Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 30, 2007 06:55pm | #1

   Why not just a demo hammer. You will still need to break up the big pieces and a lot less dust (but more noise).

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   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
2. 
   CapnMac | Nov 30, 2007 08:15pm | #2

   Depends on the access, really.  Deeper saw cut makes for neater edges as you work in the hole, and for a cleaner surface to drill for dowels.  That is, after you use a demo hammer to get the bulk of the material out between the saw cuts.

   But, getting a nice big rental was into tight spaces can be a pain.  "Beater" circular saw with a concrete blade and much patience can be your friend in those situations.  Plenty of opinion on whether to go dry or wet--I prefer wet cutting, but that can be harder to "do" in some situations (like if you don't know where the cutting water will "go" afterwards--it will be drawn, like a magnet, to the most-easily damaged material in about an 1100m radius).

   For concrete and angle grinders, my rule of thumb is "not more than about 3-4 tool-lengths" of cut.

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
3. 
   DaveRicheson | Nov 30, 2007 08:46pm | #3

   I'm with Mac on this one.

   Dust is a big problem if you dry cut, but you can abate it somewhat by having someone hold a shop vacum hose next to the saw as you cut.

   The deeper you can cut a slab, the less chance of having wild fracture cracks run past the cut line when you break it out. A demo hammer is your best tool for that, unless you are real young and want impress the lady of the house with your sledge-o-matic skills <G>

    

   Dave

4. 
   brownbagg | Nov 30, 2007 08:47pm | #4

   Hire it out, it be cheaper, quicker, cleaner. concrete dust aint good for you

5. 
   DanH | Nov 30, 2007 09:29pm | #5

   You can maybe do it with the grinder, if you plan on making liberal use of a sledge hammer. (Yeah, liberals can use them too ;)

   You'll get LOTS of dust, even if you keep things pretty wet, and even a regular circ saw will control the dust a hair better than the angle grinder. But if reasonably available I'd rent a wet saw or one with built-in dust control.

   Hiring it out is another option -- in many areas the service is readily available and the rates aren't outrageous.

   If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader