If you’re exploring the world of concrete cutting, and you plan to get stuck into a project soon, you don’t just have to think about tools, blades and techniques. In fact, one of the factors that will determine the very basics of how you’re going to do that cutting, and what you’re going to use to get the job done, comes down to a single choice:
Are you dry cutting or wet cutting concrete?
For those who are still new on how to cut concrete, it’s crucial to understand that you don’t just grab a saw, crank it up, and get stuck into it without another thought. If you do that, be aware that you’re actually dry cutting concrete. So what’s all the fuss about wet cutting concrete? When does it make sense to prepare for some wet saw concrete cutting, exactly?
Let’s dive in:
Wet cutting concrete – What are the advantages?
In a nutshell, ‘wet cutting’ simply means incorporating a constant flow of water as a key component of your concrete cutting task – which will involve specific wet cutting-specific gear. The headline benefit is slashing harmful concrete dust by as much as 90%, with that water also playing a lubricating and cooling role.
But as you’ll need a supply of water and wet cutting-appropriate equipment and concrete cutting blades, and then you’ll be dealing with plenty of concrete slurries afterwards, what are all the relevant advantages of wet cutting vs dry cutting concrete? Read on:
1. It’s more accurate
While dry cutting is also precise and straight where appropriate, a wet cutting-specific diamond blade is the next level. The blade edge is specifically designed to hit a damp surface and slice with incredible precision, accuracy through tough and sensitive materials like porcelain tile. The cut finish is also extremely clean.
2. It’s faster
It may seem more complicated than dry cutting concrete, but wet cutting should actually get the job done faster. That’s because dry cutting the same material for the same cut may involve the operator periodically waiting for everything to cool down, as tremendous heat is generated by dry cutting.
3. There’s less dust
Anyone who has cut concrete knows that the unwanted side-product is dust … a lot of dust. An awful lot of dust, in fact. And it doesn’t just get everywhere, it’s typically extremely harmful to breathe in, even if you’re wearing protective gear.
4. It’s easier
You know all that dust involved with dry cutting concrete? Because it’s basically eradicated, seeing exactly where the blade is cutting into the concrete is so much easier – that stream of water is simply washing away the dust from your cutting line as you go.
5. It protects your blades
Do you know how much a high-quality concrete cutting blade is? Answer: probably a lot more than you thought. And if dry cutting is your only trick, you’ll be needing to buy a whole lot more of them than you fancy. Due to the reduction in heat and friction, wet saw blades stay fresh and sharp for much longer.
6. It’s safer
Aside from all of that dust getting into your eyes, mouth and lungs (not to mention everywhere else), wet cutting concrete is safer because the cut is easier to see, the saw is easier to operate, and the saw and blade itself are a lot cooler. After a bit of dry cutting, the blade and saw can be scorching hot – and scorching hot gear means the potential for burns.
7. It’s quieter
Yet another benefit of wet saw cutting is that it’s quite a bit quieter than the dry alternatives, simply because the blade/concrete friction is so much lower. And if you’re in the concrete cutting game, that’s a big deal – because everyone knows a veteran concrete cutter whose hearing isn’t what it used to be!
8. There’s less vibration
Another common problem reported during wet cutting is surface vibration – with excessive vibration the culprit yet again. Not only does the extra vibration make cutting more difficult and less precise, but it can also result in often severe damage to the concrete itself.
9. It’s more precise
Even if dry cutting will get the job done for you, you may find that the finish of the cut itself is rather rough – forcing you to spend extra time, expense and elbow grease on some manual finishing touches, such as with a chisel. Wet cutting concrete, however, gives you a straight, clean, crisp and smooth cut just about every time.
Get your wet cutting done today with Hard Core VIC
Safer, healthier, faster, cheaper, easier – what’s not to love about wet cutting concrete? If we’ve convinced you that your concrete cutting task may benefit from a touch of moisture, you may also want to benefit from the skills, top-line saws and equipment and years of on-the-job experience of the friendly guys at Hard Core VIC. Keen to know more? Get in touch today.