Concrete cutting with an Angle Grinder are very common in the construction field, such as cutting concrete floor, concrete wall, concrete slabs and concrete pavers. Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, an angle grinder is the most convenient tool for concrete cutting jobs. Additionally, angle grinders can be used to cut tiles, bricks, granite, marble, and other materials. So, in this article, in this article, we’ll explain step-by-step how to use an angle grinder to cut concrete, ensuring a safe and efficient concrete cutting project.

Precautions and process of cutting concrete with angle grinder

Safety Precautions:

Before we delve into the process, safety should always be a priority. When cutting concrete with an angle grinder, consider the following precautions:

1. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from concrete dust.

2. Use hearing protection as angle grinders can be loud.

3. Always work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator to avoid inhaling dust.

4. Ensure your workspace is clear of obstructions.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.

Choosing Right Angle Grinder Diamond Blades

First, you can use dry cutting blades with or without water, but wet blades must be used with water. In fact, using water with an angle grinder is not easy because there are no wet cutting angle grinders. Dry cutting angle grinder diamond blades are generally divided into three types based on their rims:

Segmented rim angle grinder concrete blades feature a toothed rim that serves two crucial functions: the removal of dust and the cooling of the blade through air circulation. Overheating poses a significant risk to the longevity of a diamond blade, as it can adversely affect the bonding and cause warping. Segmented angle grinder concrete blades are the ideal choice when a water source is unavailable. These blades find utility in cutting materials such as brick, concrete pavers, masonry/block, reinforced concrete, and limestone. When using an angle grinder to cut concrete, segmented rim diamond blades are typically the preferred option.

Turbo rim angle grinder diamond blades, on the other hand, are specifically designed to deliver faster cutting speeds for both wet and dry operations. The turbo rim facilitates the passage of air through its smaller turbo segments, effectively cooling the angle grinder disc. The presence of small holes scattered across the turbo rim blades further enhances their cooling capacity. Additionally, the angle of the turbo segments is engineered to aid in material removal. These blades excel in cutting concrete, brick, and limestone with efficiency.

Continuous rim angle grinder diamond blades, in contrast, are designed for the precise cutting of materials like marble, granite, porcelain tile, and ceramic tile. They are primarily used for wet cutting applications. However, it's worth noting that continuous rim blades are not recommended for cutting concrete with an angle grinder.

How to Cut Concrete with an Angle Grinder?

1. Gather Your Materials

• Angle grinder

• A suitable diamond blade

• Chalk or pencil for marking

• Safety goggles

• Dust mask or respirator

• Ear protection

• Gloves

• Measuring tape

• A square

• Worktable or sawhorses

• Water source or a wet-cutting attachment (optional)

2. Preparing the Work Area

Set up a sturdy worktable or sawhorses to support the concrete. Make sure it's at a comfortable working height and that it won't move during cutting.

3. Marking the Cut

Use chalk or a pencil to mark the cut line on the concrete. You can also use a straightedge or square to ensure a straight cut.

4. Keep the angle grinder steady.
Before using the angle grinder, try it out for grip and test the weight to ensure that you can handle it. Most grinders will have two handles that will help to keep the tool steady, and you should check its stability and make sure you can hold it comfortably with your dominant hand.

5. Cutting the Concrete

Hold the grinder with both hands and carefully cut along the marked line, applying gentle, even pressure. Let the tool do the work; don't force it.

6. Dust Management

To minimize dust, consider using a wet-cutting attachment or have a helper spray water near the cutting area. This reduces dust and keeps the blade cool.

7. Making the Final Cuts

Repeat the cutting process until you've completed the entire cut. If you need to make a corner or a curved cut, stop the grinder and reposition the concrete as needed.

8. Ensure that it is switched off at the power source when it is no longer required.

Disadvantages of cutting concrete with an angle grinder.

Indeed, an angle grinder possesses ample power to cut through concrete materials, but its performance is likely to be inferior when compared to a wet cutting method.

A walk-behind concrete saw employs water to maintain the temperature of the diamond saw blade, whereas angle grinders lack a water cooling component. Consequently, when cutting exceptionally hard materials like reinforced concrete, your diamond blade is at risk of rapid wear and tear.

For sporadic concrete cutting tasks, a manual angle grinder suffices for lighter-duty cutting work. However, heavy-duty concrete cutting demands the use of a concrete saw as it is essential for the job.

Conclusion

Cutting Concrete with a angle grinder is a viable option for DIYers and professionals person. By using an angle grinder with a diamond blade, you can achieve clean, precise cuts. 

The above guide and information on how to use an angle grinder to cut concrete has been summarized by Corediam - manufacturer of diamond tools. If you have further questions, please get in touch.