Cutting concrete and masonry doesn’t have to be a tough, dusty task — with the right tools and technique, you can get clean, precise results every time. Whether you’re working on driveways, footpaths, renovation openings, or professional construction projects, choosing the right saw is key.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between a concrete saw and a ring saw, how to use each safely and effectively, and how to achieve professional-grade results with Forestwest’s high-performance machines.
🔧 Introducing the Best Tools for Concrete Cutting
Before we dive into how to use these machines, let’s meet the stars of the show:
Forestwest BM722 350mm 3500W Petrol Concrete Saw · $1,569.00 A powerful, ergonomic petrol concrete saw with water tank and stand, designed for smooth straight cuts.
Forestwest BM723 370mm Petrol Ring Saw · $3,299.00 A heavy-duty ring saw built for deep plunge cuts and tough concrete jobs with precision.
These are both petrol-powered cutting machines built to deliver reliable performance, vibration-reduced operation, and easy control across a wide range of demanding applications.
🧠 Concrete Saw vs Ring Saw — What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between a concrete saw and a ring saw helps you choose the right tool for your job:
🪚 Concrete Saw
A concrete saw — like the Forestwest BM722 — is designed for straight, fast, surface cuts in concrete slabs, paving, and masonry. It typically has a circular blade mounted at the front that cuts straight and efficiently, ideal for control joints, trenching, and cutting to predetermined depths.
Best for:
✔ Cutting joints in slabs
✔ Trenching for plumbing/electrical runs
✔ Surface and edge cutting
🔄 Ring Saw
A ring saw — like the Forestwest BM723 — features a ring-style diamond blade that can make deeper cuts and plunge straight into the material without needing an entrance slot first. They are especially useful for thick walls, openings, and deep plunge cuts where a conventional saw can’t reach.
Best for:
✔ Deep cuts (up to ~270 mm)
✔ Door/window openings
✔ Flush-to-surface cuts without over-cutting
🛠️ How to Use a Concrete Saw (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to get perfect results with your concrete saw:
- Inspect the Saw & Blade
- Ensure the blade is rated for concrete and free of cracks.
- Check blade tightness and guards are properly installed.
- Set Up Your Work Area
- Mark your cut line clearly with chalk or paint.
- Keep the area free of debris and non-essential personnel.
- Safety First
- Wear PPE: safety goggles, hearing protection, gloves, and dust mask.
- Ensure stable footing and good balance before starting.
- Start the Saw
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for starting the petrol engine.
- Let the blade reach full speed before contacting the concrete.
- Cut Slowly and Steadily
- Gently lower the blade into the cut line — don’t force it.
- Use water (if available) to cool the blade and reduce dust.
- Finish Up
- Complete the full depth cut, then lift the saw carefully.
- Clean up slurry and check your cut quality.
💡 Pro Tip: Smooth, steady movement gives cleaner edges and reduces blade wear.
🛠️ How to Use a Ring Saw (Step-by-Step)
Ring saws require similar preparation but excel at other types of cuts:
- Blade & Machine Check
- Ensure the ring blade is secure and appropriate for the material.
- Check fuel levels and engine function.
- Plan Your Cut
- Measure and mark where you need to plunge or cut deeply.
- Be sure there’s space for the ring blade to clear the surface.
- Wear Safety Gear
- PPE is even more important with deep cuts due to vibration and dust.
- Position & Start
- Stand to one side of the marked line — blades can bite aggressively.
- Start the saw and let it reach operating speed.
- Plunge & Guide
- Gently plunge the blade into the concrete vertically if needed.
- Guide the saw along your mark, controlling depth and direction.
- Clean Cutting
- Use water if appropriate to manage dust and cool the blade.
- Remove the saw and check cut quality.
💡 Pro Tip: Ring saws can cut flush to walls and into thick material without over-cutting edges, making them ideal for structural openings.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a professional builder or a DIY enthusiast, choosing the right saw and mastering its use means better results, improved safety, and faster completion times.
- For straight, controlled surface cuts, the
Forestwest BM722 350mm 3500W Petrol Concrete Saw · $1,569.00 delivers excellent power, comfort and precision.
- For deep plunge cuts and tough wall work, the
Forestwest BM723 370mm Petrol Ring Saw · $3,299.00 is your go-to tool.
Explore both on the Forestwest site and choose the machine that suits your next concrete cutting project!