How To Operate A Concrete/Asphalt Saw

1) What is the material being cut? Concrete, asphalt, brick, block, paver?

Different material requires a different saw and saw blade. Call EDCO (1-800-638-3326) if you are unsure what saw or saw blade is best suited for your job.

2) What is the required depth of the cut? How many lineal feet or pieces (brick/block) will be cut?

If you are cutting a slab or asphalt, it is important to know how deep to make your cut and how long of a cut you need to make. This will help determine the horsepower of the saw you need, the blade size large enough to make the cut, if step cutting is optional or a necessity, and how long it will take to complete the job. When working with masonry or hardscape material the important factor is how big or thick is the material you will be cutting.

3) Is dust control important? Can water be used?

The SB-14 street/concrete saw has an option for dust free sawing. The other street saws are designed to primarily cut with water. Hardscape saws come with water feed and a standard vacuum port. The TMS-10 tile saw has a water pump but no vacuum hook-up. All of EDCO's masonry saws come with a belt-driven water pump and an optional vacuum port. The C-10 Crack Saw has a vacuum port and does not have a water feed.

4) What source of power is required?

EDCO saws come in a variety of power options including gasoline, electric, air and diesel power.

How To Operate A Concrete/Asphalt Saw

Saw Operation

• If wet cutting, make sure you have an adequate supply of water.
• If saw is equipped with a self-propelling drive, make sure forward/reverse speed control is in neutral before engaging drive.
• When maneuvering saw make sure the blade is raised high enough so it does not strike the ground. Blade damage may occur if blade strikes the ground while maneuvering.
• Do not maneuver machine on inclined surfaces with self-propelling drive disengaged, or by lifting drive wheels from ground. Loss of braking control provided by the drive will permit the machine to freewheel down incline.
• Lower the blade slowly into the material being cut. Do not allow the blade to drop onto the pavement surface, blade damage will result.
• Use the depth-stop provided on saw. Do not allow flanges or belts to rub on or contact the material surface.
• Whether saw is self-propelled or a push model, do not force blade while cutting. Use proper forward speed and allow the blade to cut and not climb out of the cut or stall in the cut.
• Always cut in a straight line. Do not force saw off straight line as blade warpage or breakage may result.

If blade stalls in the cut and stops power source.

• Raise blade completely out of the cut.
• Check blade flanges and nut/bolt, to be sure they are tight.
• Remove/open guard and secure.

Stopping the Saw

• Stop forward machine travel.
• Raise blade clear of cut.
• Turn off water.
• Return power source to low idle and allow to cool.
• Shut off power source.
• Do not leave machine until blade has completely stopped.
• Make sure you chock wheels to prevent machine from rolling.