The Inside Cut

Concrete cutting inside buildings or other structures presents some specific challenges.

Concrete cutting inside buildings or other structures presents some specific challenges. "When working in confined spaces, there are additional precautions that should be taken into consideration and followed," says Mike Ward, Husqvarna Construction Products. "Ventilation is key."

He recommends using equipment designed for operation in closed or limited-ventilation areas. "Turning to electric cutting equipment that uses water or a vacuum to suppress dust is also helpful when cutting indoors," he states.

Wet cutting can be a cost-effective means of dust control. However, it may require additional care when working inside. "Obviously, wet cutting indoors can have its own set of problems, depending on what other materials are present in the room that need to be protected," says Joe Taccogna, ICS Blount Inc. "When wet cutting indoors, steps can be taken to prevent water damage, in most cases, with protective sheeting and vacuum systems."

For example, the TSS vacuum system is designed to attach directly to an ICS hydraulic concrete chain saw. "This system is for capturing the slurry created when wet cutting concrete and containing it in a tank that can be rolled around the jobsite," Taccogna explains. "These vacuums are also available with a tank-mounted floor squeegee to make cleaning up the remaining slurry that does get on the floor an easier task."

Latest