Using A Metal Cutting Disc On Concrete

One question has been roaming around the internet for a long time. But no one seems to answer it the right way.

The question is, can I use a metal cutting disc on concrete?

We’re here to solve this problem for once and for all. In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know regarding this topic.

We’ll give you a sneak peek. Yes, you can actually cut concrete with a metal cutting disc. But don’t go cutting concrete blocks with your metal disc right away.

There’s a whole lot more you need to know about this topic. Well, that’s enough chit chat. Let’s jump into the wagon and explain it all.

Can Metal Cutting Disc Cut Concrete?

No one can blame you for wondering whether a metal cutting disc can cut concrete or not. You might be surprised to know that a lot of people actually think there’s no difference between a metal cutting disc and a concrete grinding disc.

Well, let us reassure you that that’s not what’s happening here. There are actually a few differences between these two blades.

You could cut concrete with a metal cutting disc. But you’ll find that there’s a drastic difference in the performance.

The thing is a concretecutting disc has a silicon-carbide abrasive. Whereas a metal cutting disc will have either zirconia or aluminum oxide, depending on their going to be used for.

Silicon carbide is the hardest material in discs and aluminum oxide is the softest of the materials. While aluminum oxide will cut concrete, it won’t be able to do a perfect job. There are going to glaze all over the place.

On the other hand, silicon carbide abrasive is harder and sharper than aluminum oxide. So, it’ll continue to cut concrete much more efficiently.

So, the real question is, why don’t manufacturers use silicon carbide on every disc they make?

Well, that’s because hard abrasive materials that are too hard for the material you’re cutting can produce a vast amount of heat, leading to gumming up the disc. Hence, manufacturers make different kinds of discs for different materials.

Nonetheless, it’s not a safety hazard if you use a metal cutting disc to cut concrete. But just because you can doesn’t mean that you should do it.

How To Cut Concrete With Metal Disc?

When going about cutting concrete, most people have a thought that it might be too tough. But if you have the right tools, it’ll be a piece of cake.

However, a metal cutting disc isn’t really the perfect tool for cutting concrete. But it can get the job done. Let’s see how you can do it-

Preparation For The Job

• If you have a smaller piece of concrete, you can use a piece of chalk to mark the area that you need to cut. You can do it freehand if you want.
• Although doing it with a set square is the better option. This way you’ll get the perfect line. Use white or blue chalk to draw the line.
• For cutting a square or rectangle block, you have to make a straight edge that goes a 90-degree angle with the corner of the granite so that it makes a precise cut.
• If you’re planning on cutting concrete that’s been poured and ready, make a line with chalk for marking the area. Get someone else for holding the other end and run a line from the other end.
• Lift up the line every now and then put it on the ground again. However, you can freehand this process, just remember to make it as thick as you can.
• Buy chalk lines online. This tool is a line of string coated with chalk that’s used for marking long and straight lines. Using chalk lines will give you a much more accurate line than freehanding the process.

Method 1: Circular Saw

Step 1: Set the Blade Depth to 2 inches

Start by releasing the blade lever and moving the base plate surrounding the saw until it’s 2 inches of the saw is exposed.

After you’ve set the blade at the right depth, put your finger beneath the shoe with the help of your index and start tightening the blade lever.

Whenever you’re adjusting your blade depth, make sure to unplug the saw. And if you’re having to adjust the right depth, find a piece of wood that’s 2 inches and use that as a guide.

Step 2: Attach a 7-inch Metal Cutting Disc

Add a pair of vice grips to the corners of the old blade so that it doesn’t move. Now, take a wrench and use it to remove the center bolt that holds the blade in the right place.

After that, take out the small rim or flange under the bolt and remove the blade. This is when you have to attach your metal cutting disc. After you’re done, reconnect the small rim and reattach the bolt.

If the blade moves a lot while you’re attaching it, add a pair of vice grips. However, when you’re tightening the bolts, make sure you don’t over tighten them. It’s a common rule for every nut and bolt to never over tighten them as it can lead to damage.

Step 3: Start Sawing

First of all, whenever you’re working on a circular saw, wearing eye protection is a must. You never know when you’ll have an accident. That’s why it’s always better to be prepared beforehand.

Now, start putting pressure on your hands and knees and make the saw face the chalk line at a 45-degree angle. Hold the grip of the front handle with your dominant hand and use it for guiding the saw.

Remember to use your dominant hand for holding grip and bringing the blade back and forth. Start cutting from the side of the concrete along the lines of the chalk. Make sure that you remove the blade from the every 30 to 45 seconds so that it doesn’t heat up too much.

However, never put any extra pressure on the blade to force it into the ground. The weight of the blade and saw is enough for doing that. 

Finally, if your circular saw isn’t wet cutting, you need to pour water on the blade to keep the temperature down. Moreover, it’ll remove any kind of dust. You can use a garden hose that’s set at the lowest setting possible for this purpose.

Method 2: Cut Off Saw

Step 1: Mark the Area with Chalk Lines

If you want to have a perfect line, you have to chalk lines. However, you can also use a piece of chalk if perfecting the lines isn’t that much of a deal to you.

For using the chalk lines, hold on to one end yourself and have someone else hold on to the other end. Make sure to keep the line 2 feet over the area.

This is when you have to raise the chalk line about 1 foot. Now, slap it on the concrete in very quick motion so that you have a straight chalk line. However, if you want to freehand the chalk line, you need to make sure it’s as thick as possible.

Step 2: Attach a 14-inch Metal Cutting Disc

Attach a pair of vice grips on the sides of the old blade so that it doesn’t spin while you remove it. Now, use a wrench to start unscrewing the bolt that’s in the center holding the blade in its place.

Like before, take out the flange or small rim under the blade and remove the blade. Finally, attach your metal cutting disc to the cut off saw.

Step 3: Adjust The Blade Depth

With a cut off saw, you can cut concrete that’s ranging between 4 to 6 inches in depth. So, adjusting the blade is an important factor here.

Start by loosening up the blade lever so that you can release it. Then, start adjusting the base plate of the saw until the right amount of saw is exposed.

After you made the correct adjustments, put your index finger beneath the base plate to keep it in place and start tightening the blade lever.

And if you’re having to adjust the right depth, find a piece of wood that’s 2 inches and use that as a guide.

Step 4: Start Cutting The Concrete

Place the saw at a 45-degree angle and stand a little left to the saw. Grab the back handle with your dominant hand and keep using it for putting the saw back and forth. On the other hand, use your other hand to grab the front handle.

Now, start cutting the concrete at the lowest possible setting. Take a little break every 30 to 45 seconds.

However, don’t apply water as you did with the circular saw. And that’s it.

Wrapping UP

That’s all we had to say about this topic. So, if anyone asks you, can I use a metal cutting disc on concrete? You’ll know the answer to it.

Nonetheless, you should always use the right tools for cutting concrete. As we’ve said, just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should. Checking out more article at https://toolassociate.com/, Good luck!