I recently saw someone using a 60V Flexvolt chainsaw to cut through a brick wall on a contractor's Facebook page, and I'm curious about how realistic that is. The company specializes in installing egress windows in basements, so they must know what they're doing, but the guy was wearing his safety goggles on top of his hat instead of over his eyes, which seemed absurd to me. I would definitely want both goggles and a face shield to stay safe! Is it genuinely feasible to use a chainsaw for this kind of work? Also, are the chains considered a wear part that they have to replace often? What kind of cost and maintenance should I expect if someone is regularly using a chainsaw for cutting into brick walls for window installations?
3 Answers
There are some chains designed specifically for cement, like those offered by companies focusing on cutting equipment. I know some people use hand saws with carbide teeth for similar tasks, and they slice through concrete surprisingly well. But yeah, if they're going dry cutting, OSHA would definitely have regulations on all that cement dust produced!
What you saw might have been a concrete saw, which has a similar body to a chainsaw but is fitted with a diamond blade for cutting through hard materials. They exist in the Flexvolt lineup and are meant for such tasks. Also, you’re right about maintenance; chains do wear out quickly when used on abrasive materials like concrete.
Yes, you can use special chainsaws for concrete, although I'm not sure if the Flexvolt model is designed for that. They usually require a specific chain that can handle tougher materials, but most standard chainsaws aren't up to the task. Also, using water cooling is important for this type of cutting, as it reduces dust and helps keep the equipment from overheating!
Absolutely, handling concrete really needs those special setups to avoid wear and tear.
Totally agree! I've seen chains that use carbide bits for that kind of work, but you definitely go through a lot of parts, and safety is key with all that dust flying around.