man polymer pump will benefit your business.

The Importance of Valve Exercise – Keep It Moving!

Valves are important for our water supply.  They are necessary devices utilized in the regulation of fluids and gases flowing in one direction through pipes and ducts.  The valve operates as a stopper that can completely shut off the flow or just slow it down just enough to ensure the proper flow speed and pressure is maintained.  Valves are everywhere and are a crucial component to the functioning of our cardiovascular systems.  Just like our cardiovascular systems need exercise to stay healthy, valves used by municipal water departments and wastewater systems need to be exercised to in order function optimally.  Fortunately, companies like U.S. SAWS have developed valve exercisers that are portable and battery operated to ensure all of the valves affecting the full gamut of water and plumbing systems, no matter how inconvenient a location, can be exercised to reduce any interruptions to our water supply.

Why Is It Important?

Millions of people rely on the public water supply, and it is crucial that the water directed to our homes is potable.  Valves control the flow of water and waste to and from our homes and businesses.  Maintaining the consistent quality and drinkability of water to the public is managed by valves.  Backflow is a key concern of many waterworks departments.  Backflow happens when non-potable water or other substance flows in a direction that is reversed from its intended direction.  Should an issue with backflow arise, the water supply for the community is deemed unsafe, and the community suffers an inconvenient and potentially disastrous interruption in the water supply.  In order to avoid any potential backflow issues, it is recommended that regular maintenance is performed on the valves to reduce stiffness and decay.  This is typically done by the use of a valve exerciser, a handy tool that every employee of the waterworks department should have in the toolbox.

The valve exerciser loosens and then re-tightens the valves to prevent malfunction.  As the contractor uses the valve exerciser, he or she is able to determine whether there is any decay or corrosion on the valve or if the valve is generally functioning at an optimal level.  Due to the severity of consequences should a water supply valve fail, it is imperative that municipalities perform regular maintenance on its water supply valves to ensure full functionality.  Regular maintenance and use of valve exercisers also reliefs the valves of gunk buildup and debris, keeping the environment safe for the operation of the valves.

How to Get It Done

Valves are not known for their convenient placement.  They are typically in hard to reach areas, many times on purpose to reduce non-municipal workers from accessing and potentially damaging valves and the water supply.  Accessing these restricted areas with a valve exerciser with enough space to turn the tool to loosen the valves can be an ordeal.  Nowadays, valve exercisers are portable, many with a convenient carrying case, battery operated, and lightweight to ensure the worker’s ability to use it in any tight situation or inopportune location.

One the valve has been located and the worker has him or herself into position, step one is to remove the valve cover.   Next, the drive shaft needs to be placed onto the valve nut.  Then the solid extension needs to be installed onto the gearbox output, engaging the twist lock mechanism will lock the solid extension into place.  Now it is time to attach the power head unit to the drive shaft.  Using a lower torque output is crucial to ensuring the valve is not overloaded, which could damage the valve.  When cycling the valve, make sure to use slower speeds, especially when the valve size is unknown.  If the valve is stuck and not moving, increase the torque in small increments to ensure no damage is being done to the valve.  This is the time to evaluate the valve and note how limber it is.  Once the valve has been exercised, pack up the exerciser in the handy carrying case and move on to the next one.

Valve exercisers, as simplistic as they may sound, play a vital role in ensuring potable water is available to the community.  This tool is vital for any waterworks employee and should be in every contractor’s toolbox.  Regular annual maintenance of municipal water supply valves will reduce the risk of backflow and the contamination of the community’s entire water supply, keeping everyone safe and drinking clean water.

Vale exercisers are crucial to municipal workers, and U.S. SAWS is an industry leader in providing all of your valve exerciser and companion accessory needs. Contact U.S. SAWS today find the right valve exerciser for your waterflow project.

Something New for 2022

U.S.SAWS has a comprehensive list of quality products to assist you with your toughest tasks. If you need hard-working, durable, portable and efficient tools, odds are you’ll find everything you need right here.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t add something special to the lineup when the opportunity presents itself.

The FSB-150H is our latest addition, and it packs a lot of punch into a compact, efficient frame. Let’s take a look at the newest product in the U.S.SAWS roster.

What is the FSB-150H?

Our latest offering is a hydraulic walk behind saw designed for tough jobs such as street repair and other utility tasks. It’s ideal for blades up to 20” in diameter and cuts as deep as 7.5 inches. It can operate in water, and at 110 pounds, it’s a portable tool you can take with you on your toughest jobs. The FSB-150H is perfect for use with concrete and asphalt, and its weight is balanced to minimize rocking, giving you a deep, steady cut when you really need it.

Also, there’s no belt, so having one slip on the job is eliminated. The lightweight, strong frame makes it compact and light enough to travel to wherever you need it, and the 2500 PSI engine ensures it’s strong enough to handle the challenging jobs that require rugged durability and professional precision.

A Major Advantage

You know that the FSB-150H can handle your outdoor projects with easy, but there’s another feature that makes it even more valuable. The saw has no exhaust fumes, making it just as useful for indoor projects and tight spaces, while still providing the necessary power and accuracy. Trench cutting, restoration, and any inside task is no problem for this walk behind saw, and any job site that has both indoor and outdoor work only needs the FSB-150H to get everything done.

Some jobs require smaller saws, and others need heavy-hitters. To take full advantage of the tougher jobs without sacrificing accuracy in your cuts, this new model checks off all the boxes, while adding lightweight maneuverability and the ability to work in confined and indoor spaces just as effectively as outside. In the past, it might have been necessary to sacrifice power for portability, or vice-versa. In some cases, extra machines might have been required, adding to the expense and challenges of bringing extra equipment to the jobsite. But with the FSB-150H, You get the advantages of an exhaust-free walk behind saw that has the power to take on whatever project where it’s needed.

A Good Fit for the U.S.SAWS Lineup

When you come to us for your work needs, you know that you’ll get great value and a tool that will help you complete tasks correctly and on time. They need to be strong, versatile and stand out from the competition in terms of quality and reliability. When we add a product to the lineup, it needs to not only meet those requirements, but offer unique benefits on its own that you can’t find elsewhere. This walk behind hydraulic saw meets that responsibility and exceeds the lofty expectations of our valued customers, and we’re proud to add it to our roster of efficient and effective tools for a variety of jobs.

If you have questions about the FSB-150H, or any other product you see here on the website, we’re happy to help. Just use our contact page for a prompt response.

Duravac vs Ultravac: Which is Right For You?

Here’s something that won’t come as a surprise to you: Saws create dust and debris. The most powerful, accurate and user-friendly tool is still going to leave you with some cleanup responsibilities. It’s just part of the job.

To clean things up right, you’ll need a dedicated tool for getting rid of the inevitable dust and debris, and leave a tidy finish to the workplace. And just as we have the right saws to get the job done, U.S.SAWS also has a lineup of powerful and efficient vacuums to make sure the dust leaves when you do.

On this website, you’ll see our top tools in this area labeled Duravac and Ultravac. Both sound strong and effective, and both of them are. But which one is right for your jobs? Let’s explore them here.

 What Duravac Delivers

Looking at the Duravac Dust Collectors, the words you’ll notice first are “lightweight” and “durable.” These vacuum systems are perfect for a variety of jobs, are easy to use and travel easily. Wherever you do your best work, a Duravac can tag along and set up shop right where you need it.

Many jobs need the benefits of light, maneuverable equipment, but still require powerful cleanup abilities. You can’t sacrifice one for the other, and that’s where Duravac shines. The models you see on our website might be light and portable, but they’re heavyweights when it comes to effectiveness. As OSHA-certified dust collection systems using certified HEPA filters, they’re ready to remove harmful dust and debris from any construction, restoration or abatement project. And when space is a concern and portability is an advantage, the Duravac Dust Collector 220B and 221B models will be at the top of the list for project managers.

The Ultravac Difference

Ultravac also has portability and ease-of-use benefits, making them a referred partner in a variety of jobs. In addition, the Ultravac 1250 is a workhorse in large products that create a large amount of dust and debris. And this OSHA-certified model works especially well with gas-powered equipment used in surface prep jobs. If you’re using block saw equipment or have a tough masonry task, the 1250 is a heavy-duty option that fits in well with the rest of your tools and will keep up with the debris resulting from the work.

It’s important to have tools that fit your workspace, so a machine that works well with gas-powered equipment can be very valuable. But sometimes you need a little more. The 1250-G is a gas-powered vacuum that can handle your toughest job environment with a large filter and sizeable dustbin (12.5 gallons). It also has wide, flat wheels that mitigate the risk of slab indentations when performing early-entry joint cutting. These projects require durability and precision, and the Ultravac1250-G allows you to accomplish both without any obstacles created by cleanup. And with an all-steel tube frame and polyethylene body, this vacuum will stay on the job for the long haul, providing several years of excellent service.

U.S.SAWS Can Help

Whatever your projects require, we have the tools to help you complete them quickly and efficiently in a safe and clean workspace. From saws to vacuums, we’re here to help with quality products and superior service. Simply use our contact page with any questions.

Walk Behind Saws and Cutting Surfaces

Concrete saws are a necessary tool for any contractor’s workshop.  As concrete proves itself to be a widely versatile material and more businesses and residents choose concrete for their spaces, the contractors’ reliance on concrete saws will increase.  One way to reduce the back breaking nature of concrete surface prep is through the use of a walk behind saw.

Cutting Concrete with a Walk Behind Floor Saw

Cutting concrete is an essential part of concrete surface prep.  Concrete requires specialized cuts in its surface to prevent cracks.  There is no way to prevent cracking in concrete, but contractors are able to control the location of the cracks by initiating the cracking purpose on first, before the concrete fully sets and cracks.  These intentional cracks are control joints.  Control joints are created by using a walk behind floor saw equipped with wide tires to limit indentations in the fresh concrete.  Once the control joints are placed, they are filled with a variety of joint fillers, including polyurea and epoxies.  Over time, as repairs or remodeling occurs, those joint fillers need to be removed before any work can be done to repair or resurface the concrete.  Walk behind saws are a fast and efficient option or what could be laborious work.

The purpose of the walk behind saw is to let the saw do the work.  The control joints are not deep cuts, but do need to be precise.  U.S. SAWS manufactures walk behind saws and walk behind joint clean out saws that are powered by air, hydraulics or gas.  These saws are equipped with heavy duty frames that reduce vibration which could interfere with the cut.  They even come with water feed kits to allow for wet cutting of concrete which will reduce the amount of silica dust produced from the cutting action.

Cutting Asphalt with a Walk Behind Saw

Asphalt is a much softer surface than concrete and requires the use of a different blade to cut the surface. Asphalt requires a diamond blade with a hard bond, as opposed to a soft bond.   Because the surface is different than concrete, the way in which the surface is cut changes as well. Cutting asphalt, just like concrete is not a walk in the park.   Prior to cutting asphalt, it is important to fully clean the surface.  Cleaning the surface ensures there is no debris in the way when you do your cut.  Large debris can damage the saw or even cause injury to the operator if not removed prior to cutting.  It’s critical that cuts in the asphalt are precise.  In order to ensure those cuts are precise, marking the area to be cut is key.  In order to cut a swath of asphalt out to provide access to the area beneath it, the saw operator must cut the initial side, then lift the saw in order to reposition it.  If the saw is not lifted and merely turned, the operator risks damaging the saw blade.

Tips for Cutting Concrete with a Floor Saw

The first tip for cutting concrete with a floor saw is to ensure the surface is clean.  Removal of any debris is the key to a precise cut.  As with asphalt, larger debris hit by the saw during the cutting action can cause damage to the saw, can cause injury to the operator, and can cause the cut to be thrown off its trajectory.  Second, make sure you are wearing your safety gear.  Wearing safety gloves, safety goggles and a face mask will help ensure you complete the job in a healthy manner with all digits in place.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the tool industry.  As concrete flooring gains popularity, U.S. Saws remains on the cutting edge of tool manufacturing for concrete surface prep.  Contact U.S. Saws today to find the right walk behind saw for your concrete job.

Considering a Dust Collection System

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.

Diamond Blades and the Benefits of Wet Cutting

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.

4 Tips for Concrete Drill Safety

As the use of concrete expands in both building construction for the residential and business world, as well as for municipal structure, the use of concrete drills rises as well.  Concrete drills are fantastic tools, but, as with any power tool, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure your safety and to come away from the job or project with all of your digits intact.

Below are four key recommended safety measures to protect you when preparing to use a concrete drill.

Know Your Surroundings

The first piece of the concrete drill safety puzzle is to make sure you know what you are getting into.  Before starting a job, fully inspect the worksite.  Ensuring that the area is free of debris and is not slippery will help you keep your balanced with feet flat on the ground for a solid stance.  Make sure the area is properly lit so that you can see what it is you are drilling into and to keep an eye on the debris released during the drilling process.  When setting up your worksite, take extra care to confirm the area has proper ventilation.  Gas powered drills release carbon monoxide which can be lethal.

It is also important to properly inspect your concrete drill prior to use.  Check that the machine guards are in working order and that all parts are properly mounted and aligned.  If a part is not functioning optimally, make the necessary repairs prior to use.  Failure to inspect your tool’s grip, mounts and other parts can lead to a tool’s malfunction which can in turn lead to injury on the part of the user.

Set Yourself Up for Success

The second key safety measure for concrete drill safety is the use of protective gear.  Besides OSHA regulations requiring the use of certain protective gear, it is always a good idea to take simple precautions to protect yourself.  Concrete drills are power tools, and as with other power tools, concrete drills require certain safety gear to ensure you emerge from the job in one piece.  First and foremost, are safety glasses.  Protective eye wear should protect not just the front of the eye, but also the sides.  Fast moving debris is a risk when drilling, which could become lodged in your eyes without the proper eye wear.  A face covering is also vital to protect your nose, mouth, throat and lungs from concrete dust.

Other simple precautions will help reduce your risk of injury too.  Pulling back long hair to ensure it does not get caught in the motor and avoiding loose fitting clothing that also could risk getting caught in the motor are important to remember.  Gloves and non-skid foot wear will also protect your hands and feet from injury.

Go In with a Game Plan

Third, as with most jobs, it makes the most sense to attack the task with a game plan.  Knowing the premises, ensuring you have the proper number of workers on site to complete the task at hand, and understanding what the expected outcome of the work is will put you on the path to success.  Having a plan and executing that plan precisely will help you perform your concrete drilling task with the least amount of danger, in the optimal amount of time, with the best possible outcome.

When preparing your game plan, make sure to know the size of the drill and drill bit that the task requires.  Be aware of the required depth of the cut.   This will aid you in deciding whether or not a drill stand is necessary for the job.  Using tools that are too small for the job may cause overheating of motors which can then cause injury.  Using incorrect drill bits for the depth of the cut or surface being drilled can cause bits to bounce out of holes, which is also a safety issue. Being prepared with all of the right accessories to complete your cutting job is a key component to pulling off a safe and successful plan.

Watch for Waste

Finally, the besides potentially losing a digit to a dropped drill or passing out from carbon monoxide poisoning, concrete dust is the most dangerous hazard faced in concrete drilling.  Working cleanly and efficiently will help reduce the amount of concrete dust to which you are exposed.  The dust particles that are released into the air are respirable crystalline silica.  These particles are much finer than grains of sand and may be inhaled on the job without the right protective gear.  It takes some time for the light silica particles to settle, so they may remain a hazard even after the job is complete.  Wet drilling, dust shrouds and vacuums are efficient ways to handle the large amount of concrete dust released during the drilling process.

Knowing and understanding the risks of concrete drills will help reduce the hazards you face while using it.  Keeping in mind the four above concrete drill safety elements when preparing to use a concrete drill will ensure a job well done by an uninjured worker.

Learning how to use a concrete drill and maintaining proper concrete drill safety precautions may seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be.  Contact U.S. SAWS today to determine the best drill and protective gear to use for your project.

Making Life Easier with Magnetic Manhole Lifters

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.

STAY SHARP!


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