The Mongoose is one of the most popular concrete engraving tools from Engrave-A-Crete.
In this video, properly starting and stopping decorative concrete cuts is demonstrated.
This is part 25 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Align the front and rear pointer over a chalk line. It is usually easier to press the rear pointer down to the concrete and leave the vacuum nozzle in place when aligning for a cut.
Remember your goggles and other safety equipment. To prevent a possible kickback, grasp the rear wheel. Depress the red safety button on the side of the handle. Pull and hold down the trigger switch. Press down to cut.
View the rear cutting edge of the blade through the blade guard opening. If the cut needs to go backward, rotate the rear wheel to back up the tool.
Right now, do not be too concerned that the beginning of the cut is exactly where you want it. It is always better to have an undercut than an overcut.
Now concentrate on the front pointer. Proceed with the cut. When approaching the end of the cut, view the blade’s front cutting edge through the guard opening.
A handy alternative to looking at the blade, when beginning and ending a cut, is simply look at reference marks on the side of the chassis.
First, place pencil marks on the side of the chassis to indicate the front and rear of the blade. Using soapstone, place a perpendicular mark at the beginning and end of the proposed cut. When the marks line up, the cut is complete.
Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.