Cutting asphalt is a task that can be performed using standard power tools. There are several tools available for making cuts in the asphalt. The most effective tool you can use to make large and straight cuts is a circular saw furnished with the diamond blade. In this article ‘How to Cut Asphalt,’ you will get the step-by-step for cutting asphalt with a circular saw. You will also get the necessary and tips associated with the entire process.
Contents
How to Cut Asphalt Using Different Methods?
Lets look at some different methods of cutting asphalt.
Method 1: Using A Circular Saw
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Step 1: Clean The Asphalt With A Broom
The first step involves cleaning of asphalt with the help of a broom. You have to clean the entire area of asphalt thoroughly. This will remove all kinds of loose chunks of asphalt or debris. It is necessary to do this to get the perfect results. This step will ensure that the area is clear and safer to use.
You have to remember this thing before proceeding towards other steps. This is because the debris or rocks present on the asphalt may hurt you while cutting and cause injury. You can use any broom for this purpose and move it over the asphalt.
Step 2: Mark The Cutting Lines
The next step is to mark the lines on the asphalt. You have to carefully mark these cutting lines as it will decide the outcome. You can use a chalk line to make the long straight lines or the length you wish to cut. A chalk line is a retractable string covered with chalk. You have to stretch that string in a straight line at a small height above the ground. Then lift it and leave it towards the ground to form a chalk line.
In case you want to create a short line, such as cutting out a piece from damaged asphalt, you can use chalk and a straight edge. This will help in making short cuts on the asphalt and getting the results.
Step 3: Arrange A Circular Saw With A Diamond Blade
In this step, you have to arrange a circular saw with a diamond blade. Using a diamond blade to cut asphalt is better than the regular saw blades. This is because diamond blades are strong enough and have the capability to cut hard substances like asphalt. Regular blades may get damage while cutting this material. Similarly, you can cut air stones and Flagstones too.
You can get a diamond blade from your local hardware store or home improvement center. You can also easily fix a diamond blade into a circular saw. For this, you have to loosen the nut holding the blade using a wrench. Then, remove the old blade and put the diamond blade in place of it.
Step 4: Wear Safety Equipment And Start Operating The Circular Saw
Make sure to wear the safety equipment before beginning the process. They are essential for personal protection from dust and debris. You have to wear protective eyewear, a face mask, and earplugs to cover the ears while using a circular saw. Also, you can wear work gloves for the protection of your hands from the pieces of asphalt.
Now, you have to plug in the saw and hold the power trigger down until the blade reaches its maximum speed. This will make your job easier to start the cut on the asphalt. You can cut the asphalt of about 4-inches deep with a regular circular saw with a diamond blade.
Step 5: Sink The Blade Slowly Into The One End Of Cut Line
You have to sink the diamond blade slowly into the one end of the cut line on the asphalt. Make sure to plunge it continuously until it gets sunk all through the asphalt. You can proceed along the line only after this. It is necessary to ensure this thing because you will not be able to extend your cut further and affects the actual outcome. You can confirm the blade is through the asphalt when you feel less resistance while cutting, and the blade can pass through the material.
Step 6: Move The Blade Slowly Along The Cut Line
After getting the first cut into the material, you have to proceed further along the cut line. You have to use both of your hands to push the saw along the chalk line. But make sure to do this task slowly and without any hassle. Continue the process until you reach the end of the cut line.
Then, lift the saw and remove your hand from the power button to stop the saw. You can check the cutting result and follow the same process for other chalk lines if you want to have more than one.
Step 7: Remove The Pieces Of Asphalt With A Shovel
In the last step, you have to lift out the pieces of asphalt with a shovel. When you are finished with your cutting job, use a shovel. You have to insert its tip below the asphalt and into the cut line. Fix it properly and lift the pieces upward. In case the pieces are large enough, you can firstly use a sledgehammer to break them into pieces and then lift them with a shovel. Repeat the same process for other cuts also.
Method 2: Using An Electric Chipping Hammer
Step 1: Clean The Asphalt With A Broom
The first step involves cleaning of asphalt with the help of a broom. You have to clean the entire area of asphalt thoroughly. This will remove all kinds of loose chunks of asphalt or debris. It will ensure that the area is clear and safer to use.
You have to remember this thing before proceeding towards other steps. This is because the debris or rocks present on the asphalt may hurt you while cutting and cause injury.
Step 2: Make Your Cut Lines With Chalk
The next step is to mark the lines on the asphalt. You have to carefully mark these cutting lines as it will decide the outcome. You can use a chalk line to make the long straight lines or the length you wish to cut.
For the larger lines, you can use a chalk line, whereas for smaller lines, you have to use a chalk piece with a ruler or straight edge to create the lines. You can also draw freehand for non-linear cuts but ensure that it should be according to your requirements.
Step 3: Wear Safety Equipment
Make sure to wear the safety equipment before beginning the process. They are essential for personal protection from dust and debris. You have to wear protective eyewear, a face mask, and earplugs to cover the ears while using a circular saw. Also, you can wear work gloves for the protection of your hands from the pieces of asphalt.
Step 4: Use The Electric Chipping Hammer With A Chisel Blade
In this step, you have to use the electric chipping hammer with a chisel blade. Make sure to use a wider chisel blade for long and straight lines, while the short chisel blade for non-linear and short lines. Then, you have to fix this bit. Keep the flat-ended part at the bottom into the bottom of the chipping hammer and lock the blade in its place. You can also make the rounded cut with a narrow chisel blade and make the perfect round cut.
Step 5: Turn On The Tool And Put It At The One End Of The Cut Line
Turn on the chipping hammer and hold it with both of your hands to handle it properly. The blade must be pointing to the line. The chisel blade moves up and down to dig deeper into the material and cut the asphalt apart.
The tip of the blade will touch the ground when it cuts all through the asphalt. You will feel this thing and confirm that the cut has been made. Also, if the ground underneath is dirt, then it will provide very little resistance against the tool.
Step 6: Move The Chisel Blade Along The Entire Length Of The Cut Line
Continue the above step and move the blade further along the line. Make sure to hold it with both hands for better stability. For proceeding further, you have to lift the blade and move it along the line to make further cuts. Keep going through the line until you reach the opposite end of that particular line. Then, turn off the tool and check the result.
Step 7: Lift The Pieces Of asphalt With A Shovel
In the last step, you have to lift out the pieces of asphalt with a shovel. When you are finished with your cutting job, use a shovel. You have to insert its tip below the asphalt and into the cut line. Fix it properly and lift the pieces upward.
In case the pieces are large enough and are heavier, you can firstly use a sledgehammer to break them into pieces and then lift them with a shovel. You can repeat the same process for other cuts also.
Things You Will Need To Cut Asphalt
- Circular saw with a diamond blade or electric chipping hammer: They are the main component of the entire procedure of cutting the asphalt.
- Chalk line or a piece of chalk: It is used for creating the cut lines on the asphalt.
- Safety equipment such as protective eyewear, gloves, face mask, and earplugs: These things are necessary for personal protection while cutting the asphalt.
- Shovel and sledgehammer: A shovel is used for lifting pieces, while a sledgehammer is used to break the large and heavier pieces into smaller ones.
Tips To Remember
- Always wear all the protective safety equipment for protection from debris and dust. Gloves are optional but are better for extra precaution.
- Prefer to use a diamond blade for cutting. Using a regular blade may not provide the desired results.
- Make sure to clear the asphalt properly before cutting the asphalt. This will remove the small rocks on the material. Otherwise, they could fly to your side and cause injury.
- You can use a chalk line for making larger and straight lines whereas a chalk piece for non-linear and curve cuts.
- Make the first cut slowly but with the maximum speed of the blade. After making the first cut only, you have to proceed further along the line.
FAQs
1. Which tool is better to use: Circular saw or electric chipping hammer?
Both tools are effective and efficient. You can use any of them to get the perfect results.
2. Which is the best model for a circular saw and electric chipping hammer?
The following are the best models:
• Circular saw: Makita 7-1/4-inches circular saw
• Electric chipping hammer: Bosch GSH500 5KG Demolition Hammer
3. What are the benefits of using a circular saw?
It is useful for making straight cuts on the material. Also, it is used for making precise angle cuts.
4. What are the unique features of a circular saw?
Here are the unique features:
• Cuts are straight and relatively precise.
• Cutting is done through the blades. The teeth on the edge of the blades are used for making cuts on the materials.
Final Thoughts
A Circular saw it is a perfect tool for making cuts in the asphalt. You can easily cut the asphalt using some simple steps. These steps are enough to provide you with the desired results.
Also, an electric chipping hammer is used for this purpose. It can provide the same results with the blade. You can also follow the tips to ensure more safety and accuracy. You can use any of the two tools and obtain the best results in your projects.
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