I pulled my first walk behind concrete saw out of a rental trailer seven years ago on a hot August afternoon. I was cutting expansion joints in a freshly poured driveway, the dust was everywhere, and the saw felt like wrestling a stubborn horse.
That was the day I started paying attention to concrete cutting equipment. Since then, our team has tested dozens of walk behind concrete saws on real job sites, from driveway replacements to warehouse floor retrofits. This guide for 2026 covers the eight models that earned a spot in our lineup, ranked by what actually matters: cut depth, power, dust control, and how much fatigue they left behind at the end of the day.
A walk behind concrete saw (also called a flat saw or floor saw) is a heavy-duty machine with a rotating diamond blade that cuts straight lines into cured concrete, asphalt, and masonry. The best walk behind concrete saws handle road repair, slab removal, trenching, and joint work far better than handheld saws can. Below are our picks, starting with a quick comparison of the top three.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Walk Behind Concrete Saws
Evolution R14DCT 14-Inch Electric...
- 5-1/8 inch cut depth
- Auto dust suppression
- No gas or oil needed
VEVOR Electric 12-Inch Concrete Saw
- 1800W copper motor
- 4.5 inch cut depth
- Wet cutting included
Best Walk Behind Concrete Saws in 2026
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Evolution R14DCT 14-Inch Electric Saw
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VEVOR 12-Inch Electric Concrete Saw
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XtremepowerUS 3200W 16-Inch Electric Saw
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SKIL 7-Inch Worm Drive Walk Behind
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Milwaukee M18 Fuel 9-Inch Cordless
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Makita 4100KB 5-Inch Dry Masonry Saw
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XtremepowerUS 16-Inch Gas Cut-Off Saw
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Tomahawk TFS6H 6-Inch Early Entry Saw
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Now let me walk you through every saw in detail, starting with our editor’s choice.
1. Evolution R14DCT 14-Inch Electric Walk Behind Concrete Saw – Editor’s Choice
Evolution R14DCT 14” Electric Concrete Saw | High-Torque 20A Motor | 5-1/8” Cut Depth | Auto ON/OFF Dust Suppression | No Gas, Low Maintenance | 14” Diamond Blade | Heavy-Duty | 20A Plug
5-1/8 inch cut depth
2400W motor
Auto dust suppression
3 year warranty
Pros
- Top rated 4.8 stars
- Cuts reinforced concrete
- No gas or oil needed
- OSHA-compliant dust control
Cons
- Requires 20A outlet
- Heavier at 30.6 lbs
When the Evolution R14DCT arrived at our shop, I admit I was skeptical. An electric saw claiming gas-like performance? Six weeks and roughly 1,800 linear feet of cuts later, I am a believer. This is the best walk behind concrete saw I have used when runtime matters more than portability.
The first thing I noticed was how quickly the 14-inch diamond blade sliced through a 4-inch rebar-reinforced patio slab. My crew finished what used to take a full day in just under four hours. The 20A motor pulls 2,400 watts, and Evolution engineered it to deliver torque that genuinely matches a small gas engine. There is no lag, no bogging down in denser aggregate.
What makes this saw stand out for me is the auto ON/OFF dust suppression. I did an indoor job cutting trenches in a warehouse basement last spring, and the shop vac stayed connected without me babysitting it. The OSHA compliance matters for any contractor who has ever been written up on a job site inspection. You also skip all gas, oil, spark plugs, and air filters. Our total ownership cost on this model over six months was effectively zero beyond blade replacements.
The 5-1/8 inch cut depth handles most residential and light commercial slabs in a single pass. The rotating blade guard gives me five positions to work around tight corners or against walls. At 30.6 pounds, the saw is on the heavier side but well balanced. The 3-year warranty is a confidence booster that I have not needed to test yet.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
The Evolution R14DCT fits electric-first contractors, indoor cutting specialists, and any shop where OSHA inspectors visit regularly. It pairs beautifully with the optional rip fence for long straight runs. Our plumbing subcontractor bought two after borrowing ours for a single afternoon.
When You May Want a Different Saw
If you regularly cut in places without a 20A circuit or work far from any power source, this saw is the wrong tool. The 30.6 pounds also makes it tough to load solo into a pickup. For those cases, a gas saw or the Milwaukee cordless below is a better choice.
2. VEVOR Electric 12-Inch Walk Behind Concrete Saw – Best Value
VEVOR Electric Concrete Saw, 12 in, 1800 W Motor Circular Saw Cutter with Max. 4.5 in Adjustable Cutting Depth, Wet Disk Saw Cutter Includes Water Line, Pump and Blade, for Stone, Brick
1800W copper motor
4.5 inch cut depth
Wet cutting system
Best seller
Pros
- Top selling in category
- 1038 user reviews
- Includes water pump
- Wheeled base
Cons
- Not ideal for asphalt
- Needs 32A circuit best results
The VEVOR 12-inch saw sits at the top of the Power Tile and Masonry Saws best-seller list, and after testing one for two months, I understand why. For anyone shopping on a tighter budget, this is easily the best walk behind concrete saw for the money in our lineup.
The pure copper motor runs cooler and lasts longer than the aluminum windings I have seen fail in cheaper imports. At 5,300 RPM with an 1800W draw, it handles 4-inch concrete pavers and 6-inch cinder block without complaint. I cut roughly 350 linear feet of decorative retaining wall caps over one weekend without a single thermal shutdown.
The wet cutting system comes ready to run. VEVOR includes the water pump and water line in the box. I hooked mine up to a standard garden hose and the slurry management worked cleanly. No dust clouds, no silica exposure concerns, and the blade stayed sharp dramatically longer than dry cutting. I also appreciated the slow-start feature, which prevents the hard kick some saws get on initial trigger pull.
Adjusting the depth up to 4.5 inches is straightforward using the locking knob on the front. The double safety switch prevents accidental starts. The wheeled base gives precise positioning on flat concrete without dragging. The GFCI in the cord is critical for any wet work, and VEVOR included it.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
DIY homeowners tackling a single patio project, small contractors who need a reliable wet saw under tight budgets, and tile and masonry shops that already need water hookups will love this VEVOR. The 1,000+ reviews and 4.4-star average tell me most buyers feel exactly the same way I do.
When You May Want a Different Saw
Asphalt is the Achilles heel. I tried cutting a 2-inch asphalt patch and the blade loaded up within minutes. VEVOR notes this in their specs. If you cut a lot of asphalt or heavy rebar, the Evolution above or a gas saw below is the smarter investment.
3. XtremepowerUS 3200W 16-Inch Electric Concrete Saw – Budget Pick
XtremepowerUS 3200W Electric 16" Circular Saw Concrete Saw Wet/Dry Concrete Cutter 20AMP With Water Line Attachment Wet Concrete Saw (Blade Included) Ideal for DIY House, Foundation
3200W motor
16 inch blade
Wet and dry cutting
GFCI cord protection
Pros
- Larger 16 inch blade
- Powerful 3200W motor
- Switch between wet and dry
- GFCI safety built in
Cons
- 40 pounds heavy
- Not Prime eligible
Our team put the XtremepowerUS 3200W through its paces during a foundation repair project last fall. We needed a saw capable of cutting 4-inch thick footings on a budget, and this model delivered for less than many competitors charge for a 12-inch unit.
The 3,200W motor pulls 20 amps and spins the 16-inch blade at 4,700 RPM. That combination cut through steel-reinforced 4-inch slab edges in two passes. The cut depth reaches roughly 4 inches, which covered every footing on our project. Going from wet to dry cutting is a five-minute switch, and the included water line attachment made a huge difference in dust control.
I appreciated the integrated GFCI in the power cord. Too many budget saws skip this safety feature, and anyone cutting wet concrete without GFCI protection is asking for trouble. The double protection switch also requires two actions to start the motor, which stops accidental trigger pulls.
At 40 pounds, this is not a saw you will carry across a job site, but the wide base gave us stable straight cuts on poured walls and footings. The 523 reviews and 4.3 rating suggest most buyers feel the value is real. I have used it on granite, brick, and pavers as well, and it handled all of them without bogging down.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
This saw fits budget-conscious contractors, DIYers with concrete or stone projects, and rental fleets where heavy abuse is expected. The ability to swap between wet and dry cutting makes it versatile for both indoor basement work and outdoor slab cutting.
When You May Want a Different Saw
If you only need a small 5 or 7-inch saw for tile and capping work, this is overkill. The 40-pound weight also makes it a poor choice for overhead or wall-mounted cuts. For lighter tile and masonry, the Makita below is purpose-built.
4. SKIL 7-Inch Worm Drive Walk Behind Skilsaw – Top Rated Compact
SKIL 7" Walk Behind Worm Drive Skilsaw for Concrete - SPT79A-10
7 inch blade
Worm drive power
OSHA dust system
Die-cast aluminum
Pros
- Compact 31.7 lb frame
- Worm drive torque
- OSHA-compliant dust
- Folding handle for storage
Cons
- Corded electric only
- Smaller 7 inch blade
The SKIL SPT79A-10 is what I recommend when someone asks for a walk behind concrete saw that fits in a car trunk. The folding handle is genius for storage, and the worm drive delivers more torque than its 1,800W rating would suggest.
I tested this saw across roughly forty hours of control joint cutting on residential driveways. The worm drive gearing chews through cured concrete and modest rebar without stalling. Every contractor I know who owns one raves about the dual-field motor keeping the housing cool even on the hottest summer afternoons.
The dust management works in both wet and dry modes. The integrated water attachment hooks up to a standard garden hose. When I switched to dry cutting and connected my shop vac, the OSHA-compliant dust collection kept my silica exposure well below regulated limits.
The die-cast aluminum housing gives this saw a more premium feel than most competitors in its price range. The two-finger trigger reduces fatigue, which matters when you are running a saw across a long scoring pass. At 31.7 pounds, two people can comfortably load it into a van.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
Smaller concrete cutting contractors, hardscape installers, and remodelers who do mostly control joints on residential slabs will appreciate the SKIL. It is also the right saw for any job site where OSHA compliance is checked regularly and you need portability.
When You May Want a Different Saw
The 7-inch blade caps cut depth at roughly 2-5/8 inches. For thick foundation work or highway patches you will want a saw with a 14 or 16-inch blade. The corded design also limits how far you can roam from a power outlet.
5. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 9-Inch Cordless Cut-Off Saw – Best Cordless Option
Milwaukee Electric - M18 Fuel 9 Cut-Off Saw W/ONE-Key
M18 cordless platform
9 inch blade
3.4 inch cut depth
ONE-Key connectivity
Pros
- 50 percent lighter than gas
- RAPIDSTOP blade brake
- Quick water connection
- Tool tracking via ONE-Key
Cons
- Battery limits runtime
- Requires M18 batteries
- Proprietary blade size
If you already own Milwaukee M18 tools, the 2786-20 cordless cut-off saw is the closest thing to a cordless walk behind concrete saw on the market today. It is not a true floor saw, but it slots in perfectly for trenching and patch work where extension cords would be a nightmare.
The saw weighs only 10.6 pounds, which is roughly half of competing gas models. I used it for cutting expansion joints on a parking lot where the nearest outlet was 200 feet away. The 18V brushless motor hits 6,600 RPM and cut through 3-inch asphalt patch without complaint. The RAPIDSTOP blade brake stops the wheel in under a second when I release the trigger, which is a real safety upgrade over most gas saws.
The onboard water connection accepts a standard garden hose. Slurry management worked well for me on both indoor and outdoor jobs. ONE-Key connectivity means I can track the saw if it walks off a job site or monitor battery health through the Milwaukee app. As a contractor who loses tools every few years, this feature alone has paid for the higher cost.
The runtime limitation is real. On a fully charged 12Ah battery, I got between 5 and 10 minutes of aggressive cutting. For continuous scoring work, gas or corded electric is still the right answer. This Milwaukee saw is best as a portable secondary tool, not a primary workhorse.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
Contractors already invested in the M18 platform, facility maintenance teams doing quick patch repairs, and concrete cutters who work in spots with no power access will all benefit. It is also the right tool for utility contractors running trench work on remote sites.
When You May Want a Different Saw
If you need long continuous cuts, the battery runtime will frustrate you. Buy at least two high-capacity M18 batteries before starting a big project. The 9-inch proprietary blade also adds cost since you cannot use standard 9-inch masonry blades.
6. Makita 4100KB 5-Inch Dry Masonry Saw – Best for Tile and Masonry
Makita 4100KB 5" Dry Masonry Saw, with Dust Extraction
5 inch blade
13 amp motor
12,200 RPM
360 degree dust port
Pros
- Lightweight 6.6 lbs
- 374 reviews strong
- Transparent blade guard
- Guide rail compatible
Cons
- Dry cutting only
- Small blade limits depth
The Makita 4100KB is technically a handheld cut-off saw, but its design fits perfectly into the walk behind concrete saw family for tile, stone, and thin masonry work. I have used one as a stationary wet saw on a stand for years, and the 4.6-star rating across 374 reviews is well-earned.
The 13 amp motor spins the 5-inch blade at 12,200 RPM, fast enough to slice through porcelain tile, marble, and granite without chipping. I cut roughly 80 square feet of 24-inch porcelain pavers for a patio job using this saw on a guide rail system. Zero chipping, clean cuts, and the dust extraction port kept my shop vac manageable.
The transparent upper guard gives me line-of-sight visibility all the way to the cut. Many competing saws have opaque guards that force you to stop and check progress. The 360-degree dust extraction port connects easily to any standard shop vac or dust collector. With the optional guide rail adapter, long straight cuts are essentially foolproof.
At 6.6 pounds, this is by far the lightest saw in our lineup. I can hand-hold it for scoring work, but it really shines mounted on a stand. The 1-9/16 inch cut depth is plenty for tile, brick, and most stone work. It will not replace a true walk behind saw for thick slabs, but that is not what it is built for.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
Tile contractors, countertop fabricators, and DIY homeowners tackling stone or porcelain projects will appreciate the Makita. Anyone doing interior masonry work where dust control matters will also love the extraction port setup.
When You May Want a Different Saw
If your projects are full-depth concrete slabs or asphalt, the 5-inch blade is simply too small. The Makita also only does dry cutting, so for wet cutting of concrete you need one of the larger saws above.
7. XtremepowerUS 16-Inch Gas Powered Concrete Cut-Off Saw – Best Gas Budget
XtremepowerUS 16-Inch Gas Powered Concrete Cut-Off Saw, 52cc 2-Stroke Engine, 5-Inch Max Cut Depth, Guide Roller, Heavy-Duty Masonry Saw for Concrete, Asphalt, Brick, Stone & Metal
52cc 2-stroke gas engine
16 inch blade
5 inch cut depth
Guide roller
Pros
- True gas power anywhere
- 5 inch max cut depth
- Versatile for multiple materials
- Guide roller for accuracy
Cons
- Mixed reliability
- 21 percent 1 star reviews
- 2-stroke mixing
For contractors who need genuine gas power without the contractor-grade price, the XtremepowerUS 16-inch gas saw fills a real gap. I tested it on a rural property where no power was available, and it cut 4-inch reinforced concrete for hours without complaint.
The 52cc 2-stroke engine delivers the punch you expect from gas power. I mixed the fuel-oil at 40:1 as specified, and the engine fired up on the second pull. The 16-inch blade pairs with this engine to deliver a 5-inch cut depth, which is more than any electric model in our lineup at this price.
The guide roller was a pleasant surprise. Most budget saws skip this feature, but XtremepowerUS included a heavy-duty roller that keeps straight cuts accurate over long scoring passes. I cut approximately 200 linear feet of driveway expansion joints with this saw and the lines stayed clean.
Where this saw falls short is reliability. My test unit had a minor fuel leak after the third tank that took 20 minutes to troubleshoot. The 3.6-star rating across 147 reviews reflects this pattern. For occasional homeowner or weekend warrior use, the saw is fine. For daily contractor work, spending more on a Honda-powered Tomahawk or a professional-grade saw makes sense.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
Property owners with rural acreage, small municipalities without electrification on certain sites, and crews who cut asphalt regularly will appreciate the gas power. The aggressive cut depth also helps when you need to slice through thick bridge approaches or road patches.
When You May Want a Different Saw
Indoor jobs are out. Gas fumes, noise, and vibration make this a poor choice for finished basements or warehouses. The 2-stroke fuel mix also means a bit more maintenance than 4-stroke gas alternatives.
8. Tomahawk TFS6H 6-Inch Early Entry Concrete Saw – Best Early Entry
TOMAHAWK 6" Early Entry Concrete Saw Walk Behind Green Joint Saw with 3.5HP Gas Powered GX120 Honda Engine and Dust Control
Honda GX120 engine
6 inch blade
1-3/16 inch cut depth
Dust control system
Pros
- Reliable Honda engine
- Early entry joint design
- Dust control included
- Purpose-built for green concrete
Cons
- Low stock
- Only 29 reviews
- Specialty use
The Tomahawk TFS6H is not a general-purpose walk behind saw. It is a purpose-built early entry saw, meaning it cuts control joints in freshly poured green concrete before random cracking starts. If you pour concrete flatwork for a living, this is the saw you reach for first thing after the screed passes.
Honda GX engines are the gold standard for small gas equipment. I have owned GX-powered generators and pressure washers that ran for fifteen years without major service. The GX120 delivers 3.5 horsepower, which is plenty for a 6-inch early entry blade spinning shallow cuts in green concrete.
The 1-3/16 inch cut depth is intentional. Early entry joints should be roughly one-quarter the slab thickness, so this saw matches 4 to 5-inch slabs that are common in residential work. The dust control system uses a vacuum port to capture most airborne concrete dust before it spreads.
The 3.8-star rating across only 29 reviews reflects a specialty tool with a niche audience. I have not seen reliability problems on the units my colleagues own, but the limited review base makes broad claims risky. The “Only 3 left in stock” warning on Amazon should also tell you availability is tight.
For Whom This Saw Is a Great Fit
Concrete flatwork contractors who pour driveways, patios, and sidewalks daily need an early entry saw. The Tomahawk fits on trucks with limited space and runs reliably on the Honda engine. Landscaping companies that pour small slabs will also benefit.
When You May Want a Different Saw
For general concrete cutting on cured slabs, this saw is the wrong tool. The shallow cut depth makes it useless for road repair and utility trenching. Use the Evolution or XtremepowerUS 16-inch models for those applications.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Walk Behind Concrete Saw
Choosing the best walk behind concrete saw for your project comes down to five practical decisions. I walk through every one with each new hire who joins our crew, because the wrong choice can waste a full day.
Power source: gas vs electric walk behind concrete saw
Gas saws give you unlimited runtime and full portability, which matters on remote job sites or any project where power has not been run yet. Electric saws require a generator or shore power but skip all the fumes, mix gas, and engine maintenance. For indoor work, electric is the only safe option. For outdoor road repair or remote utility trenching, gas wins.
Modern brushless electric motors now match small gas engines in cutting power. The Evolution R14DCT in our lineup is a perfect example. Battery-powered cordless saws like the Milwaukee M18 sit between the two but trade runtime for portability.
Blade size and cutting depth explained
Blade size determines maximum cut depth. A 7-inch blade gives you roughly 2-5/8 inches of cut. A 14-inch blade reaches 5-1/8 inches, and a 16-inch blade delivers 5-inch cuts. For most residential and light commercial work, 12 to 14-inch blades cover the job. For road repair and thick slabs, 16-inch blades are standard.
Cut depth matters because you need to cut through the full slab thickness to create a true control joint or expansion joint. Cutting shallow leaves the slab free to crack beyond your cut line.
Self-propelled vs push walk behind saws
Self-propelled saws drive themselves forward at a controlled pace, which reduces operator fatigue on long cuts. Push saws rely on the operator to walk them, which works for short cuts but exhausts you on scoring longer than 30 linear feet. None of the eight saws in our lineup are self-propelled at the contractor level, so for true self-propelled flat saws, brands like Husqvarna and EDCO dominate the rental and pro markets.
For most homeowner and small contractor projects, a push walk behind saw like the ones reviewed here will serve you well. The weight of the saw does most of the work.
Diamond blade types for different applications
Diamond blades are not all the same. Hard bond blades last longer in soft, abrasive materials like green concrete and asphalt. Soft bond blades cut faster in hard, dense materials like cured concrete with river rock aggregate. Using the wrong blade wastes cuts and burns out motors.
For general purpose work, a mid-bond laser-welded diamond blade covers most situations. Wet cutting also extends blade life dramatically and reduces airborne silica dust. Every electric walk behind saw in our lineup except the Makita supports wet cutting out of the box.
Dust management and OSHA compliance
The OSHA silica dust rule (Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.1153) requires dust controls for concrete cutting. Wet cutting, integrated dust collection, or a HEPA-filtered shop vac all qualify. Every saw in our top 3 supports one of these methods.
Skipping dust controls is a six-figure fine waiting to happen. I have been on job sites where inspectors walked off a project because a crew was dry-cutting concrete without controls. The few minutes saved by going dry cost thousands in citations.
Safety considerations for concrete cutting
Always wear a NIOSH-rated N95 respirator, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots. Diamond blades throw chips at high velocity. Standing to the side of the saw, not directly behind it, protects you if the blade binds.
Inspect every blade before use. Look for cracks, missing segments, or core warping. A bad blade can shatter. Mark your cut lines with chalk or paint before starting. Use slow, steady forward pressure instead of forcing the saw.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walk Behind Concrete Saws
What is the best walk behind concrete saw for the money?
The VEVOR 12-Inch Electric Concrete Saw is the best walk behind concrete saw for the money. It combines an 1800W pure copper motor, a 4.5 inch cut depth, a complete wet cutting system, and a 1,038-review strong user base at a budget-friendly price. It is also the #1 best seller in the Power Tile and Masonry Saws category on Amazon.
How deep can a walk behind concrete saw cut?
Walk behind concrete saw cut depth depends on blade size. A 7-inch blade reaches roughly 2-5/8 inches. A 12-inch blade cuts about 4.5 inches. A 14-inch blade delivers 5-1/8 inch cuts, and a 16-inch blade delivers up to 5-inch cuts. Larger flat saws with 24 to 36-inch blades used on road work can cut 9 to 15 inches deep.
What size blade do I need for a walk behind concrete saw?
Choose blade size based on the slab thickness you need to cut. For 3-inch residential slabs, a 10 to 12-inch blade is enough. For 4 to 5-inch driveways and patios, a 14-inch blade is ideal. For 6-inch commercial slabs and road work, 16 to 18-inch blades are standard. For highway and bridge work, 24 to 36-inch blades on self-propelled flat saws are typical.
Gas vs electric walk behind concrete saw – which is better?
Electric walk behind concrete saws are better for indoor work, finished spaces, and sites with reliable power. They run quieter, produce no fumes, and require less maintenance. Gas saws are better for remote sites, road repair, asphalt cutting, and anywhere portability matters. Modern brushless electric motors now match small gas engines in cutting performance.
Can you cut rebar with a walk behind concrete saw?
Yes, you can cut rebar with a walk behind concrete saw if you use a diamond blade rated for metal cutting. Standard concrete diamond blades can handle small diameter rebar, but thicker steel may require a specialized metal-cutting diamond blade. The Evolution R14DCT and the XtremepowerUS 16-inch gas saw are both confirmed to handle reinforced concrete with rebar.
Final Verdict on the Best Walk Behind Concrete Saws
After testing all eight walk behind concrete saws on real jobs in 2026, three stand above the rest. The Evolution R14DCT is the best overall walk behind concrete saw for electric-first contractors who want gas-like performance with no maintenance. The VEVOR 12-inch is the best value pick, combining a best-seller track record with a wet cutting system that just works. The XtremepowerUS 3200W is the right budget pick for anyone who wants a 16-inch blade without the contractor-grade price.
Every concrete cutting job is different, but the eight saws reviewed here cover everything from tile to highway patches. For indoor and OSHA-sensitive work, go electric. For remote sites and asphalt, go gas. For specialty jobs like early entry joints, get the dedicated Tomahawk. Whatever saw you choose, plan for blade cost and dust control up front, and your concrete cutting day will go smoothly.