Every wonder how the concrete mason pours concrete? They work fast don't they? Here is where it all begins.
Base preparation
7 1 4 Saw
Concrete needs a firm, flat sub-surface on which to be placed; much of the concrete's strength depends upon it. Often washed stone or gravel is used to level out parts of the area to be covered with concrete. Small washed stones often referred to as pea-gravel are easy to level with a rake and provide a suitable sub-surface. The level stones also allow your contractor a uniform base from which he can accurately estimate how much concrete will be needed.
Forming
Once the sub-surface is prepared. The next step is to form the perimeter of the project. Forms can be made from any material, but usually wood and metal are most common. Sometimes contractors use masonite, or even plastic for curvy sections. Many residential concrete driveways are 4 inches thick; however driveway thickness can vary up to 6 inches. For a 4 inch thick concrete driveway, usually a wooden 2 inch by 4 inch board is used on its side and placed around the perimeter of the project. Once the form boards are in place, reinforcing wire mesh or reinforcing bars (re-bar) are laid within the project to help either reinforce the concrete or keep it from separating.
Pouring Concrete
Concrete is ordered and delivered from a local batching plant. Concrete is often ordered at pounds per square inch (psi) rating of around 4000psi. This usually means about 6 bags of portland cement to every yard of concrete. When the concrete arrives it usually requires that water be added to achieve the correct consistency or slump.
Screeding
The concrete is placed between the forms. A screed is used to level the concrete. A screed is a straight board or piece of aluminum in the shape of a 2 by 4 board that the contractor uses to level the top of the concrete. Contractors will now begin the finishing process by floating the surface. The tools can be hand floats up to as big as a finishing tool called a bull float. Floats are used to help level and fatten the concrete even further. The aggregate or stones in the concrete are pushed down into the concrete giving the slab a smooth finish. At this time the contractor will likely begin other finishing steps including edging the concrete with an edging tool or hand cutting the slab.
Finishing
After a brief initial drying period, the concrete is ready for final finishing. Drying time can be as little as a few minutes to up to an hour. In places where the concrete will be exposed to the elements, the concrete requires an anti-slip texture to be applied. Often these textures can either be a variation of a magnesium float finish or a broom can be drug across the surface.
Saw Cutting
The concrete slab should be saw cut for stress relief if it wasn't already hand cut during the finishing process. The saw cutting of the slab weakens the concrete where it has been cut so that when the concrete cracks from various pressures it will hopefully crack where it weakest; in the saw cut. The idea is that it is better to have cracks that are straight inside your saw cuts where you can't see them then to have cracks running rampant throughout the slab.
Curing and Sealing
The concrete will need to cure before it can be fully utilized. During this curing process, it will be necessary to apply a curing/sealing product to help the concrete cure slowly and evenly. A curing product will slow the evaporation of water from the concrete helping eliminate potential problems such as cracking. The curing process usually last between 1-2 months; longer if the temperature is cool. The concrete should be cured well enough however for a vehicle to be parked on it in as few as 7-14 days with 14 days being the safer amount of time.
Hot Tip! Purchase the best concrete sealer you can afford. Penetrating sealers are best and will form a permanent bond to your concrete.
Christmas Sales Black & Decker CS1030L 13 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Laser Circular Saw with Soft Grips 201
Dec 08, 2011 17:26:16
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Christmas Sales Black & Decker CS1030L 13 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Laser Circular Saw with Soft Grips Feature
- Comfortable to handle and hold for precise, accurate results
- On-board laser ensures straight cuts
- Powerful 13 amp motor; 5,000 RPMs; 90-degree capacity of 2-3/8-inches
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 11.8 x 8.1-inches (WxHxD); weighs 8.0-pounds; 2-year warranty
- Includes one 18-tooth carbide blade, 6.0-foot cord, and blade wrench
Christmas Sales Black & Decker CS1030L 13 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Laser Circular Saw with Soft Grips Overview
Features: Black & Decker CS1030L 7-1/4 Laser Circular Saw 13 Amp Powerful 13A motor provides the power and torque for cross cuts and rip cuts in all woods On Board Laser for cutting accuracy Bail handle design provides versatility and control Align your blade to the kerf indicator for greater accuracy cuts Bevel adjustment adjusts from 0-45 degrees for accurate angled cuts Calibrated depth adjustment for quick, accurate cuts Piranha 18 tooth carbide blade provides fast and smooth cutting for everyday jobs Ergonomically designed main handle with soft grips for maximum comfort and control Specifications: Black & Decker CS1030L 7-1/4 Laser Circular Saw 13 Amp Amps -- 13 Amps Revolutions/Min -- 5000 rpm Capacity at 90 Degree Cut -- 2-3/8 Capacity at 45 Degree Cut -- 1-13/16 The Black & Decker CS1030L Includes: 7-1/4 18T Carbide blade 6 Ft Cord WrenchChristmas Sales Black & Decker CS1030L 13 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Laser Circular Saw with Soft Grips Specifications
Trying to follow that pencil mark as you cut long stock with a circular saw can be tricky. The mark might blend with the stock if it’s painted, making it difficult to see. And certainly, there’s sawdust to contend with when it comes to keeping an eye on the cut line. Anyone experiencing these troubles will appreciate the laser guide on this 7-1/4-inch circular saw from Black & Decker. The saw’s on-board laser extends a bright, visible line across the work surface, offering a perfectly straight and highly visible cut line that’s easy to follow. The saw is powered by a beefy, 13 amp motor that spins the blade at 5,000 rpm’s, providing plenty of speed and torque for cross cuts and rips through all types of wood. The saw cuts smoothly through material up to 2-3/8 inches (the tool’s capacity at 90 degrees). With an angled cut of 45 degrees, the saw cuts stock up to 1-13/16 inches thick. Bevel adjustments from 0 to 45 offer accurate angled cuts. And, a calibrated depth-adjustment fine-tunes quickly and locks solidly for cuts through materials of varying thicknesses. Best of all, ergonomically designed front- and rear-assist handles with soft grips mean comfort and control on extended jobs and help stabilize the saw for tricky vertical cuts. The purchase is covered by a two-year manufacturer warranty. --Brian D. OlsonWhat’s in the Box
18-tooth carbide blade, 6-foot cord, and blade wrench.
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