Disc Cutters | Concrete Saws

A Disc Cutter (or Concrete Saw) is a handheld power tool designed often used in construction and landscaping for cutting hard materials such as bricks, blocks, pavers, concrete, tiles, natural stone and structural metals and pipework.

Usually handheld, they’ve been a favourite tool of many tradesmen for decades thanks to their ability to cut through tough surfaces with relative ease.

Disc cutters typically use a circular diamond tipped steel blade to deliver fast, precise cuts through tough surfaces.

Disc cutters are used in a variety of industries and for numerous applications such as:
Construction & Demolition: These hard-wearing, high-performing tools are essential to the construction industry and used in projects that require precision cutting through hard materials.
Landscaping: Disc cutters enable the user to create precise straight cuts in a variety of materials such as paving stones, sandstone, concrete slabs.
DIY Projects: Disc cutters can be used by competent DIY enthusiasts for a variety of home improvement projects such as installing a patio or pathway, or installing tile flooring.

An Electric Disc Cutter is a plug-in masonry or concrete saw that delivers powerful cutting performance without the noise, fumes, or maintenance of petrol models.

Evolution’s electric cutters are perfect for indoor and outdoor use, quick setup, and clean operation.

Electric disc cutters are usually lighter, more compact and easier to handle than petrol ones, making them a better choice for general work and projects that require more precision.

They also produce less noise and emissions than petrol disc cutters, making them more environmentally friendly. Electric disc cutters also provide instant torque at all times and don’t require revving up to start a cut.

Petrol-powered disc cutters use a fuel and oil mix that requires mixing before use; they produce more noise, exhaust fumes and are usually heavier and larger than electric disc cutters. They do provide the ability to be used in places where there is no power and the largest petrol models can provide more power than their electric counterparts.
Read our hand guide to petrol versus electric disc cutters here

Yes, with the right guidance and safety precautions, disc cutters are straightforward to use. Both DIYers and professionals can operate them effectively. However as with any bladed power tool they can be very dangerous.

Due to the exposed blade and high cutting power, it’s essential to read the manufacturer's manual, follow safety instructions, always wear protective gear, and start with lighter tasks, or seek help from someone with experience if you're new to the tool.

As a minimum, always wear:

• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles or a face shield are crucial to protect your eyes from flying particles.
• Dust Mask: Disc Cutters (particularly if dry cutting) will produce a significant amount of dust. An FFP3-rated dust mask or respirator are required to prevent inhalation of potentially hazardous particles
  Hearing protection:
• Even electric and battery powered cutters can be very loud, so earplugs or ear defenders are important to protect your hearing.
• Gloves: These will help protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and burns from sparks and hot debris.
  Sturdy Footwear:
• Work boots or sturdy shoes will protect your feet from falling objects and debris.
• Long sleeves and trousers: Can help protect your skin from sparks and flying debris.

Evolution Disc Cutters are electric; offering a cleaner, quieter, and more user-friendly alternative to traditional petrol models. They start instantly, require no fuel mixing, and produce zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
To learn more read our Top 5 Reasons to Choose Electric & Battery-Powered Disc Cutters Over Petrol guide

Modern electric and battery-powered disc cutters outperform traditional petrol models in every key area. Read our full petrol versus electric comparison here

Electric disc cutters are usually lighter, more compact and easier to handle than petrol ones, making them a better choice for general work and projects that require more precision. They also produce less noise and emissions than petrol disc cutters, making them more environmentally friendly. Electric disc cutters also provide instant torque at all times and don’t require revving up to start a cut. 

Petrol powered disc cutters use a fuel and oil mix that requires mixing before use, they produce more noise, exhaust fumes and are usually heavier and larger that electric disc cutters. They do provide the ability to be used in places where there is no power and the largest petrol models can provide more power than their electric counterparts. 

The choice between electric or petrol power will come down to many factors such as power, cost, weight, ease of use and the type and size of job. 

Evolution’s Electric Disc Cutters can cut most masonry materials, brick, block, paving slab, concrete, roof tile, ornamental stone, sandstone and harder quartz-based stone. Due to the segmented blade design they are not suitable for cutting high fired porcelain tile and other glazed ceramics. 

Evolution's range of disc cutters are designed to cut through tough materials like concrete, brick, asphalt, stone, metal, and tiles. With the right blade, you can tackle a wide range of surfaces, making them ideal for construction, landscaping, and renovation projects.
Due to the segmented blade design they are not suitable for cutting high fired porcelain tile and other glazed ceramics.
Explore our full disc cutter blade range.

Water suppression It’s a system that sprays water onto the blade during cutting to reduce the amount of dust emitted into the air. This keeps the workspace cleaner and improves visibility. Water suppression also cools the blade and extends the lifespan of both the blade and the saw.

Water suppression is a legal requirement on construction sites for health and safety compliance.

The R260DCT-Li, R300DCT+ and the R350DCT models all feature water suppression .

Both the R350DCT and the cordless battery-powered R260DCT-Li feature our new automatic water feed valve for the most efficient water suppression. The automatic valve lets the water flow as soon as the blade starts spinning and cuts the water off when you release the power. There's also an independent flow rate control valve, so you can 'set and forget' to get perfect cuts every time.
The Evolution R300DCT+ includes dual-sided water-fed dust suppression, but not our automatic on/off feature.
All our disc cutters featuring water suppression connect to a hose or pressurised bottle and uses brass fittings for durability.

Dry cutting:

• Relies on the blades rotation to air cool the blade. This generates significant amounts of dust, which can be a health hazard and reduce visibility.
• Can lead to faster blade wear due to heat build up
• Generally faster cutting speeds and easier setup
  

Wet cutting:

• Uses water to suppress dust, reduce friction and cool the blade,
  Improved blade life due to better cooling and lubrication.
• Cleaner, safer, and can result in a better finish
• Wet cutting is preferred for prolonged or indoor use.

All our disc cutters are built for handling these types of projects. The choice of cutter depends on the size of your project, how regularly you will use the saw and whether you are a tradesperson or DIYer.

The R230DCT is ideal for a home DIY project, cutting paving slabs and patio stone. Its our smallest and lightest disc cutter, but has a powerful 2000W and gives a 90mm max cutting depth.
For regular trade use, the R300DCT+ offers deeper cuts, a more powerful motor, and water suppression making it faster and more efficient for larger jobs.
The R260DCT-Li with our best ever EvoMax diamond blade is our flagship battery-powered cordless disc cutter. Built for trade and serious DIY, with an ultra-thin blade and automatic water suppression it's the perfect partner for the most diverse landscape projects.

All our disc cutters are perfect for cutting through bricks and blocks.

The R230DCT is our entry level disc cutter, perfect for DIY or light trade use. With a 2000W motor and 90mm cutting depth the R230DCT will easily cut a brick when laid flat.
All our other disc cutters will cut through a brick and block in one pass on the longest side. This speeds up your workflow and means no turning of brick or blocks.

All our other disc cutters with a 102mm depth of cut will easily cut through a typical UK cavity wall, making it ideal for opening up walls for fitting new windows and doors.

Yes, with a metal-specific blade.

Evolution’s multi-material blades can handle mild steel and non-ferrous metals. For frequent metal cutting, consider a dedicated metal cutting saw or blade.

At Evolution we have a wide range of saws with varying cutting depths for all requirements

• R230DCT: 90mm - ideal for DIY and light trade use
• R255DCT: 102mm - larger blade cuts a brick or block in one pass - ideal for DIY and light trade
• R260DCT-Li: 102mm - cordless battery power, ideal for trade and serious DIY
• R300DCT / R300DCT+: 115mm - built for heavy duty trade use
• R350DCT: 130mm - our deepest cuts, perfect for heavy duty trade use in the toughest conditions

These depths generally exceed typical performance for saws with similar blade sizes.

No, you don't need a specific license to use a disc cutter or concrete saw in the UK.

However, under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) of 1998, anyone who uses, supervises, or manages the use of work equipment, including disc cutters and concrete saws on a worksite, must receive adequate training for health and safety purposes.

Unlike petrol disc cutters, electric and battery-powered saws require minimal servicing. The main consumable is the carbon brushes, which are easily replaceable by the user.
As with all power tools proper care and maintenance of your disc cutter is crucial for ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and safe operation:

1. Inspect before each use. Check the disc for damage like cracks or chips and replace it if necessary. Ensure the arbour is clean to prevent wobbling
2. Clean after use: Remove dust and debris to prevent overheating. Use a brush or air to clean ventilation slots. Clean the cutter body with a suitable cleaner to remove residue and prevent rust.
3. Store properly in a dry, frost-free location. Avoid storing in extreme temperatures.

Evolution disc cutters are built tough and all have a 3 year manufacturers warranty, Should you ever need to replace a part on your saw due to damage or misuse Evolution offers a wide selection of spares via the website as well as complete product servicing at competitive rates.

R230DCT & R255DCT: 22.2mm arbor
R300DCT & R300DCT+, R350DCT: Reversible flange mount for 20mm and 22.2mm blades

Yes, but only electric or battery-powered disc cutters are suitable for indoor use.

Electric models offer zero emissions and lower noise, making them ideal for enclosed spaces.
Battery-powered disc cutters provide the same benefits with added mobility and reduced trip hazards from cords.
Petrol-powered disc cutters are not recommended indoors due to fire risks, exhaust fumes, and the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If using a disc cutter indoors, always ensure:

• Good ventilation
• Proper PPE (e.g. FFP3-rated mask, goggles, hearing protection)
• Effective dust suppression (e.g. water-fed systems or extraction)

Prioritizing safety and choosing the right tool will ensure a cleaner, safer, and more efficient indoor cutting experience.

Yes, many tool hire companies offer disc cutters for short-term use.

Renting is ideal for one-off jobs, but buying may be more cost-effective for frequent use. Evolution tools are competitively priced for both DIY and trade.

While both tools use rotating discs, disc cutters are a specialised cutting tool. They are larger and more powerful and designed for deep, straight cuts in masonry and metal. Angle grinders are smaller, more versatile, with a wide range of applications and disc options. As the name implies, they are better suited for grinding, polishing, and cutting thinner materials.

Disc Cutters:
Purpose: Primarily for cutting hard materials like concrete, tile, and metal.
Cutting Discs / Blades: Generally uses diamond blades
Cutting Action: Designed for making clean, precise cuts in hard materials.
Examples: Used in construction, demolition, and landscaping for tasks like cutting concrete slabs, tiles, or metal pipe

Angle Grinders:
Purpose: A versatile tool used for a variety of tasks including cutting, grinding, polishing, and even sanding.
Discs / Blades: Uses a variety of discs, including cutting grinding and sanding discs, wire brush wheels, and polishing pads.
Cutting Action: Can cut, but excels at grinding down materials, smoothing surfaces, and removing rust or paint.
Examples: Used in metal fabrication, automotive repair, and construction for tasks like grinding welds, cutting metal stock, or polishing surfaces

When selecting a disc cutter, prioritise features that minimise risk and enhance control. Evolution Disc Cutters offer all of these safety features as standard:

• Blade Guards: Essential for protection against sparks, debris, and accidental contact with the rotating blade.
• Electric Brake Control: Quickly stops the blade when the trigger is released, significantly reducing the risk of injury and allowing for safer operation.
• Dust extraction compatibility: Minimises the production of harmful dust during cutting, either by using water to dampen the dust or by collecting it with a dust bag/extraction system.
• Wheeled Skid Plates: Allows for safer placement of the tool down before the blade has stopped spinning and helps in making straighter cuts, particularly at ground level.
• Soft start motors: Gradually brings the blade up to full speed, reducing strain as well as the risk of losing control during startup

Advanced safety features offered on selected Evolution Disc Cutters:

• Water Suppression Systems: Reduces the amount of dust emitted into the air. This keeps the workspace cleaner and improves visibility. Water suppression also cools the blade and extends the lifespan of both the blade and the saw
  

Always wear:

• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles or a face shield are crucial to protect your eyes from flying particles.
• Dust Mask: Disc Cutters (particularly if dry cutting) will produce a significant amount of dust. An FFP3-rated dust mask or respirator are required to prevent inhalation of potentially hazardous particles
• Hearing protection: Even electric and battery-powered cutters can be very loud, so earplugs or ear defenders are important to protect your hearing.
• Gloves: These will help protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and burns from sparks and hot debris.
• Sturdy Footwear: Work boots or sturdy shoes will protect your feet from falling objects and debris.
• Long sleeves and trousers: Can help protect your skin from sparks and flying debris.

Also remember to follow all of the manufacturer's safety instructions provided with the tool.