Dust and debris are normal outcomes when cutting, polishing, and grinding during a project. Because of the abundance of dust, it can become time-consuming and difficult at times to clean it all up. You can use sweeping and dry brushing, but taking another hour to clean up is the last thing you want to do after a long day working on a project. If you want to save time and money, concrete vacuums are your number one choice. Normal vacuums you use around the house aren’t strong enough to handle concrete debris; you need a high-quality industrial vacuum. These are one of the most important tools in the construction business not just because it makes the job easier, but for worker safety as well.

Why Are They Important?

The saying “work smarter, not harder” comes into full effect when it comes to using concrete vacuums. You can spend an extra hour cleaning up alone after already spending eight hours on a tough project if you’re not using an industrial vacuum. These types of vacuums are great to clean up ultra-fine dust and powder after cutting. This is a crucial process because the dust particles can cause the floor you are working on to be slick without you even noticing. Debris and dust during a project causes it to be airborne as well. Without a concrete vacuum, this can cause these particles to get in your eyes and nose which can cause overwhelmingly health hazards.

Make Sure You Have the Right Vacuum:

Depending on the project you are working on, you need to make sure you have the right size to ensure safety and to make the project go as smooth as possible. There are four possible indicators that the vacuum you are using is too small:

1. You constantly have to empty it
2. There is dust still on the surface
3. When cutting, polishing, or grinding there is airborne dust
4. The filter is constantly clogged

Even though at times these vacuums can be pricy, it is worth spending more to ensure the safety of all workers present. Not only can improper vacuums cause damage to yourself, but to your tools as well. Grinding and cutting with layers of dust can damage your tools. The dust build up can lead to diamond tooling wear because of the abrasive nature of concrete dust. Having the right vacuum for the job will help you keep your tools working properly and save you money from having to spend money on new ones.

When looking for a concrete vacuum, make U.S Saws your number one choice. Our Ultra Vac 1250 Dust Collector is the perfect fit for any project. With its lightweight and durable foundation, this vacuum can handle any job small or large. Already have a vacuum but need parts? U.S. Saws has you covered! With adapters, hoses, and poly cams, we have what you need to make sure your vacuum is working efficiently and properly for your projects in the future.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the tool industry.  Concrete vacuums are a crucial tool that will take your project to the next level with safety and progression.  As there are many factors to consider in choosing the proper vacuum for your project, engaging with a company to help guide you to the right vacuum will ensure your project is completed promptly in the right manner and as safe as possible.  Contact U.S. Saws today to find the concrete vacuum that meets your specific needs.

Core drilling is one of the most important aspects in the construction field and a precise concrete cutting technique. This type of drilling allows you to cut holes into concrete, paved surfaces, and brick. This precise technique is used for those preparing pipes and cables, but also ducting for HVAC purposes. Because this type of drilling is special, you need to know the basics and the safety needed to have successful drilling when the time comes.

Basics of Core Drilling:

To get started on your core drilling, you need a coring tool (core drill). With the purpose of cutting large holes, this type of drill is able to cut through most desired surfaces. Cement, tile, concrete, and sandstone are just a few of the surfaces this powerful and useful tool can cut through. The main element is the core drill bit, also known as the annular cutter. This bit is a cylinder element that is hollow, usually with an abrasive surface.

How it Works:

When the mounted teeth are attached to the surface you are cutting, the rotation of the core drill bit starts to make a slow circle shaped hole. It should be noted that the diameter and the size of the bit determines how far it can go until it is full of the core materials, which are the cylindrical pieces of uncut materials. Once this is full, the drill isn’t able to go any further in the process. Extract all the core materials from the surface you are working on which creates the cylindrical hole. Do this drilling and extracting process until you have cut the hole of your desired length on the surface you are cutting.

Preparation Before Drilling:

Before any drilling can happen, you need to make sure there are not any pipes, cables, or other utilities under the surface you were planning on cutting. Once this is done, measure the thickness of the wall so you know ahead of time how deep you need to cut. This will save you a tremendous amount of time if you’re able to drill through the wall in a single pass.

Once you have done these steps, it is time to configure the drill. You need to make sure you have selected the correct drill bit with the right length for the surface you’re about to cut. If you are using a power drill, you need to attach the core bit to the arbor and then the arbor-bit second. With these two in place, then you can attach the guide drill bit. Make sure your drill is on the desired setting for the surface and type of hole you are trying to make and start drilling!

Safety With Core Drills:

Because this technique takes a lot of precision and is heavy-duty, safety is always the main focus. As you probably already know, eye goggles are a must to make sure dust and debris do not get in your eyes. Make sure your shoes are non-slip as well. Slipping when using this drilling technique can cause you to have uneven holes. Core drilling can be loud at times so ear plugs are also recommended for this type of job. Investing in the right tools will make this job more safe and easier on you as well. Getting the right high-quality drill and bits for your project will allow for less possibilities of issues with your cutting and your safety.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the tool industry.  Core drilling is a popular technique in this industry because of the many different surfaces you can use it for. Knowing how to use it and having the right materials take your project to the next level. As there are many factors to consider in choosing your next core drilling project, engaging with a company to help guide you will ensure your project is completed promptly in the right manner.   Contact U.S. Saws today to find all of your core drilling needs!

 

From residential and industrial premises to underground municipal utility structures, concrete has proven time and time again to be a highly versatile medium.  Concrete flooring, when prepared properly, can be polished to a sheen that is the focal point of a multi-million dollar penthouse.  It can also be the wise choice for a cost-conscious business owner opening a new warehouse or the local utility department’s storm water structures.  No matter the reason for the concrete, one thing is for certain, that concrete is going to need to be cut!

Installing Concrete

Concrete workers need to be cut for multiple reasons, including during the installation process, during the removal process, during the modification of existing concrete structures, and during repairs to municipal utility structures.  Installing concrete is a lengthy process that requires the cutting of control joints into the concrete in order to control the cracking that occurs as the concrete dries.  This is a natural process that is controlled by including forced cracks as part of the premises design instead of random uncontrollable cracks.  The joints are installed using an early entry saw.  These saws are typically used to cut control joints within one to two hours of concrete finishing, allowing those joints to be cut early without fear of uncontrolled cracks.

Removing Concrete

Many times, construction workers must remove existing concrete structures in order to alter the premises.  Concrete slabs are thick and difficult to remove. One efficient way to get the removal process rolling is with a circular saw.  Circular saws are able to cut into the concrete to a depth of about three inches.  These cuts simplify the process for sledgehammers to break up the remaining concrete and finish the removal process.

Modifying Current Concrete Structures

As versatile and long lasting as concrete may be, it still requires maintenance and during renovation, modification.  Modification of concrete flooring typically requires undergoing the installation process again, which requires the use of an early entry saw again.  It is important to note that at this juncture, another saw, albeit non-concrete cutting, is a requirement.  This is the joint clean out saw.  Before new control joints can be created, the old ones need to be removed, which includes the removal of the epoxies used to fill those control joints.

Repairing and Maintaining Municipal Utility Structures

Underground utility workers understand just how important it is to have concrete cutting tools at their disposal.  Known for having to work in awkward locations, many times under duress, utility workers commonly utilize concrete cutting tools like chainsaws to open gaps in concrete structures in order to maintain or perform repairs to existing structures.  These structures are intentionally inconveniently constructed to deter non-utility workers from disturbing local water or sewage lines.  These underground pipes need to be preserved from mainstream access.  In doing so, manufacturers have developed tools to aid municipal workers, especially underground utility workers, to gain access to these difficult areas, including gas powered chainsaws for areas lacking electrical outlets and hand saws for those tight space jobs which may even be air-powered to protect the health of the utility worker.

Tips for Staying Safe While Cutting Concrete

Protecting the health of construction workers is crucial.  Concrete cutting emits silica dust into the air of the surrounding workspace.  This silica dust is toxic and has been proven to cause multiple health hazards to concrete workers.  It is imperative that systems are put in place to remove the concrete cutting silica byproduct before it can be inhaled.  The first precaution that can be taken is wet cutting the concrete as opposed to dry cutting.  This is the easiest way to reduce the dust.  A second way to protect workers from silica dust is through protective face coverings.  These filter out the dust before it can reach the worker’s nasal passages.  A third way to reduce silica dust during the concrete cutting process is through dust shrouds or dust collection systems that eliminate dust from the air immediately.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the concrete tool industry.  As concrete’s versatility gains popularity and its use becomes more prevalent in all aspects of society, U.S. Saws remains on the cutting edge of tool manufacturing for cutting concrete.  Contact U.S. Saws today to find the concrete cutter to meet your specific needs.

Is there anything better than the glossy sheen of a freshly finished concrete floor, or perhaps the luxurious softness of brand new shag carpet on your bare feet? unfortunately, overtime, these wonderful features, much like that new car smell, deteriorate, eventually requiring replacement.  Surface prep is a labor-intensive project.  While significant time is spent discussing methods for surface prep finishing, we also need to explore the beginning side of preparing surfaces for remediation or refinishing.  The first step in starting this project is to ensure that all residue from the removed flooring or concrete has been properly and thoroughly removed and the floor is prepped for new sealants.  This includes the removal of any carpet glue left behind after the removal process and the sanding or removal of old epoxy coatings to ensure a solid bond.  Every contractor knows proper prep is crucial to creating a perfect final product.

Why Is It Important?

Preparation is key!  The purpose of refinishing the floor is to create a surface that is better and more appealing than the one being removed.  Industrial adhesives and sealers used by contractors for construction projects are made to be long lasting and resist deterioration.  Foregoing the proper removal process of these adhesives and sealers during the remediation and refinishing process will provide a substandard finished product.  When removing old carpet, for example, it is common for carpet glue to be left behind.  Removing this adhesive is important for the quality of the newly upgraded flooring has any leftover residue will cause issues with a newly applied sealant.  The sealant will not be able to penetrate the adhesive residue it will leave a portion of your new flooring exposed, allowing for more rapid deterioration.  For flooring that already has an epoxy coating, it is important to either fully remove or at least sand down the current epoxy finish in oreder for the new coating to adhere to the surface.

Grind Residue Quickly with Zecs!

While there are multiple products and methods but may be used to remove industrial adhesives and sealants, the goal of most contractors is to use the method that gets it done the fastest and provides the most reliable results.  That’s where Zec’s abrasive discs come in.  These discs work in conjunction with industrial grinders to take down any industrial adhesive or sealant standing in the way of a newly finished floor.  Originating in Italy, the Zec discs are equipped with multiple layers of long-lasting silicon carbide grains.  These long lasting and easy to use discs are more efficient than diamond cup wheels because they resist residue buildup that typically occurs with diamond cup wheels.  These versatile discs make quick work of epoxies, urethane, rubber coatings, and even paint and rust.  They may be used on concrete, wood, and metal surfaces and may be used in wet or dry locations.  being able to use these disks in what locations or what surfaces drastically reduces any sanded particulates in the air, which is a great safety feature for all workers.

U.S. Saws is a proud supplier of Zec’s products.  They offer multipacks of discs in a variety of grit ratings to ensure contractors have the right tools for the job.  No residual adhesive or sealant will stand in the way of the perfectly finished floor when a Zec’s abrasive disc coupled with a U.S. Saws grinder is used for the job!

Don’t let residual debris stand in the way of perfect flooring. Contact U.S. SAWS today discuss all of the things you will do in your free time now that you’ve chosen Zec’s abrasive discs to take over your floor prep.