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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.