Slab Sawing with Optimum
Efficiency and Safety
For successful sawing ensure the blade is matched to
the saw, job at hand and the operating RPM matches
the blade’s requirements.
• Based on the depth of cut, select the correct blade
diameter and install the blade following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Always match the saw’s rpm to the blade’s diameter. Slower speeds will make the blade act softer so it
will wear prematurely; running the blade too fast makes
the blade act hard, which can result in glazing and inef-
cient cutting. It also could cause the blade to break or
lose segments. A blade’s maximum cutting efciency is
approximately 12,000 surface feet per minute.
• Always step cut. Make a 1-inch cut as your guide cut.
You should cut 1 to 2 inches deep at a time no matter
how deep the nal cut will be. If you try to make 8-inch
cuts in one pass you will ruin the blade quickly, it heats
up the blade and causes it to warp. If your cut gets off
course, it is better to get out of it and restart on the line.
• Water is key, pay attention to water ow. The nozzles
should be positioned to spray water to cool the blade,
control dust and help take slurry out of the cut. If water
ow stops, stop cutting immediately or you will ruin the
blade. If you have too much water, the saw could
hydroplane.
• Listen to the engine, it can tell you if the blade is
bouncing or wobbling. At the rst indication of a
Recommended Blade RPM and
Maximum Depth of Cut
Blade
Diameter
(inches)
14 2,900 4-1/2 4-3/4
16 2,600 4-1/2 5-3/4
18 2,600 4-1/2 6-3/4
20 2,450 4-1/2 7-3/4
24 1,950 4-1/2 9-3/4
26 1,950 4-1/2 10-3/4
30 1,650 6 12
36 1,400 6 15
42 1,050 6 18
48 850 8 20
54 775 8 23
problem shut down the saw and nd the cause. It’s
likely the blade is loose, damaged or installed incor-
rectly. Inspect the engine, check to see if the belts
are loose or worn. If you neglect the belts and pulleys
you’ll start to see poor cutting performance.
Remember, concrete dust is a serious health hazard,
make sure to follow OSHA standards for eye, nose and
mouth protection.
Operating
RPM
Blade
Collar
(inches)
Maxium
Depth of
Cut
(inches)
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