Concrete is a material that is inherently strong in terms of compressive strength and relatively weak in terms of tensile strength. Because of this (and other studies in physics) concrete slabs have a tendency to crack every so often (typically every 8-16 feet depending on thickness and mix design properties). Because of this, it has become an industry standard to cut ‘contraction’ joints in concrete slabs to predict and control the natural joints (that almost always form) and conceal their unappealing look from view. Sometimes these joints are scored while the concrete is still plastic, but most commonly with concrete floors they are done after finishing with gas powered or electric floor saws (often equipped with diamond blades). Similar to placing and finishing concrete, there is a critical window of time when concrete floors should be sawcut to maximize the chances of aesthetic appeal and functionality. The standard floor saw equipped with a standard steel blade should be utilized after the concrete is strong enough to receive its weight but before the concrete has lost its plasticity so much that it cannot support its own weight and resist the tendency to crack. Also if the saw begins cutting too early, the slab will not have the strength to resist raveling/chipping/spalling on either side of the intended cut that happens as a result of the blades residual force.