Georgia Concrete Cutting: Any of Y'all Deal with This?

Just saw this article about scheduling concrete cutting in Georgia. I've never done any concrete work myself, but I'm curious what you guys think. Is this something a DIYer could tackle, or better left to the pros? Also, any tips for someone who might want to try cutting concrete at home?

Hey Wendy, concrete cutting is no joke. I've been in the trades for 30+ years, and I've seen way too many DIYers mess it up. The dust alone is a nightmare, and if you hit a rebar with the wrong blade, it can throw the saw back at you. Plus, unless you've got the right equipment, like a proper walk-behind saw and a diamond blade, you're just asking for trouble. My advice: leave it to the pros for the big stuff, but if you're just cutting a small slab for a project, you can rent a decent saw from Home Depot. Just make sure to wear a mask and ear protection, and know where your water lines are!

I'm with Sam on this one. As a safety inspector, I've seen the aftermath of a few 'weekend warrior' concrete cuts. One guy nearly lost a finger when the saw kicked back. the vibration can cause 'white finger' syndrome if you're not careful. Also, dry cutting creates a lot of silica dust, which is a health hazard. If you do it yourself, wet cut if at all possible and use a vacuum. And please, check for buried cables and pipes before you start - you don't want to be that person who cuts through a power line. The article is about scheduling - I bet they do wet cutting and have all the safety gear. For a driveway or foundation, definitely call a pro.

Thanks Sam and Rick! That's really helpful. I didn't even think about dust and rebar. I was thinking about cutting a small patio slab, but maybe I'll just rent a saw for a day and do a practice cut in a spare piece of concrete. And I'll definitely wet cut. Also, I'll check for wires - I'm not trying to become a lightning rod! haha. Do you have any recommendations for a good beginner concrete saw for a small job?

For a small slab, a 12-inch electric saw with a diamond blade is usually enough. You can rent one for under $100 a day. Just make sure to get a blade rated for concrete and not just masonry - they're different. And always score the cut first, go shallow, then go deeper. That helps avoid chipping. And don't forget to clamp down a straight edge to guide the saw. Then, after you cut, seal the edges to prevent moisture. That'll help it last. If you're serious, check out the article's tips too - they might have some good points.