|
REBAR |
Can a
diamond chain cut rebar? Yes, Number 4 or 5
(12 or 16 mm) bar is not a problem; anything over
number 8 (25 mm) is difficult. Large amounts of
rebar will reduce chain life. Warning: Rebar or
steel must be surrounded by concrete or aggregate
material. |
|
CHAIN LIFE |
How
long will a diamond chain last? This depends
on the material being cut, chain type, experience of
the operator and how much rebar is present. For
example, diamond chain on gas saws will typically
cut 40 to 80 linear feet in 6-inch (15 cm) concrete.
On hydraulic saws, this range is most often doubled.
Diamond Chain Life Tipsheet (PDF) |
|
GUIDE BAR LIFE |
How
long does a guide bar last? Normally two or
three chains.
However, heavy rebar can shorten bar life. |
|
SKIDLOADER |
Can a
hydraulic concrete cutting chainsaw be run off a
skidloader or backhoe? Yes, and any other
hydraulic power source with output of at least 8 gpm
and 2500 psi (30 liters and 172 bar). However, a
flow adapter (p/n/ 70350) may be required since most
equipment operates with higher flow rates. |
|
DRY CUT |
Can a
concrete cutting chainsaw cut dry? No. It is
strictly a wet cut system. 20 psi minimum is
recommended. |
|
|
KICKBACK |
Is
"kickback" a safety problem No. Wood cutting
chain has sharp hooked teeth that can grab the wood
causing kickback. Diamond chain grinds through
concrete with very small teeth (diamonds) without
hooks. The preferred method of starting a cut is to
plunge straight into the wall. There is no kickback. |
|
CUTTING SPEED |
How
fast will a concrete cutting chainsaw cut?
This also depends on the material being cut, chain
type, experience of the operator and how much rebar
is present. Gas saws will typically saw 1 foot x 6
inches deep in 2 minutes.
Hydraulic saws are faster. |
|
CHAIN TENSION |
When
does the chain need tightening?
Diamond chains tend to run better when slightly
loose. It's normal for the drive -links to hang
completely out of the bar. Tighten the chain when
the drive-links hang more than 1/2 inch (12 mm)
below the bar. But remember, you should be able to
pull the chain around the bar by hand, otherwise it
is too tight.
Chain Tensioning Tipsheet (PDF) |
CONCRETE VS.
WOOD CUTTING |
Can I
buy a diamond chain and put it on my wood-cutting
chainsaw? No, a wood-cutting chainsaw does not
have a hollow bar water delivery system, modified
air filtration or sealing and may be damaged due to
concrete particles.
Can I put a wood-cutting chain on a concrete
cutting chainsaw?
No, wood cutting chain required oil for
lubrication and a diamond chainsaw does not have an
oiling system. Also, wood chips will plug up a
concrete saw side cover. |
|
