Home of the FAMOUS SHOCKER BLADE & SAW DEAL!
855-225-2337

Cement Saw Blades for Walk Behind Saws

by Blades Admin

Cement Saw Blades for Walk Behind Saws: Complete Guide to Types, Uses, Cutting Performance & Professional Recommendations

Cement saw blades for walk behind saws are essential tools in construction, roadwork, concrete demolition, and industrial cutting. These blades are engineered to withstand the intense friction, heat, and pressure generated during heavy-duty concrete cutting. Contractors depend on them for precision, deep cutting capability, and durability when working on thick cement slabs, sidewalks, foundations, driveways, highways, and structural concrete.

Walk-behind saws are powerful machines, and pairing them with the correct cement saw blade ensures cleaner cuts, faster production, and longer blade life. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and using cement saw blades for walk-behind saws—from blade types, bonding, and segment designs to cutting depth, performance considerations, and professional safety tips.

What Are Cement Saw Blades for Walk Behind Saws?

Cement saw blades for walk-behind saws are large-diameter, diamond-embedded blades designed specifically for cutting through cement and reinforced concrete. These blades differ from handheld saw blades due to their size, durability, and ability to handle high-horsepower machines.

Walk-behind saws, also known as floor saws or concrete slab saws, typically range from 5 HP to 65 HP, depending on the application. Cement saw blades used on these machines must withstand:

  • Continuous cutting

  • High torque

  • Vibration and lateral forces

  • Deep penetration into hard material

  • High temperature from friction

Diamond blades are the preferred choice because they slice through cement by grinding, rather than tearing or chipping, which produces cleaner cuts and longer-lasting performance.

Common Uses for Cement Saw Blades

Cement saw blades for walk-behind saws are used across a wide variety of applications in construction and demolition. Common uses include:

Heavy-Duty Concrete Cutting

  • Driveways

  • Sidewalks

  • Parking lots

  • Slabs and floors

  • Garage pads

  • Industrial foundations

Roadwork & Highway Construction

These blades are ideal for cutting through:

  • Cement road surfaces

  • Expansion joints

  • Pavement sections

Utility and Trenching Applications

Walk-behind saws equipped with cement blades are frequently used to:

  • Cut trenches for pipes

  • Create channels for electrical conduits

  • Prepare areas for plumbing installations

Demolition & Structural Removal

Reinforced cement (with rebar) demands strong, durable blade segments capable of cutting both hard concrete and steel reinforcement.

Precast Concrete Work

Cement saw blades are also used to cut:

  • Precast slabs

  • Cement pipes

  • Blocks

  • Concrete panels

Their durability makes them essential in manufacturing environments.

Types of Cement Saw Blades for Walk Behind Saws

Different blades serve different cutting needs. Understanding blade types helps contractors choose the right tool for the job.

1. Segmented Diamond Blades

These are the most common blades for cement cutting. They feature segmented rims separated by gullets, which allow for:

  • Airflow

  • Heat dissipation

  • Debris removal

Best for:

  • Cured cement

  • Sidewalks

  • Driveways

  • Reinforced concrete

They are designed for fast cutting and durability under high stress.

2. Laser-Welded Diamond Blades

Laser welding fuses the segments to the steel core for maximum strength.

Best for:

  • High-horsepower walk-behind saws

  • Reinforced concrete

  • Long continuous cutting

  • Industrial jobs

These blades withstand the heaviest loads and highest temperatures.

3. Soft-Bond Blades

Soft-bond blades are designed to cut abrasive materials. While cement itself is not extremely abrasive, certain mixes can cause premature wear.

Best for:

  • Abrasive cement

  • Green cement

  • Soft concrete aggregates

Soft bonds ensure the diamonds remain exposed for consistent cutting speed.

4. Hard-Bond Diamond Blades

Hard-bond blades are designed for very hard cement and reinforced concrete.

Best for:

  • High-PSI cement

  • Structural foundations

  • Reinforced slabs

  • Precast concrete

A hard bond prevents the blade from wearing too quickly.

5. Turbo Segmented Blades

Turbo blades combine segmented gullets with serrated edges for high-speed cutting.

Best for:

  • Medium-hard cement

  • Work requiring smoother edges

  • Finishing cuts

These blades offer a balance of speed and smoothness.

Understanding Bond Hardness in Cement Saw Blades

Bond hardness is a crucial factor when choosing the right cement blade.

Soft Bond

  • Wears faster

  • Always exposes new diamonds
    Best for: abrasive cement mixes

Medium Bond

  • Balanced wear rate
    Best for: general cement cutting

Hard Bond

  • Slow wear

  • Suitable for extra-hard materials
    Best for: high-strength cement and reinforced concrete

Choosing the correct bond ensures consistent cutting and maximizes blade life.

Segment Designs for Cement Saw Blades

Segment shape affects cutting performance, durability, and speed.

Standard Segmented

  • Most common for cement cutting

  • Offers fast speed and long life

Drop Segments

  • Prevent undercutting (especially on walk-behind saws)

  • Extend blade lifespan

Turbo Segments

  • Increase cutting speed

  • Reduce chipping

Tall Segments (15mm–20mm)

  • Provide extended blade life

  • Offer premium value for daily cutting operations

Segment height often determines cost vs. longevity.

Blade Sizes for Walk Behind Saws

Walk-behind saws use larger blade sizes for deeper cutting. Common diameters include:

  • 14 inch (entry-level walk-behind)

  • 18 inch

  • 20 inch

  • 24 inch

  • 26 inch

  • 30 inch and larger for roadwork

Cutting Depth by Blade Size

  • 14-inch blade → ~5 inches deep

  • 20-inch blade → ~7–7.5 inches deep

  • 24-inch blade → ~9–10 inches

  • 30-inch blade → ~12 inches

Contractors choose blade sizes based on project depth requirements.

Wet Cutting vs. Dry Cutting for Walk Behind Saws

Walk-behind saws typically use wet cutting for cement.

Wet Cutting

  • Keeps blade cool

  • Reduces dust

  • Improves blade lifespan

  • Delivers smoother cuts

  • Reduces friction

Water is essential for preventing overheating, especially during long, deep cuts.

Dry Cutting

Dry cutting is rare for walk-behind saws but may be used when:

  • Water is unavailable

  • Cutting green cement

  • Making short relief cuts

Dry cutting requires careful technique and cooling passes.

How to Choose the Right Cement Blade for Your Walk Behind Saw

Here are the most important factors to consider:

1. Saw Horsepower

High-horsepower walk-behind saws require:

  • Stronger core blades

  • Laser-welded segments

  • Higher RPM tolerance

Using a blade below your saw’s power rating risks premature failure.

2. Cement Hardness

  • Hard cement → hard-bond blade

  • Standard cement → medium bond

  • Abrasive cement → soft bond

3. Reinforcement Level

Rebar requires:

  • Laser-welded blades

  • Deep gullets

  • Hard-bond segments

4. Cutting Depth

Match blade diameter to desired cut depth.

5. Wet or Dry Use

Walk-behind saws usually require wet-rated blades.

6. Segment Height

Choose taller segments for long-term savings.

How Long Do Cement Saw Blades Last?

Blade life depends on:

  • Material hardness

  • Bond type

  • Saw power

  • Water flow

  • Cutting depth

  • Operator technique

Typical lifespan:

  • Standard cement: 300–800 linear feet

  • Reinforced cement: 150–350 linear feet

  • Abrasive cement: 200–500 linear feet

Premium blades can last significantly longer.

Professional Cutting Tips for Maximizing Blade Life

To get the most from your cement saw blade:

  1. Maintain steady water flow

  2. Allow blade to reach full RPM before cutting

  3. Avoid twisting or binding the blade

  4. Use consistent forward pressure

  5. Clean blade periodically to expose diamonds

  6. Dress blade if it begins to glaze

  7. Use the correct bond for material type

  8. Let the saw do the work—don’t force the blade

Proper technique dramatically extends blade performance.

Safety Tips When Cutting Cement with Walk Behind Saws

  • Wear eye, ear, and respiratory protection

  • Keep water lines clear and functioning

  • Inspect blade for cracks or loose segments

  • Secure the blade tightly before operation

  • Stay clear of blade path

  • Use both hands on the saw

  • Keep bystanders at a safe distance

Safety is critical due to the power and speed of walk-behind saws.

Conclusion

Cement saw blades for walk-behind saws are essential tools for construction professionals who need deep, precise, and durable cutting performance. With the right blade—proper diameter, bond hardness, segment design, and weld type—contractors can achieve clean cuts, maximize efficiency, and extend blade life during cement cutting, concrete removal, roadwork, trenching, and heavy-duty applications. Whether cutting reinforced slabs, sidewalks, driveways, or commercial foundations, high-quality cement blades ensure dependable, consistent results on every job.

Back to Diamond Blade