| Frequently
Asked Questions |
• Can
a diamond chain cut rebar?
Yes, Number 4
or 5 (12 or 16 mm) bar is not a problem. Anything over number 8 (25 mm)
is difficult. Large amounts of rebar will reduce chain life. Caution: Rebar
or steel must be surrounded by concrete or aggregate material.
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| •
How long will a diamond chain last? 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 (12 to 24 meters) in 6-inch (15
cm) concrete. On hydraulic saws, this range is most often doubled.
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| •
How long does a guide bar last?
Normally two or three chains. Heavy rebar can shorten
bar life.
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| •
Can a concrete cutting chainsaw cut dry? No.
It is a wet cut system. 20 psi (1.5 bar) minimum is required.
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| •
Is "kickback" a safety problem?
No.
Wood cutting chain has sharp hooked teeth that can grab the wood causing
kickback. Diamond chain grinds 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 rotational kickback; however,
firm footing and a two-handed grip is required and important for safety.
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| •
How fast will a concrete cutting chainsaw cut?
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 (30 cm x 15 cm) in 2 minutes. Hydraulic saws are
faster.
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•
When does the chain need tightening? |
| 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. |
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| •
What is the mixture ratio of oil to gas?
25 to 1 oil to gas mixture.
Recommend customer use a separate
gas container marked: ICS 25:1. Use ICS formulated oil to provide maximum
protection for the engine. ICS saws have a heavy duty cycle of up to 15
minutes of extended loading. 25 to 1 adds extra protection to your investment.
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