[reallylongnickn]

I would like to expand current basement windows into egress windows as a project later this Spring. Thing is, that concrete saw looks scary. I’ve never used one. Huge blade.

Everything on YouTube regarding this saw is only 5 min and no mention of safety or how to use.

 

[Windows on Wash]

They aren't that bad if you are physically capable. Cut some scrap blocks and get the handle of it.

What is your foundation? Poured, block, other?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Are you comfortable with a standard chainsaw, say with an 18" or 20" bar on it, in yer hands,..??

If so, it's much like runnin' a demo-saw, only more dangerous(the chainsaw),.....

Biggest difference is a demo-saw has more of a gyroscopic effect than a chainsaw,.....
It takes more effort to go from up-right to sideways, but once turned, the effect subsides,.....

For cuttin' a hole in a wall, ya need the 14" blade to reach atleast 1/2 way through, on each side,......

 

[Bud9051]

You can use a smaller saw to get started, first two inches. Then the monster saw has a path to follow and will seem much less intimidating.

Bud

 

[reallylongnickn]

ya I own and use a Stihl chain saw. Thx for the input and the suggestions. I feel more confident. I’ll come back to this post when warmer weather is near

 

[Bondo]

ya I own and use a Stihl chain saw. Thx for the input and the suggestions. I feel more confident. I’ll come back to this post when warmer weather is near

Ayuh,...... Another option is a Concrete Chainsaw,......

You might find one available locally at yer favorite rental shops,.....

 

[Windows on Wash]

Ayuh,...... Another option is a Concrete Chainsaw,......

You might find one available locally at yer favorite rental shops,.....

The chain will be more expensive than a blade on a demo saw...keep that in mind.

Issue with a demo saw is that you can cut the corners. You have to finish that with an angle grinder and a diamond blade.

 

[ront02769]

If I were attempting this with my 10” thickpoured concrete foundation, I would be fastening a guide to the wall first.

 

[stadry]

14" blade will JUST cut 5" deep if you're lucky & change the blade collar to a smaller diameter,,, make the 1st cut w/4" dia blade on hand grinder,,, no matter what, you'll still have to address ends UNLESS you overcut,,, easiest way to do this is drill a hole thru 1st then measure & layout based on its location,,, cutting wet will be messy but also very little dust

 

[jomama45]

Block basement or poured? A block basement could be done with a 7" circular saw, if you had to, and you could lay it out without hitting any webs. The other benefit of cutting a block wall is that you don't have to cut the horizontal either.

 

[Calson]

Making the vertical cuts is easy. What is difficult is making a straight and level horizontal cut with a hand held circular concrete saw. I would look for a saw that is mounted on an assembly, much as is used for core drilling in concrete. This is one of those projects where it is better to hire a professional who has their own tools and has years of experience and has their own medical and liability insurance.

This is not a good time to risk getting seriously injured and having to go to a hospital and possibly pick up Covid-19 and other infectious diseases like a mrsa bacteria.