To get the most out of your floor saw, everything from selecting the right diamond blade to its safe operation should be considered. Here is our overview of cutting concrete, asphalt and everything in between.
Blade Selection and MountingMake sure that the diamond blade is selected in accordance with the material you have to cut and with the power of the machine. Before mounting any blade onto the saw, the blade should be inspected for any damage that might have occurred during transport, handling or previous use. The blade must be properly fitted over the shaft and drive pin, making doubly sure that the drive pin projects through hole in blade and into collar. Take care not to force the blade onto shaft, as this could lead to damage and the blade guard must always be in place when the saw is running. Always use an appropriately sized blade guard for the type of blade being used and (it almost goes without saying) wear safety glasses and appropriate safety equipment at all times. Watch our experts unbox and setup the Norton Clipper CS451 floor saw and discover some of their tips for setting up the machine. |  |
Machine Maintenance and Safety Precautions
The EU Directive 2002/44/EC (the ‘Vibration Directive’) places responsibilities on employers to ensure that risks from hand-arm vibration are eliminated or reduced to an absolute minimum. It also sets maximum limits to the daily exposure to these hand-arm vibrations to prevent chronic conditions such as “White Finger” from occurring in the operator.
Ensure that adequate coolant is used when wet cutting with diamond blades, this will assist in maintaining the life of the blade and cutting efficiency. If for any reason the blade stalls in the cut, carefully raise the blade out, check the outer blade shaft collar, and the tightness of the nut. Inspect the blade for damage and always use caution when resuming any cut; making certain that the blade is in alignment with the previous cut.
General Advice
- Never leave a floor saw unattended while its engine is running.
- Always secure the saw from rolling when not in use.
- Operate the engine at the proper RPM.
- Never alter RPM or governor setting.
- In case of an EMERGENCY: “SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY."
- Follow these Do's and Don'ts when using diamond blades
When Cutting Asphalt or Concrete…
Do not exert excessive side pressure on the handles as a method of steering nor try to force the blade into material by lowering the blade too quickly or increasing its speed. Larger diameter blades (450mm and above), are systematically used in step cutting between 5cm and 8cm and in short travel distances of 15 – 20 min. For deep cutting (> 20cm), we recommended that you make the first cutting-steps with a small diameter diamond blade (≤ 450mm) and then use a larger diameter diamond blade for last deepest steps. Following this procedure will help improve the life of the blade.
| The Norton Clipper Pro Beton diamond blade is ideal for cutting reinforced concrete – as you can see in the video, the blade glides through the concrete. The wide gullet allows the blade to cut faster and can be used wet or dry. The Norton Clipper Extreme Asphalt diamond blade has been manufactured using Norton’s i-HD technology, making it much stronger than other diamond blades. Drop-shaped segments reduce undercutting and offer exceptionally long life. There is a wide gullet slot, the direction of rotation is permanently marked and depth indicators show whether you’re cutting to five or 10cm for added ease. Our Extreme Asphalt diamond blade achieves excellent cutting speed with low vibration offering high comfort and fast removal of cutting debris. Watch our National Account Manager, Kevin Bisson, demonstrate the Norton Clipper CS451 cutting concrete and asphalt. | |
A great range of Floor Saws
For over 50 years Norton Clipper have been the standard bearer for floor saws; recognised for their quality and cutting performance on airport runways, residential driveways, and everything in between. Norton Clipper has an extensive range of floor saws in a range that offers everything from the lightweight machine for general contract work to heavy duty diesel saws for road cutting.
| The Norton Clipper CS451 floor saw boasts vibration reducing handlebars for a more comfortable operator experience. Tested according to the latest European Standard EN12096/EN13862, this floor saw has one of the lowest levels of vibration on the market and enables you to use the machine all day and still remain within the daily recommended HAV exposure level. The machine also benefits from an ergonomic design, which allows you to adjust the height so you can work more comfortably. The machine is extremely reliable and can be used wet or dry. The position of the water tank and the engine, a Honda GX390, optimises the weight distribution and takes some of the strain from you. Our clear indicator allows you to easily choose your depth of cut once the machine has been started up, while the continuous depth control with hand wheel and gauge enables quick, easy and accurate setting. Once you’re finished, it’s vital that you ensure the blade has been raised before switching off the machine to avoid any damage. We also have the following new Floor Saws available: Norton Clipper CS352 - light and compact Norton Clipper CS502 - ergonomic floor saw Norton Clipper CS1 500 - heavy duty |  |
More help and advice available
For more guidance or advice concerning floor cutting or any other operation in which involve abrasives, please contact our Norton Clipper experts using this web form.Visit the Distributor Locator to find your nearest stockist or hire merchant.
Visit our Spare Parts section, to read the spare parts manual and operating manual for your Norton Clipper machine.