Product Basics

Learn about ICS product usage and facts.

ICS takes diamond segment technology, typically used with 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.

Cutting Tips and Observations

• -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.

Diamond blades don't cut; they grind. The exposed diamond crystals do the grinding work, while the metal matrix or bond holds the diamonds in place. Trailing behind each exposed diamond is a "bond tail" which helps to support the diamond. As the blade rotates through the material the exposed surface diamonds grind. After several thousand passes through the material, the exposed diamonds begin to crack and the the holding matrix begins to wear away. Eventually the diamonds completely break-up and fragments are swept away with the material. 

Diamond chains cut AND grind.

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