If you are planning to carry out some DIY projects around your home, it is important that you have the right tools at hand. One important tool to have if you are planning to work with concrete is a concrete cutter. Concrete is a very versatile material which can be used for remodelling work, indoor and outdoor flooring and wall building. However, there is a range of different concrete cutters on the market, so it is important that you give some consideration to the type which will be right for you. Below is a guide to 2 things you should consider when buying a concrete cutter.
Power and Size of the Concrete Cutter
Concrete cutters come in a range of different sizes. Typically speaking, the larger the blade on the concrete cutter, the higher power the motor will be. How much power you require will depend upon the thickness of the concrete you wish to cut. If you only want to cut thin pieces of decorative concrete, you should be able to use a small handheld concrete cutter. However, if you try to use a handheld cutter on larger pieces of concrete, its is likely to overheat. If you plan to cut thick slabs of concrete, you should consider investing in a larger, fixed concrete cutter. These larger cutters can be attached to a workbench so that the concrete block can be pushed onto the blade.
You should also make sure that you are strong enough to operate the concrete cutter. If you are of a slight build and you purchase a very powerful handheld cutter, you may find it difficult to control.
Personal Protection Equipment
If you haven't used a cutter to work on concrete before, it is important that you be aware that the process of cutting concrete will create a large volume of dust. For this reason, it is important that you invest in some personal protection equipment when you purchase your concrete cutter. This personal protection equipment should include eye protection, a respiratory mask and thick gloves. These items will help to protect you from the dust and particles of concrete which are generated during the cutting process. If you are concerned about concrete dust, you should consider purchasing a concrete cutter which features a damping system, which will spray water onto the piece of concrete which is being cut to capture any dust.
If you would like further advice about buying a concrete cutter, you should contact a concrete cutting contractor today.
