Aerated concrete is a pliable material for processing due to its porous structure - you can even saw it with an ordinary metal wood hacksaw if desired. What is used for cutting aerated concrete on construction sites? This will be discussed in detail in today's article.
Let's consider all types of cutting tools, determine which ones are more convenient to use on a private construction scale, and which ones are worth acquiring if you are engaged in construction professionally.
How to cut aerated concrete blocks
A reciprocating saw for gas blocks has many advantages:
- power (the higher it is, the easier it is to process aerated concrete). It varies from 400 to 1600 W;
- durability;
- ease of maintenance;
- versatility.
The design of the device resembles a regular hacksaw, which is used to process wood. However, it differs in the thickness of the canvas. Kinds:
- one-handed;
- two-handed.
The cost of a fairly common saw BISON ZPL-350-190 is 10,890 rubles. From 100,000 to 300,000 rubles is the price range for professional equipment for large volumes of work.
Reciprocating saw blades for aerated concrete
The ergonomics and capabilities of the tool depend on such an important component as the saw blade. More precisely from him:
Depending on the change in the size and frequency of the location of the incisors, the methods of using a particular blade are distinguished:
considered one of the most popular on the Russian market. Thanks to carbide tips on each tooth and the length of the blade, the saw is able to easily cut gas blocks both longitudinally and transversely.
To avoid mistakes when working with a saw, you should use additional devices offered by manufacturers. As a rule, they are not included in the general package, so you will have to buy them separately.
1. Blade stroke limiter.
Makes it possible to press the saw against the gas block when cutting, which makes the work easier. The quality, accuracy and speed of cutting increases. You can shift the position of the stop along the axis forward and backward, thereby providing the necessary step when cutting the block.
2. Pendulum system.
Average prices for blades for reciprocating and band saws from popular manufacturers (you can buy them both in hardware stores and in online markets) are shown in the table below.
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Classification
Saws are divided into several types. It's not about aerated concrete, but about the scale of the work, complexity and desired result.
Manual
The tool is also known as a hacksaw. Similar to a regular wood saw. The difference is the cutting blade, its quality and material. Used for small amounts of work. With their help, blocks are cut, the sizes of window and door openings are adjusted, for masonry walls and corner points.
The cutting blade is made of an alloy of several hard metals. The teeth are located along the blade, metal (or of another origin). The strongest teeth are made of hard alloys of ceramic metals. They produce two modifications of saws: with one handle and several holders. The price depends on the manufacturer and a number of technical services. characteristics.
Saber
One of the most necessary tools for every builder is an electric saw for aerated concrete. It occupies the same important place as a screwdriver, grinder, wrenches or drill. This is explained by the fact that aerated concrete is widely used in the construction industry and is very popular. Therefore, a high-quality tool is the key to the successful construction of a future structure.
Manual
When figuring out how to cut aerated concrete, you need to consider the features of the following hand tools:
Advantages
The advantages of the listed types of hand saws include:
- Ease of use.
- No deformation processes during intensive use.
- No chips on the surface.
- Possibility of use for longitudinal and transverse cutting.
- Optimal price.
Flaws
To obtain a high-quality cut, you need to choose the right saw for aerated concrete. There are ready-made kits on sale that are designed specifically for this type of building materials.
Description and selection criteria
Electric saws for aerated concrete are characterized by colossal power and performance, which is necessary for processing huge blocks. When choosing a device, you need to take into account a lot of features, including the conditions in which the work will be carried out.
If cutting takes place on a construction site, it is better to buy a saw with a battery, as it is lightweight and mobile. In addition, it can be used to cut blocks in difficult conditions. The only negative is that from time to time you will have to recharge the battery, so the uninterrupted operation time is limited by the capacity of the battery.
In most cases, craftsmen buy reciprocating saws for gas silicate blocks, which are equipped with tips made from hardened cutters and pobedit. Electric saws with metal-ceramic cutting elements also have an excellent working life. They are able to withstand heavy loads and cut huge structures. The cutters of such tools are made of hard alloys of tungsten, cobalt and monocarbide.
Alligator saw
Some inexperienced craftsmen often confuse the Alligator saw with a classic reciprocating product. However, this model has some differences. When in operation, the Alligator sets the saw blades in motion, which resembles the movement of the jaws of a crocodile.
Unlike reciprocating models, such devices do not perform reciprocating movements, since the cut is carried out by a fixed saw bar.
One of the disadvantages of the product is its high cost. Therefore, the purchase of such a tool is justified only in cases of professional use on large construction sites.
Grinder and electric wall chaser
There are special attachments for the grinder, which are two metal disks that leave behind two even grooves.
There are also specialized grinders, the so-called electric wall chasers, in which you can adjust the width and depth of the groove. After cutting, the aerated concrete itself must be selected using a chisel and hammer. Among the advantages, we note the high speed and evenness of the cut, and among the disadvantages, there is a large amount of dust, which will require connecting a vacuum cleaner.
Aerated concrete block cutting machine
The design of the machine resembles a frame with the following components:
- Auger for cleaning the top.
- Electric drives.
- Cutting parts.
- Trigger mechanism.
- Winch.
- Cart.
The block is passed through a screw mechanism, which ensures the correct geometry of the sides. After this, a frame with cutting blades is lowered onto the aerated concrete structure to cut the monolith. The finished product is transferred to the warehouse.
The advantages of the machines include:
- Improved performance indicators.
- Economical consumption of labor resources.
When choosing tools for processing aerated concrete products, it is necessary to take into account the specifics and volume of work. In this case, they will serve for a long time and with high quality.
CUTTING FOAM CONCRETE - cutting technology for manufacturing foam blocks
Foam concrete cutting technology
The cutting technology for producing foam blocks involves pouring the foam concrete mixture into molds without cells with easily removable formwork. Within 6-9 hours, the foam concrete gains the necessary strength to remove the formwork. After this, the foam concrete mass on the pallet is transferred by a traverse to the cutting complex for cutting the foam concrete.
The design of the complex for cutting foam concrete ensures the production of foam blocks with an accuracy of + 1 mm. Equipped with a screw for removing the top and twisted strings for cutting foam concrete mass. The cutting cycle for foam concrete is 5-7 minutes. The strings for cutting foam concrete can be installed to the required sizes of foam blocks.
Thanks to the technology of cutting foam concrete, it is possible to produce foam blocks with high accuracy of geometric dimensions, straightness of edges, and excellent surface quality. This, in turn, makes it possible to lay foam blocks using glue, which significantly increases the thermal efficiency of external walls made of foam blocks.
Details about cutting equipment for the production of foam blocks are indicated on the equipment for the production of foam blocks
The form for cutting foam concrete has:
Choosing the right saw for foam concrete
Only with a competent approach can you buy a hacksaw for good quality aerated concrete and foam concrete. Reviews from owners of such instruments show that you need to pay attention to the following criteria when purchasing:
From the material it is clear what advantages and disadvantages a hand tool for processing foam concrete has. Now we can draw a conclusion about the rationality of using the device in question, as well as the features of its choice.
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How and with what can you cut a gas block
Cutting materials during the construction of walls from piece elements is carried out in the vast majority of cases. Aerated blocks can be easily processed using ordinary tools, which makes the task of builders easier.
Aerated concrete has to be cut when constructing any buildings, be it a residential building or an auxiliary building. The design parameters of buildings almost never allow the dimensions of aerated blocks to be accurately met, so there is a need to manufacture additional elements. Blocks are cut in different directions and given simple and complex shapes. Various tools are used for cutting, although you can get by with a regular hacksaw. However, this option is only suitable for single blocks, but not for many additional elements required during construction work. To produce a large number of additional blocks, you need a more efficient tool. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
Advantages of hand saws
The key parameter when choosing a hacksaw for concrete is the blade. This is what determines the quality of the work done. How to choose it? Let's look at a few recommendations.
How to choose a canvas
All products found on the market are labeled according to the type of fabric. There are only two categories:
Another important nuance is to choose a hacksaw with a large number of teeth located close to each other. This will allow you to get a better, more accurate cut.
What materials are hand hacksaws suitable for?
Hand hacksaws can be used when working with the following materials:
Due to such versatility and the ability to work with various materials, hand hacksaws are still widely used today and are used in many areas.
Electric hand saw - reciprocating plate
The main advantages of a reciprocating saw compared to a hand saw are as follows:
- high power – up to 1.5 kW;
- high number of revolutions - 2-3 thousand per minute;
- possibility of speed control.
Tape
The devices are designed for cutting various materials using a closed belt made of metals using high-frequency alloys. The band saw for aerated concrete has the advantage of height adjustment and good performance. Cutting of aerated concrete blocks is carried out using a tape; this technique allows you to make longitudinal and shaped cuts.
Chainsaws are used to create U-blocks from standard products. According to reviews from builders, it is recommended to clean chain saws from oils and lubricant mixtures. Because they cause dust from aerated concrete to stick to the mechanism, which provokes accelerated wear of the moving elements.
A frequently asked question is: is it possible to cut aerated concrete with a chainsaw? According to reviews from craftsmen, a strong abrasive occurs during work, and the tool quickly becomes dirty and fails. Therefore, it is better to use an electric saw for aerated concrete, where a filter is put on the side of the brushes.
Types of saws for aerated concrete
A frequently used tool in this situation is a hacksaw.
- hacksaw;
- Alligator saw;
- electric saw;
- reciprocating saw;
- wall chaser for laying hidden wiring or wall reinforcement.
Hacksaw for aerated concrete
Hand saw options available:
A suitable hand tool here would be a 600mm hacksaw.
- hacksaw for aerated concrete 600 mm;
- Vorel saw;
- saw for working on aerated concrete;
- hacksaw for aerated concrete "Raven".
Alligator saw
Electric saw
Saber
Other tools for cutting aerated concrete
Additional accessories for cutting aerated concrete
Miter box for cutting aerated concrete
For certain types of work use:
- A special plane is a grater with an iron sole and handle. Allows precise alignment of sawn blocks, making them easier to lay.
- A manual wall chaser is a bent iron pipe with a handle, which allows you to make rounded grooves on the surface of the blocks for laying fittings, pipes, etc. in them. (after the construction of the building).
- An electric wall chaser is similar in appearance to a circular saw, but it uses two discs. Due to the precise mechanism for adjusting the depth of the saw, it is possible to make the necessary slots for the grooves. They can also be cut with a grinder.
- Crowns - it is advisable to buy ones for concrete, with a durable pobedit cutting tip. Allows you to make holes in ceilings and walls for laying ventilation ducts, installing sockets, etc.
- Angle – allows you to control the cutting process.
To ensure accurate cutting of aerated concrete, it is better to make a miter box yourself - a wooden rectangular structure in the shape of two letters P, fixed to the platform with corners. The block should fit inside these letters without any problems. There must be a normal gap between them to make the cut. The gap should allow the saw to move freely, but it should not move to the sides. It should be larger in the plane of the platform than on the sides. This will allow waste to fall in as you work.
Safety precautions when sawing aerated concrete require the use of certain technologies taking into account the tool used, as well as special clothing (suit, boots, gloves or mittens) and personal protective equipment (respirators, masks or goggles).
Application area
Foam concrete has sufficient strength and abrasiveness, so it is not rational to use a wood saw to saw it, as this leads to a rapid dulling of its teeth.
- In order to refine the forms, thereby obtaining foam blocks of the required size.
- For the production of additional prefabricated blocks in an assembly fit, since at least one block in a row always needs to be trimmed.
Varieties
The tool for sawing aerated concrete (foam block) can be different and have some differences:
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Hand hacksaws also differ from each other in the following parameters:
Electric and gasoline saws are intended primarily for use in construction, when the volume of work is quite large, and it will be physically difficult to do the sawing yourself with a hand hacksaw.
Features of choice
If you are choosing a hacksaw for foam concrete, it is important to pay attention to some parameters and characteristics of the purchased product. To select such a tool, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters:
In conclusion, it should be concluded that if you approach the choice of the tool in question with all the desire, then the purchased tool will definitely delight you for more than a dozen working seasons.
Designed for straight cuts in aerated concrete blocks, brick, plasterboard, building stone. Installed on a reciprocating saw.
Dimensions: blade length 455 mm, tooth pitch 12.7 mm.
in aerated concrete: 70-365 mm.
in brick: 65-300 mm.
in stone: 70-365 mm.
in plasterboard: up to 365 mm.
How to cut aerated concrete at home?
Step-by-step algorithm of actions:
- Before you begin, you need to mark the lines along which the cut will be made. To apply markings, use a pencil, square, tape measure and ruler.
To cut the block lengthwise along the lines, make cuts to a depth of up to 3 cm. This will avoid the formation of chips. These notches will act as guides.- The cut starts from any side. Do not put too much pressure on the saw. It is positioned relative to the block at an angle of 45 degrees. Work continues until the block is cut.
It is possible that you will not be able to cope with the task the first time, so you need to take care of the availability of additional blocks.
How to saw with different tools
Let's look at how to cut gas silicate blocks with a hand hacksaw. If the design of the object being built does not involve the construction of complex geometric lines, then there is no point in purchasing an expensive tool; a simple hacksaw will suffice.
You should know that the quality of the cut depends on certain factors:
- work techniques;
- strength of building material;
- indicator of block density and its condition;
- temperature conditions and air humidity levels.
It is recommended to use a hacksaw with pobedite tipped teeth and a thick blade. This will not change the speed of work, but the cut will be accurate.
Cutting work is best done on a dry, sunny day. In a block saturated with moisture, the hacksaw will become stuck and difficult to move.
We begin to work, observing certain requirements:
Conventional hacksaws are used in such cases
- when the shape of the elements is finalized in the required sizes;
- if it is necessary to make additional blocks during the fitting of parts during the construction of walls and the design of an armored belt.
What is the difference between a professional saw for aerated concrete and carpentry tools? The differences from conventional hacksaws are:
- The hacksaw blade has an increased blade length; this distinctive feature allows for transverse and longitudinal cuts of gas blocks.
- The thickness of the steel element allows the blocks to be cut with high quality, which eliminates distortions and unevenness.
- Saws for aerated concrete have additional soldering on the teeth, which are located across the tooth.
- The teeth of the cutting edges are large in size, which ensures long-term operation of the tool.
How much aerated concrete material will be processed by one tool? Expensive models are produced with rapid blades or teeth, the nozzles are made of pobedit - a metal-ceramic composite, which includes particles of carbon, monocarbide and tungsten. Such components reduce the load on the blade, which increases the service life of the device. One hacksaw will be enough to process 20-30 m3 of aerated concrete products.
A hacksaw for aerated concrete with pobedit tips is usually used for small volumes of block elements. To speed up the work process and save effort, it is recommended to use an electric reciprocating saw for aerated concrete, which has a special blade.
