Concrete coring is a commonly used process in the construction industry for making deeper cuts in existing concrete or brick structures. It is widely used for making way for electrical conduits, piping and various other such needs.
Like any concrete cutting job, it is something best left to the professionals. However, you can always rent out proper core drilling equipment to try and do it on your own.
Here are a few tips to help you with your concrete core drilling project:
1. Depth of cutting
There are different types of drills available in the market such as handheld drills and drills mounted on a stand. If you plan to make cuts deeper than 70 cm, it is recommended to put the drill on a stand. If the hole has a diameter of more than 3 inches, the drill should go on a stand. In other cases, you could use a hand-held grid.
2. Every cut is different
A common mistake amateurs make is assuming that all the concrete coring jobs work exactly the same. Every job is different and depends on the age of concrete, hardness and size of aggregate, special chemical additives to increase hardness, type of brick and various other parameters. It means you need to plan for every project from the ground up.
3. Drill bit
Concrete core drilling requires diamond-tipped bits. There are different types of diamond bits. The major difference between these bits is the bonding strength between the bit hub and the cutting surface.
If you need to drill through a rough surface, it is recommended to choose the bit with a soft bond. On the other hand, a harder bond is recommended for drilling through softer surfaces.
4. Drill at the right speed
If you don’t have much experience under your belt, you might have this tendency to drill at a faster speed but that’s not something a professional would do.
Too high drilling speed results in synthetic diamonds in the bit skipping over the grinding surface which means new diamonds won’t be exposed leading to a blunt edge and a rough cut.
5. Safety first
There is a reason for the existence of strict safety regulations at construction sites. Without proper safety gear, workers are much more likely to get hurt.
This is why you should never begin a DIY core drilling project without proper safety gear. Make sure you have proper gloves, earplugs, safety goggles, safety shoes, right drill and drill bit for the project.
If you have never used a concrete core drill, practice first and make sure you can handle the drill before starting your project.
6. Check water before drilling
Don’t forget to turn on the water before you turn on the drill or the water jacket seals on the drill might start leaking due to overheating.
7. Hire a professional
More often than not, it is worth hiring the services of an experienced professional to take care of your concrete core drilling needs. A professional has the proper gear, tools and training. They know which tool to use for the purpose and know how to handle the drill to achieve great results.
Final Thoughts
Concrete core drilling looks much simpler than it is. It requires extensive experience, professional tools and proper training to achieve clean cuts that do not require any reworking. You should try it on your own only if you are confident in your ability to handle the drill in the right manner.
Sydney Sawing & Drilling is the premier concrete cutting company in Sydney. We offer all kinds of concrete cutting, core drilling and related services at affordable prices.
Give us a call at (02) 9158 6101 to know more about our concrete core drilling services.
