INFO & USAGE

ICS Concrete & Hard-Surface Cutting Insights and Usage Information, and FAQ

ICS takes diamond segment cutting technology (typically on circular blades) and creates a safer, more effective way to cut concrete and ductile iron.

Using ICS chainsaws allow for deeper cutting with a much smaller initial amount of time and effort. Here are the basics and a few references.

Insights

• Always start with a Plunge Cut (insert the saw "nose" first into a wall)
• Cutting downward is the most efficient way to cut. Insert the "Wall Walker" into the cut and use as a pivot to create force by pulling up on the handle.
• Never start a cut from the top of a wall.
• Listen for a reduction in RPM's - A 20% to 30% reduction in RPM's is the most efficient for cutting speed and chain life.
• Keep steady firm pressure on the saw as the chain is cutting. This will prevent chain bounce and chattering and help extend the diamond life. Minimize arm motions.

Usage Applications PDF with Pictures

FAQ

Q: Can a diamond chain cut rebar?
A: Yes. Number 4 or 5 (12mm to 15mm) bar is not a problem. Anything over number 8 (25mm) is difficult. Warning: Rebar or steel MUST be surrounded by concrete or aggregate material.

Q: Can a concrete cutting chainsaw cut Ductile Iron Pipe?
A: ICS PowerGrit saws can! Not all ICS concrete chainsaws fit PowerGrit series diamond chains, so you will need the 680ES-PG, 695XL-PG, 701A-PG, 890PG saws.

Q: How long will a diamond chain last?
A: This depends on the material being cut, chain type, experience of the operator and how much rebar is present. For example, diamond chain on gas saws will typically cut 40 to 80 linear feet in 6-inch (15cm) concrete. On hydraulic saws, this range is most often doubled.

Q: How long does a guide bar last?
A: Normally two or three chains when cutting concrete, brick, natural
stone. However, heavy rebar can shorten bar life. One to two chains when cutting ductile iron, PVC etc., with PowerGrit chains.

Q: Can a ICS hydraulic concrete cutting chainsaw be run off a skidloader or backhoe?
A: Yes, and any other hydraulic power source that puts out 8 or 12 gpm and 2500psi (30 liters and 172 bar). However, a flow adapter may be required since some equipment operates with higher flow rates.

Q: Can a concrete cutting chainsaw cut dry?
A: No. It is strictly a wet cut system. 20psi minimum is recommended.

Q: Is "kickback" a safety problem?
A: No. Wood cutting chain has sharp hooked teeth that can grab the wood causing kickback. ICS diamond chains grind through concrete with very small teeth (diamonds) without hooks. The preferred method of starting a cut is to plunge straight into the wall. There is no kickback!

Q: How fast will a concrete cutting chainsaw cut?
A: This also depends on the material being cut, chain type, experience of the operator and how much rebar is present. Gas saws will typically saw 1 foot x 6 inches deep in 2 minutes. Hydraulic saws are faster.

Q: When does the chain need tightening?
A: Diamond chains tend to run better when slightly loose. It's normal for the drive-links to hang completely out of the bar. Tighten the chain when the drive-links hang more than 1/2 inch (12mm) below the bar. But remember, you should be able to pull the chain around the bar by hand, otherwise it is too tight.

Q: What is the WallWalker®?
A: The Wallwalker® is a lever system that develops a four-to-one mechanical advantage and turns inward force to downward force. The Wallwalker® makes it easier to cut with the saw.

Q: Can I buy an ICS diamond chain and put it on my wood-cutting chainsaw?
A: No, a wood-cutting chainsaw does not have a hollow bar water delivery system, modified air filtration or sealing and may be damaged due to concrete particles.

Factors that Effect Performance with Any Concrete Cutting

Compressive Strength

Concrete may vary greatly in compressive strength which is measured in POUNDS per SQUARE INCH (PSI). Most concrete roads are approximately 4-6,000 PSI, while typical patios and sidewalks are about 3,000 PSI.

Types of Sand

Sand is the component of the mix which determines the abrasiveness of the concrete. Sand can either be "sharp" (abrasive) or "round" (non-abrasive). Crushed sand or bank sand are usually sharp; river sand is usually round.

Size of Aggregate

Larger aggregates tend to make a blade cut slower while smaller aggregates tend to allow a blade cut faster.

Aggregate Hardness

There are many different types of rock used as aggregate. Generally hard aggregate breaks down the cutting diamonds faster which means the bond must be softer to expose new diamonds. Softer aggregate generally does not break down the cutting diamonds as quickly and therefore requires a harder bond to hold the diamonds in place to use their full potential.

The Mohs' scale to estimate hardness:

Reinforcing Steel

Steel reinforcing tends to make a blade cut slower. Less reinforcing allows a blade to cut faster. Heavy rebar can also result from different grades of steel. Typical rebar is grade 40 but grade 60 is also common. Rebar gauges are in eights of an inch. #4 is 1/2" diameter, #5 is 5/8" diameter etc.

Variables