Clean Soff-Cut joints are a mark of a skilled concrete contractor. Here are some tips from our concrete cutting experts on how you can ensure clean Soff-Cut joints and avoid ravelling or spalling:
1. Make sure your blade is broken in properly
Always break in your blades before you start to make your cuts. To break in your blades, put the diamond blade on the saw, and turn the engine rpm down to 50%. Run the blade through green concrete for 50-100 feet at 50% rpm. You should start to see exposed diamonds on the blade segment.
2. Cut the concrete in the Green Zone™
Soff-Cut is made for when concrete is in the Green Zone™. To start to detect the Green Zone™, first, press down on the concrete with your hand. If there is no imprint, step down on the concrete. If there is no footprint after stepping on the concrete, finally, roll your saw onto the concrete. If the saw doesn't leave an imprint you are in the Green Zone™ and you should begin cutting. Check out Husqvarna's video on detecting the concrete's Green Zone™.
3. Check the alignment of the skid plate
The skid plate is designed to prevent the ravelling of the Soff-Cut blade. It is located at the bottom of the blade block attached to the two spring-loaded pistons at the bottom of the blade block. If that is misaligned, the Soff-Cut blade is more likely to wobble and cause ravelled joints. To check alignment, put the blade on the saw and drop the blade into an existing cut. The blade should be in the middle of the skid plate and the pistons should be able to move freely. If the skid plate or blade block is broke, bring your saw to one of our Repair Centers.
Help Avoid Ravelled Soff-Cut Joints: Joint Protectors
