It is easy to become overwhelmed when faced with asphalt that is deteriorating and needs to be repaired. The question of how to cut asphalt has a simple answer.
Today we will show you how to tackle this task without the assistance of professionals using a wormdrive or circular saw.
What You’ll Need
Many of the major power tool manufacturers offer a variety of saws and tools specifically designed for asphalt cutting. It is unlikely that you will need this type of saw if you are not doing asphalt work as a profession.
A worm drive, or a circular saw with a diamond-blade blade will work well to get the job done. Here’s what you will need:
Step 1: Clean The Area
Make sure you clean up the area around where you will be cutting. You should remove any dirt, rocks, or debris from the area, especially if it is in the way of the cutting.
Step II: Mapping The Cut
Next, you’ll need to draw a line in chalk. This will ensure that the cut is clean and uniform. You will only need one line to create a channel for cable. If you are repairing a hole or cutting decorative trim, however, you will need to snap lines across the entire work area.
You should leave a few inches between the hole and your filler if you are filling it. This will ensure that all asphalt is removed from the hole. I can assure you that nothing is worse than trying to patch asphalt and then discovering that the section wasn’t wide enough. It has already begun to crack again.
Use a rectangular or square shape to cut. It will be easier for the asphalt to bond to your old asphalt if the edges are precise than if you fill in a hole that is round or irregularly shaped.
Step III: Preparing For The Cut
Before I start the saw, I like to mark the area that I will be cutting. This gives you a starting point and prevents the blade from skipping in the first few passes.
To define your line, use a screwdriver or a hammer to chisel and chisel along the line. You are now ready to learn how asphalt is cut.
Step IV: Making The Cut
We are now (finally!) ready to learn how asphalt can be cut.
A diamond blade is a must for your saw. The blade edge of diamond blades has a coarse grit, which makes it easier to cut. The old grit on the blade edge is removed as you cut. This creates a new coarsely-gritted surface.
A worm drive saw is a good choice for this job. A worm drive saw is better able to handle the additional stress of cutting asphalt. However, a circular saw can also be used for the same job.
Adjust the blade depth to match the asphalt thickness. This will prevent you from cutting below asphalt. If the blade comes into contact with concrete or rocks underneath asphalt, it can crack or slip.
Make sure you are wearing safety gear before you start cutting.
Once you’re ready to start, pull the trigger. You will need to remove the blade guard from a circular saw before you pull the trigger. Before you start cutting, let the saw reach its maximum RPM.
Next, slowly and carefully plunge the blade into asphalt. Don’t apply too much pressure. Let the saw do its job. Once the saw has reached the correct depth, the saw can be moved along the chalk line.
After you are done, let the saw stop completely before removing the saw from the asphalt. While a wet saw is great for making one pass, a dry saw may require you to make several passes to finish the cut.
Step V: Removing Asphalt
Once you’re done cutting, you will need to remove any asphalt that remains in the hole.
To remove asphalt dust and debris from a channel you are cutting to run cable, it is a good idea to quickly grab a broom.
The Final Word
It is much easier than you might think when it comes to cutting asphalt. You can quickly cut asphalt with tools you already own to run cables or fix cracks. When using power tools, be sure to work safely and always be careful.
