Walk Behind Saws and Cutting Surfaces

19-01-2022 - Product

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

15-12-2021 - Product

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

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

Ideal Solution for Dust Collection

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

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

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

Performance Options

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

Vacuum Capacity

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

Additional Dust Tips

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

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

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

Diamond Blades and the Benefits of Wet Cutting

09-11-2021 - Press room

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

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

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

Cleaner Air

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

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

Cooler Blades

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

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

Other Considerations

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

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

Trust U.S. SAWS

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

4 Tips for Concrete Drill Safety

14-10-2021 - Product

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

08-10-2021 - Press room

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

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

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

Benefit Your Body

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

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

Work Smarter, Not Harder

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

Convenient Carry

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

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

Category: Product