Nearly every construction project involves some form of cutting concrete or core boring. While cutting concrete may seem fairly simple and straightforward, in actual practice there are several considerations to keep in mind to have a safe and successful concrete cutting or boring project.
Fist, you must know that concrete dust is potentially damaging to the lung sinuses and eyes. Concrete dust also becomes corrosive and abrasive and may damage surrounding finish.
Drill Electric
Dust control becomes an important consideration when cutting concrete either with a saw or a drill or core boring bit. The two most common dust control methods are wet cutting where the dust is collected in the cooling water and pneumatic devices that pull the dust away in an air stream.
When using a diamond cutting blade or other abrasive disk cutting device such as concrete saw, the water also serves to lubricate and cool the cutting tools. Consideration must me made to handle the spillage of cooling water on to the surface being cut. Drainage must be provided or a vacuum system like a wet vac can be used to control the spread of the cooling water.
When using electric powered tools, adequate grounding, insulation and appropriate ground fault protection must be provided. Standing in a puddle of water while operating and electric tool can be fatal if proper protections are not in place.
An extra precaution must be added when using core drilling machine. Many of these machines rely on suction to keep the bas in place during the drilling operation. The friction of the base suctioned against the floor provides the resistance to rotation while drilling.
Two competing factors come in to play during the lock down operation. The slicker the floor, the better the suction seal will be. However, there will be less resistance to rotation due to friction from the slick floor. Especially if the concrete is wet. Also, while a rough floor may provide more friction, the roughness will not allow a strong vacuum seal against the floor.
In either case the vacuum seal is not completely reliable and may fail during the drilling operation. The operator must be keenly aware of the possibility that the machine base my rotate violently without warning. The operator must keep his body out of the possible rotation path of the machine bas at all times during a core drilling operation.
A more reliable method of securing the machine is to set a simple concrete anchor through the base in addition to the vacuum seal. Most machines have a provision for such an anchor and the small hole required for the anchor is easily repaired in the concrete floor.
When making any kind of cut in concrete be it a straight line cut with a concrete saw or making a round hole with a core drill, you must also consider what is hidden in the concrete.
Not only will the concrete contain re bar and rocks that can snag the cutting tool, but often plumbing lines and electrical conduit are often buried in the concrete. And they will likely not be exactly where the drawings show them to be.
Before any concrete cutting operation take care to locate as precisely as possible any pipes or conduit that may be buried in the concrete.
A cutting blade will slice through a conduit with ease often shorting the wires together on the blade. However, care must be taken that the operator does not become the ground path instead of the conduit or other wires. If possible, de energize any power lines that may be in the vicinity of the cutting or drilling operation.
Concrete cutting requires sharp tools, quality equipment in good repair, a good supply of cooling water and a skilled operator. Operating concrete cutting equipment can be simple and safe, but the operator must be familiar with the potential hazards and know all the functions of the equipment he is operating.
For help choosing the right cutting tools and equipment for you next concrete cutting project, see Industrial Products and Equipment.
Black Friday DEWALT DCK211S2 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit 2011 Deals
Nov 13, 2011 18:21:22
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Black Friday DEWALT DCK211S2 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit Feature
- Compact, lightweight design fits into tight areas
- 3 LED Lights provide visibility without shadows
- One-handed loading 1/4" hex chuck accepts 1" bit tips
- 79 ft-lbs max torque
- Three-year limited warranty; one-year free service contract
Black Friday DEWALT DCK211S2 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit Overview
Product Features DCD710 12V MAX 3/8" Drill/Driver DCF815 12V MAX 1/4" Impact Driver Specifications Voltage: 10.8V Nominal - 12V Max Number of tools in kit: 2 Shipping Weight: 7.8lbs Warranty Information This DEWALT High Performance Industrial Tool comes with a warranty package that includes: 3 Year Limited Warranty - 1 Year Free Service Contract - 90 Day Money Back Guarantee DCK211S2 Includes:Black Friday DEWALT DCK211S2 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit Specifications
The DEWALT 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver and Impact Driver are both ergonomically designed for use in small spaces, and include LEDs. The drill/driver delivers a 189-unit-watt output, and features a two-speed gearbox with a 15-position clutch. The impact driver offers up to 79 inch-pounds of torque and a 1/4-inch chuck that can be loaded with one hand for convenience. Part of DEWALT's compact line of 12-volt rechargeable tools, these drivers use 12-volt max lithium-ion battery packs that offer 1.1 Ah.
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 Even weight distribution means the drill driver is easy to lift and maneuver. View larger. |
 The compact size offers maximum leverage in tight quarters. View larger. |
At 7-1/2 inches long, the 3/8-inch drill/driver is designed to fit into small spaces, providing secure penetration without damaging screw heads from angled driving attempts. The compact body of the driver means you can apply maximum leverage, enabling you to get the most from this drill/driver's 189-unit-watt output. The 15-position clutch works in conjunction with a two-speed gearbox so you get precisely the amount of torque and delivery best suited to your application.
Additionally, the drill/driver's single LED--mounted radially around the barrel--will light your target area to provide better visibility.
Powerful and Easy to UseThe impact driver offers 3,400 impacts per minute and up to 79 inch-pounds of torque. The 1/4-inch chuck can be operated with one hand, so loading bits up to 1 inch is a quick and easy. The driver features a built-in belt clip, three barrel-mounted LEDs, and reverse for additional ease of use. Quick-Charging, Long-Lasting Battery Packs
This kit comes with two 12-volt max lithium-ion battery packs, each with 1.1 Ah. The recharge time of these battery packs is between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Warranty Information
This DEWALT tool comes with a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. What's in the Box
Drill driver, impact driver, two lithium-ion battery packs, charger, two belt clips, and bag.
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