Four Practical Tips for Using a Road Saw
If you are planning on modifying concrete, asphalt or other hard-surface driveways and pavements on your property, you should hire an expert to carry out the work. However, you can acquire a road saw from a specialist dealer and perform the cutting tasks. This equipment is ideal for handling repair and restoration work for your surfaces. Also, the saw is easy to use without professional training. If you are interested in using a road saw for your project, you should use the tips below for the best results.
Purchase the Correct Saw
You should choose the correct road saw, depending on the type of surface that you would like to cut. In general, most road saws are used for concrete cutting. If your project involves this material, you should take note of the specific composition of the surface. For instance, you might need different equipment and blades for exposed aggregate pavements and hard concrete driveways. If your surface is made from a material like asphalt, you should opt for a saw intended for this use to promote efficiency.
Begin With Surface Cuts
When cutting your surface, you should begin with a light and single surface cut. This clear marking will act as the guide when you begin cutting deeper into the pavement or flooring. In simple terms, the line made will help you see the path along which you should cut. You should also note that this initial cut can help you break the strong surface. The small crack in the surface will ensure that the paving or roadway is easier to handle with less effort.
Retract the Blades Periodically
You should not cut continuously into the concrete or asphalt once you begin. Typically, road saws are strong and reliable due to their resilient construction. However, they work at high rotations and tend to generate a lot of heat when cutting surfaces. If you are not cautious, your equipment could overheat unexpectedly, leading to malfunctions and inefficiencies. Therefore, when you are cutting through your hard surface, you should retract the blades intermittently to allow cooling.
Wear Protective Gear
Finally, you should not overlook the importance of protective wear when working using a road saw. The equipment could cause stray pieces of hard construction material to fly around you. If you are not correctly protected, you could sustain a serious injury. In particular, you should have safety goggles to protect the eyes and gloves to cushion your hands. Additionally, you should wear earmuffs to protect your ears from the loud noise.