Making The Cut With A Concrete Saw

Does your concrete project require more finesse than simply breaking up the concrete with a jackhammer?  A cut-off saw, floor saw or concrete chainsaw may be the answer.  All three items provide the capability of cutting concrete and in some instances asphalt with control and precision.  Let’s take a look the capabilities of the different concrete saws available for rent.

 Cut-Off Saws

For most concrete cutting jobs, the cut-off saw is a popular choice.  These hand-held saws can be used to cut concrete, asphalt and metal.  Cut-off machines resemble a chainsaw, however they have a circular blade instead of a chain and bar.  Typically available in 12-inch or 14-inch blade sizes, cut-off saws can be powered by a two-stroke gasoline engine or an electric motor.  Abrasive (silicon carbide material) or diamond- rimmed blades are the most common saw blades for cutting concrete.  Both blades are used to cut or score concrete, with our 14-inch (blade diameter) cut-off saws able to cut up to four inches deep.  When used to “score” concrete, the “score line” allows for a nice cut-line when breaking out a concrete section.

 Concrete Chain Saws

If you need to cut an opening deeper than 5-inches, you might want to consider a concrete chainsaw for your job.  Our concrete chainsaws have a 12-inch bar and work great for cutting out openings in concrete for plumbing, electrical components, windows and more.  This saw is also designed like a chainsaw using a power head, guide bar and diamond chain.  A two-stroke gasoline engine powers our concrete chainsaws and the saws use a chain that incorporates diamond segments that are laser welded to the chain in place of the cutting teeth typically found on a wood chainsaw.  The diamond segments create a grinding action that wears away the concrete.  This grinding action creates a very safe cutting operation with no kickback and each chain will cut from 30-feet to 60-feet of concrete.

While similar to a concrete cut-off saw, a concrete chainsaw is designed to plunge nose first into the concrete and has the ability to cut more than twice as deep as a 14-inch cut-off saw.  Concrete chainsaws provide a deeper cut with no over-cut, allowing you to make square corners, which is not possible with a cut-off saw.  They can be used to make openings as small as 4-inches by 4-inches and to cut odd shapes and sizes.

For more tips and information on our ICS chainsaws, check out the ICS website, http://icsbestway.com/en/tech/index.aspx

 Concrete Floor Saws

Walk-behind concrete saws or “floor saws” are used to cut sections of flooring or similar flat sections.  Our 14-inch saws will cut up to a depth of 4-inches.  This type of saw can be used for scoring concrete for slab removal with a jackhammer, making expansion cuts to new concrete slabs, and cutting asphalt.  These saws are gasoline powered and similar to the cut-off machines use either a silicon carbide abrasive blade or a diamond-rimmed blade.

 Diamond Blades vs. Abrasive Blades

As mentioned above, you have the option of using either an abrasive blade or a diamond blade when using a hand held cut-off saw or a walk-behind concrete saw.  The abrasive blades work well for small cutting jobs in concrete, asphalt, or even metal.  The downside to abrasive blades is that they wear as you use them (similar to a grinding wheel) so the blade life is much less than the life of a diamond blade.  Diamond blades allow for a faster cut and offer a constant cutting depth.  They are available for purchase or rent and are a much better value if your job requires a significant amount of cutting.  While we have dry-cut blades available, most of our diamond blades are “wet-cut” requiring water to keep the blade cool (which extends blade life) and the dust down.

 Safety First

With any project safety comes first.  The cutting of any material using power tools creates dust and flying chips.  We recommend the use of safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles, work gloves, a work apron or close fitting clothing, hearing protection, and an approved dust/mist respirator.

A Few Jackhammer “Tips and Bits”

Recently, we discussed the different types of jackhammers and pavement breakers available for rent in “Bust A Move With A Jack Hammer”.  As mentioned, the type of material and application you are working with will determine the type of hammer and tool bits (point, chisel, spade, etc.) you will need to efficiently complete your job.

The different tool bits let you break, cut, dig, or tamp using the same electric or pneumatic hammer and by choosing the right jackhammer tool for your job, you will be able to complete your work easier, faster and safer.  The material you are working with usually tells you which tool you will need to use.  For example, if you use the wrong jackhammer tool the concrete may not give it back or you’ll spend time punching holes in the concrete without doing much breaking.  That is why it is important to learn which tools are made for each type of job.

Concrete Points and Chisels

The standard moil point and the narrow chisel are the most widely used all-purpose tools for concrete breaking.  When using either of these tools it is important not to pry too much with the hammer as the tool shank could break prematurely.  Larger chisel bits are popular for scoring normal-strength concrete or breaking up weak concrete or other materials that are too soft for efficient moil point or narrow chisel work.  With soft materials, a moil point simply punches a hole, while a chisel bit does more breaking or chipping.

Asphalt Spades and Clay Spades

For materials such as asphalt use an “asphalt spade” with a 5-inch wide blade.  It cuts through thick asphalt pavement and removes deteriorated asphalt quickly.  But don’t use this tool to break or cut concrete – the thin blade and softer steel is too easily damaged.  Spades for clay or hardpan cutting and removal come in blade widths of 4-1/2 inches and 5-1/2 inches.  The blade section is thin and curved for faster cutting and easier earth removal.

Bushing Tools

Bushing tools are used to remove high spots in a floor or to roughen a surface for better adhesion of overlayments and top coatings.  Engineers sometimes specify a bushing tool for roughening concrete surfaces at construction joints.  The tool also is used for texturing architectural concrete surfaces.  Bushing tools have a serrated face with rows of pyramidal points made of hardened steel.  Typically there are 9 or 16 points.  The paving breaker tool has a 2” square face and the smaller chipping hammer and electric hammer tools have 1-3/4” square faces.

Rod, Stake and Pipe Drivers

You can also save time and effort by using tools that drive rods, stakes and pipes into the ground.  Ground rod drivers, furnished in diameters ranging from 5/8” through 2-1/2”, are used to drive form pins, curbing pins, and different sized steel and stakes.  A pipe driver, designed to accommodate more than one size pipe, uses a center stem to guide the pipe and the cup does the driving.

Tampers

To use a jackhammer or pavement breaker as a tamper, a shank with a square or round tamper pad can tamp backfill or repack loose materials in tight corners or narrow trenches.

Sharpening:  All of our points, chisels, spades, and bushing tools are professionally sharpened after each rental.  This ensures that each tool has the right cutting angles and is properly heat-treated to restore the integrity of the steel before use.

Remember, the right “tips and bits” make a jackhammer, chipping hammer or pavement breaker one of the most versatile and productive tools you can rent!

Updated Website Provides More Information About Equipment

Our new website will make the process of finding equipment much simpler. We’ve partnered with Point Of Rental Systems to create an online experience that will make looking for equipment via our website much easier and more convenient. Let’s take a moment to go over some of the new features.

Database Driven Online Equipment Catalog

By partnering with the same company that created our counter sales software, we were able to create an online equipment catalog that is interactive in ways similar to searching for items on Amazon or other online retail stores. You either search by clicking on a category or typing in keywords and then a list of items matching your search comes up. Then you can click on the item for more information.

Quote Request

Our new website also gives you the ability to generate a quote request. You can select items you would like to rent and get a price estimate (not including extras such as tax, damage waiver, or delivery fees). You may then submit the quote request to our stores where our staff will follow up with you to provide you more details about the cost of renting the equipment.

Please note that the quote request is NOT a reservation. It is simply for the purpose of contacting us for more information about the equipment. To reserve equipment, you must contact one of our locations either by phone or by stopping by the showroom and speaking to our staff.

Forms and Applications

All of our forms and applications are available under the Resources menu on the Navigation Bar. PDF files of our credit application and update forms, employment applications, and donation request forms can be found here. We have also included a PDF file with information on our rental policies as well as links to our blog and information on our propane sales.

Enhanced Mobile Experience

Our mobile website also got an upgrade and boasts many of the same features as the full website. When you’re on the go or on the job site, you’ll have 24/7 access to our equipment catalog and rental rates.

We hope our new website will make your renting experience a breeze. Take a moment and go check out the new website for yourself at www.buncerental.com.

After The Flood

The last thing any of us want to experience is that unforeseen leak or minor flood that has left your home or building a soggy, wet mess.  Now begins the arduous task of cleaning up the water and drying out the carpets or flooring. At Bunce Rental, we have several solutions to help cleanup and dry out your home.  This week, we’re covering cleanup of minor leaks or flooding that does not require a pump to remove standing water from your area.  We’ll cover the different types of water pumps available in a future post.  For now, we’ll take a look at carpet cleaner extractors, fans, dehumidifiers, and ozone generators.

Carpet Cleaner Extractor

More commonly referred to as a carpet shampooer, this machine will extract excess water from your carpets and suction up puddles of water off hard floor surfaces such as concrete or tile.  In this instance, you would only be using the extractor function (vacuum) of the machine to remove any excess water.

Dehumidifiers

Even after using the carpet extractor soaked carpets and flooring will still be wet.  A dehumidifier will help remove moisture and humidity from the area, preventing mold and mildew from growing. To use the dehumidifier, set it up in the area you want to use it in, positioned so that the machine is elevated in such a way that the discharge hose is able to slope down into the bucket or sink to catch water or out through a window.

Turbo Dryers/Direct AirPath Fans

These fans direct air towards the floor to help dry the wet carpets and floors faster.  Many times these will be rented to help dry carpets faster after they have been shampooed.  The Turbo Dryers (also known as carpet fans) are snail-shaped with the airflow directed horizontally across the floor.  The Direct AirPath Fans are circular in shape and can direct the airflow right over the wet area.  Direct AirPath Fans can also be positioned on their side if a more horizontal direction of the airflow is preferred.

Ozone Generators

Once the room has been dried out, an ozone generator will help to kill mold, mildew, or even a smell that’s been left behind by the damage.  A full description of how the machine works can be found on the Shipp Cleaning System’s website.  Keep this in mind when using an ozone generator; the area that is being treated must be closed off.  The area must be clear of people and pets while the ozone machine is running.  While the ozone generator is running, it temporarily changes the oxygen in the area to ozone which while breathable can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, or bloody noses in a similar fashion to thinner levels of oxygen found at higher altitudes.  The ozone generator has a timer that will shut off the machine after the set amount of time (anywhere from 1 to 12 hours).  After the machine is done running, open up the room, let it air out, and check for signs of the odor, mold, or mildew.  If needed, run the ozone generator again.

Shipp Carpet Systems has also provided us with an overview of what to do for cleaning up water and also smoke damage.

 

 

To learn more about our fans, dehumidifiers, and carpet cleaners, call to speak to our staff at any of our locations.  Our staff will help you determine which of these options may be right for your application.

Keeping Equipment Winter-Proof

With colder temperatures coming our way, we felt it was time to share some tips for using some of our equipment in cold weather.

1.  Pressure Washers – Must be stored some place where they cannot freeze during colder temperatures.  If the fluids inside the pressure washer freeze, this can cause damage to the water pump and hoses.
2. Carpet /Rug Cleaners – Similar to a pressure washer, carpet cleaners have a water pump.  Take care to store carpet cleaners in a warm place so they will be safe from freezing temperatures.
3.   U-Cart Concrete – Call us to see if the concrete batch plant is up and running during colder temperatures.  The batch plant may need time to thaw before we can mix concrete.
4.   Using a tool that requires a 2-cycle fuel mix?  Make sure to start these up periodically even you’re not using them.  That way when you do need to use the tool, it will be easier to start and use.
5.   Give equipment a chance to warm up.  Let the equipment run for 3-4 minutes before putting it in gear.  Hydraulic equipment such as Bobcats and Dingos are prone to significant damage from immediate use.  The oils need to thin out and warm up for the equipment to be effective.

It is really important to take extra care during the cold weather season. Freezing water in the pump, lines and/or heating coils of any equipment is susceptible to damage if not winterized or stored in a warm area.

 

Basic Equipment Fixes

A couple weeks ago, we discussed the different options for what we can do when equipment malfunctions on the Job Site, including some fixes we’ll recommend over the phone before we send someone out. This week, we’ll discuss some of the most common fixes we run across when equipment doesn’t perform as expected.

1) Check the fuel switch. Some of our equipment (specifically lawn and garden) have an on/off switch for the fuel. Check to make sure the switch is in the on position. If it’s in the off position, switch it to the on position and try starting the machine again. If you’re unsure if the equipment has a fuel switch, call the rental store to find out.

2) Is the choke on or off? This one can work one of two ways. If the machine is being started cold, check to see if the choke is in the on position. If needed, turn the choke on and try starting the equipment again. Now if the machine is being started after it’s been warmed up either in the rental yard or on the job site, check to see if the choke is in the off position. If you find that the choke is in the on position, move the choke to the off position. The engine may also be flooded at this point. You may need to wait 5-10 minutes before being able to start the equipment.

3) Check fuel and oil levels. If you’ve been running the machine for awhile, check the fuel and oil tanks. If the levels are low, refuel if necessary.

4) Is the equipment on level ground? Some of our equipment needs to be set completely level in order to work properly. Equipment such as scissor lifts and articulating lifts have a feature that if the equipment is not level, an alarm goes off and the machine will not continue to raise up. Even a slight angle can set this feature off. On other equipment such as a pressure washer or texture rig, setting it on even ground can cause the fuels need to run the machine to be positioned in a way that they cannot flow through the machine properly. The machine then does not run properly.

5) Check the air filter. On larger equipment like backhoes and dozers, running the machine for extended periods of time can cause the air filter to clog up and subsequently, the equipment will not run smoothly. If this happens, check and clean the air filter. If you are unsure about how to check and clean the air filter, please call the store you rented the equipment from and our staff will gladly talk  you through the process over the phone.

An Inconvenient Reality

Maintenance of equipment while on a job site wouldn’t be our first choice to cover in blog post. But even with the best laid plans and service before it goes out, equipment sometimes doesn’t perform to expectation on the job site.  It’s an unpleasant reality of using equipment and tools. When that happens we’ll do our best to get the equipment up and running so you can finish your project.

If you’ve rented equipment and it is not working like it should,  call the store you rented it from right away.  Even if it’s something minor, you feel you could make do with it, give us a call to let us know there is a problem.  We want to make sure your job goes as smoothly as possible.

Depending on the circumstances of the equipment malfunction, we have a variety of options available.

1) Phone Consultation. Sometimes the equipment needs just a slight adjustment such as a switch flipped on or the machine needs to be set on more level ground. Minor fixes such as this can be done over the phone.

2) On-site Repairs. With some lines of equipment, we may opt to send a service technician to the  job site to determine if the equipment can be repaired. If the equipment can be repaired on-site, the service will go ahead and do so. If the equipment cannot be repaired on-site, the equipment will be taken back to the shop and arrangements made to exchange equipment or reschedule if possible.

3) Repairs In-Store and/or Equipment Exchange.  If the machine can’t be fixed over the phone or on-site, we recommend exchanging it for a different machine. With many of our smaller tool & equipment lines, we generally carry a surplus of equipment and can exchange the equipment quicker than repairing the equipment on the job site.  If we do not have a replacement available, we will work with you to reschedule.

Equipment repairs and malfunctions are inconvenient and we wish they didn’t happen. However, when they do happen, we want to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible. So if the equipment you rented is not working properly please call us. We will do everything we can to get it working properly and keep your project on track.

Today Is The Day!

You’ve had this day set aside for weeks. The weather is cooperating. Your help is standing by waiting to spring into action. You’ve picked up the materials you need from the hardware store. All that’s needed is to stop by the rental store and rent the equipment necessary to finish a home improvement project that will make Bob Vila drool with envy.

With everything lining up perfectly for this project there’s no way anything could go wrong and derail this project. The equipment at the rental yard is just sitting waiting for you to pick it up. No reservations required.

Sometimes, the show up and it’s there approach does work. However, this method is a gamble and could set your project back with out some proper planning. To help minimize the unexpected road bumps, we offer a few tips for having your rental equipment ready to pick up ahead of time.

1) Contact the rental store ahead of time. Call or drop by several days ahead of time to speak with the rental store staff about what you’re looking to rent and your project.  By taking time to discuss your project with our staff, we can help ensure you are getting the right piece of equipment for your project. In any case, a little research and advice will help ensure project day isn’t derailed by having the wrong equipment or materials. You’ll have time to make adjustments and stay on budget.

2) Reserve equipment. This ensures the equipment will be ready and waiting for you on project day, especially if it’s a popular item or an item that is shuffled between our different locations. We recommend at latest calling to reserve at least 3-4 days ahead of time. If we need to transfer the equipment from another store, this window gives us time to have it transferred to the store you’d like to pick it up from. In instances where the equipment is being delivered, we’re better able to schedule the delivery time  more to your convenience.

3) Prepare the project site. Do as much of the preparation work on the project site as you can ahead of time. Rental equipment is rented based on the amount of time it is out, not just based on how long it’s been used. Whether that’s having your underground utilities marked for a digging project or taping off and covering areas where you’ll be painting nearby, it’ll save you time and money with the rental equipment.

4) Have photo ID and a credit or debit card at the counter. In order to rent equipment, we require photo ID such as a driver’s license to be presented and a credit or debit card for deposit.  The credit or debit card will be charged at time of rental a minimum of the estimated cost of the rental. We cannot rent out equipment without charging the debit or the credit card for the deposit.

5) Secure the proper vehicle for transporting equipment. Just as important as having the right tool for the  job is having the right vehicle to transport the equipment. Some equipment will fit in your run of the mill car or SUV. Though if you’re concerned about the equipment getting your vehicle dirty, you may not want to use that vehicle for transporting equipment. If at all possible, especially when it comes to larger equipment, use a vehicle such as pick up truck for transporting equipment. There will less worries about whether equipment will fit. If you’re planning to rent a trailer, remember to check with our staff about the requirements that the towing vehicle must meet (as mandated by our insurance company) to be able to rent the equipment. More information can be found on towing can be found on our website.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Plan Ahead

Ray Bonnes
Store Manager, Tacoma

Now that spring is knocking on the door. It’s time to start thinking about your first lawn and garden project. With that said, I always remind people to “work smarter, not harder”. When you decide to start a project, take a moment to see what your working conditions will be to start with.

For example:

• Do you kn0w where your phone line, electrical power line, and gas line is buried ? Rent a locator or hire someone to find it before you start to dig.
• Will you be using the machine on a slope or hill? What precautions should you take to ensure safe operation of the machine?
• Has your garden soil been tilled recently? If not, the soil is probably hard packed; make the job easier with a rear tine tiller. (See Rototiller Rundown for more information on this subject)

Plan the job out ahead of time and put safety first; the job will run smoother and safer.