Concrete cutting requires precision, patience, and experience to work. If you look at the difficulty of using track concrete cutter, you want to be careful in avoiding errors that could compromise the quality of your project, or worse, your safety.
A track sawing concrete can malfunction or pose safety hazards if not used properly, or if not maintained well. In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the issues and mistakes you could encounter while using a track saw cutting concrete.
We’ll provide you with solutions you can implement to solve these issues, so stay tune and keep reading.
Track Concrete Cutter Issue #1: Dull Blade
Why is this a problem?
When you use a track concrete cutter with a dull blade, it will be difficult to cut through concrete. A dull track saw cutting concrete will require more energy and time from your end to get the job done. It will also reduce the motor and switch life, and waste electrical power, which means greater monetary cost to you.
Not to mention, it will pose a huge safety hazard, as it will cause stalling, binding, and possible kickback. Because a dull track concrete cutter will require more pressure to cut, if the tool slips, it will do so with greater force behind it – thus posing a risk for greater injuries.
What can you do?
You can simply hire a professional sharpener for your track concrete cutter. You can also invest in concrete-cutting diamond blade for sharper cuts. Diamond blades also last longer than most alternatives.
Lastly, always inspect your track concrete cutter. Check for any damage such as a missing tooth, as they can pose a safety risk.
Track Concrete Cutter Issue #2: Teeth Stripping
Why is this a problem?
While teeth stripping means a less effective and energy-consuming concrete cutting session, it can also cause a huge safety hazard as mentioned above. Usually teeth stripping happens because of the following reasons:
- There is an improper break-in of the blade which leads to tooth strippage. This usually happens when the user doesn’t follow proper blade break-in procedure.
- The speed of the blade is too slow, which leads the teeth of the track concrete cutter to overpenetrate. Overpenetration of the teeth means excessive stress that can lead to strippage.
- The feed pressure is too high and leads to overpenetration.
- A tooth of a track concrete cutter is stuck in the cut, which damages the new blade installed.
- There is not enough proper coolant flow to cool and lubricate the cutting surface.
What can you do?
To prevent teeth stripping of a track concrete cutter, it’s important to always do the following:
- Read the blade supplier’s recommended break-in procedure, and follow it properly as not to chip the cutter’s teeth.
- Follow the track concrete cutter manufacturer’s cutting recommendations.
- Ensure you’re using the right blade speed depending on material type.
- Reduce the pressure on the blades.
- Always start a new cut, especially if a cutter’s teeth is stuck in the old cut.
- Always apply proper cutting fluid application.
Track Concrete Cutter Issue #3: Premature Dulling of Concrete Cutter’s Teeth
Why is this a problem?
Premature dulling of track concrete cutter is a potential waste of money. You’ll have to replace the blade prematurely, or continue with a dull blade – which as mentioned above, is a huge safety hazard.
What can you do?
To stop or premature dulling, it’s pretty much the same solutions as the ones mentioned above. Make sure that the track concrete cutter always has a proper break-in procedure into the material. Use the appropriate blade speed, as to not overheat the cutting edge or strip the teeth. Lastly, always check the coolant hoses, along with the proper coolant level.
Track Concrete Cutter Issue #4: Cracks Found at The Side of The Concrete Cutter Blade
Why is this a problem?
Similar to the potential dulling issue, cracks found at the side of the blade could also mean a potential waste of money. You’ll have to replace the blade prematurely to avoid any safety hazards that are caused by an unstable track saw blade.
When you encounter this issue, this is usually because the blade is hardened due to the guide being too tight – thus, causing cracks. It could also be because of defective side guides.
What can you do?
Make sure the guide isn’t too tight on the track concrete cutter, as not to harden the blade. Plus, always check for defective side guides.
Track Concrete Cutter Issue #5: Gullet Cracks
Why is this a problem?
The space in front of each tooth is called a gullet. It moves the sawdust away from the blade, and the amount of sawdust moved will depend on its size. Gullet cracks are common issues when using track concrete cutter, but can lead to an ineffective cut, or replacement of the blade.
What can you do?
To prevent gullet cracks, make sure to implement the following:
- Keep the backup guides in good condition – smooth, and adjusted properly. Replace it if it’s already worn out.
- Try not to do an excessive backup guide preload, as not to wear out and damage the blades.
- Always refer to the operator’s manual when determining the blade tension.
- Reduce feed rate or pressure to avoid wear on the blade’s back edge.
Need a Track Concrete Cutter Professional? We Can Help.
At Advance Cutting, we use saws that are effective for walls, floors, bridges, stairs, and other large areas. Our concrete wall cutting services use wall saws that can penetrate up to 750-mm deep, whether cut vertically, horizontally, and inverted.
Get a quote for our track sawing services by filling out the form below:
Recent Comments