Cutting groove in pavement. Best method...?
 

It's time to install an Electronic (I mean electric :D) fence to keep the pup on the property. After much research I settled on an Innotek system.

Part of the installation will require me to cut a slot into about 40 feet of pavement in order to optimize coverage. I figure the groove will have to be 3-4 inches deep.

A friend suggested finding a circular saw blade to do the job. Seems like a pretty tough job for a circular saw. Anyone try this type of blade? I know I can rent one of those big a$$, gas powered walk behinds but would prefer to avoid the hassle.

Suggestions or advice.....?

If you don't want to rent the walk behind, rent a Sthil 12 in gas handsaw-there really isn't any other good way to cut macadam-

The first thing I thought of was rent the walk behind but I suppose that might be a little over kill for your situation.

I have cut through concrete roofs with a Milwaukee worm drive circular saw and a diamond blade.

That is if you have a big a$$ circular saw and a diamond blade... although if you are going to buy a diamond blade it might cost as much as renting the walk behind... but then you get to keep the diamond blade.


Also what is your time worth to you? The walk behind would be faster/easier than being on your hands and knees grinding away.

and you get to rent a gas power tool, I know what I would go for... (grunt, grunt)
:cool:

Heh heh.....I love gas powered tools.
The Stihl handheld sounds like a good Idea. I forgot about those bad boys. Keeping the cut uniform may be tough though. So I may have to go for the walk behind afterall.

Don't these use a cutoff type (fiberglass/copmposite) blade?

If you have to cut 40' X 4", do your back a favor & rent the small walk behind with a diamond blade. Scribe a 1/4" deep line over your crayon line to make sure your cut will be straight. Then make 2 or 3 more passes at about a depth of 1.5"to 2". Use minimum water, just enough to cool the blade & it is preferable to shopvac up the slurry before it dries to save yourself an ugly mess. Don't let it drain down the storm drain because it's toxic.

I did a lot of saw cutting when I was building/retro fitting gas stations. The cut you describe is a bit deep & long for a cut off saw with diamond blade.

my friend abuses his skilsaw with a diamond blade. he has done 40 feet before.

whatever you do, a dust mask is your friend. i have seen a small walk behind unit that is basically a skilsaw with a long handle. those diamond blades are not cheap.

All great advice, thanks.

Looks like I may get away with a 2" deep groove as the wire is only 20 guage.

I didn't think about the dust or know that the debri was toxic......good to know.