Hand Sawing for Tight Spaces & Interior Work
Precision concrete cutting where large equipment can't reach — basements, interiors, confined spaces, and detail applications across Massachusetts

Hand Sawing Services in Massachusetts
REDCORE provides professional hand sawing services throughout Massachusetts for projects where larger walk-behind saws and wall-mounted equipment cannot reach or are not practical. Hand sawing uses powerful, portable diamond-blade cutoff saws that an operator controls by hand, allowing cuts to be made in confined spaces, inside buildings with limited access, around obstacles, at varying heights, and in positions that would be impossible with track-mounted or ride-on equipment. Our operators use industrial-grade gas-powered and electric cutoff saws fitted with diamond blades ranging from 12 to 16 inches, delivering cutting depths up to 6 inches on flat surfaces and full penetration on thinner walls and pavers.
Hand sawing is the ideal method for a wide range of tasks including cutting door and window openings in block walls and thin concrete walls, trimming concrete forms, notching foundation walls for beam pockets, cutting expansion joints, removing small sections of concrete, and making detail cuts in decorative concrete and masonry. The portability and flexibility of hand saws make them indispensable on renovation projects where access is limited, on residential jobs where large equipment would damage landscaping or finished interiors, and on commercial projects where cuts are needed in scattered locations throughout a building.
REDCORE hand sawing crews serve Springfield, Worcester, Pittsfield, and the entire Massachusetts region. Our operators are skilled in controlling cut depth, maintaining straight lines freehand and with guides, and managing dust in interior environments using electric saws paired with HEPA vacuum systems. For projects requiring both hand sawing and other cutting methods, we bring all necessary equipment in a single mobilization, saving you time and money. Every hand saw cut is made with the same precision and professionalism that defines all REDCORE services.
What We Offer
Tight Space Access
Hand saws go where large equipment cannot: crawl spaces, closets, mechanical rooms, between walls, around pipes, and in any confined area.
Indoor Cutting Capability
Electric hand saws with HEPA vacuum dust collection allow clean, fume-free cutting inside occupied buildings, basements, and finished living spaces.
Flexible Positioning
Cuts can be made at any height and angle: floor level, waist height, overhead, and everywhere in between. No track mounting or setup required.
Quick Mobilization
Hand saw equipment is portable and fast to deploy. Ideal for small jobs, quick cuts, and projects where speed matters more than cutting large volumes.
Detail Work Precision
Operators control the saw by hand for intricate cuts, notches, and profiles that automated equipment cannot achieve.
Gas or Electric Options
Gas-powered saws for maximum power outdoors; electric saws for indoor work where exhaust fumes are not acceptable.
Our Process
Access Assessment
We evaluate the work area to determine the best saw type (gas or electric), dust control method, and cutting approach for the specific conditions.
Layout & Protection
Cut lines are marked on the concrete surface. Surrounding areas are protected with sheeting if needed, and dust collection equipment is positioned.
Hand Saw Cutting
The operator makes controlled cuts along marked lines, managing depth and straightness. Multiple passes may be required for deeper cuts.
Cleanup
All dust, debris, and slurry is cleaned up. The cut edges are inspected for accuracy and quality.
What Clients Say About Our Hand Sawing Work
“I specified REDCORE for a historic renovation project in Northampton where we needed to add utility penetrations without damaging an 1890s stone foundation. They used hand sawing tools in the tight spaces and their approach was careful and methodical. The preservation consultant was satisfied that no unnecessary damage occurred. I will specify them on future projects.”
Kevin O'Brien, Architect -- Northampton, MA
Historic building renovation
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Sawing
Hand sawing is used when access is limited, the work area is too small for large equipment, or the cuts are in positions that flat saws and wall saws cannot reach. This includes cuts in tight mechanical rooms, around existing pipes, on stairs, and in basements with low ceilings. Hand saws are also ideal for small jobs where mobilizing large equipment would not be cost-effective.
Yes. We use electric-powered hand saws for interior work, which produce zero exhaust fumes. These saws are paired with HEPA vacuum dust collection systems that capture dust directly at the cutting point. The result is a clean, safe cutting process suitable for occupied homes and finished interiors.
Our hand saws with 14-inch and 16-inch blades cut up to 5 to 6 inches deep on flat surfaces. For thicker materials, we can cut from both sides. Most block walls are 8 inches thick and can be fully cut by sawing from both sides. For material thicker than our hand saw capacity, we recommend wall sawing.
In the hands of an experienced operator, hand sawing produces very accurate cuts. For long straight cuts, we use guide rails and straight edges to ensure precision. For shorter cuts, detail work, and notches, skilled operators maintain tight tolerances freehand. The accuracy is more than sufficient for construction applications.
Yes. This is a very common hand sawing application. We cut door openings, window openings, and pass-through openings in CMU (cinder block) walls regularly. The hand saw cuts through the block and mortar joints cleanly, producing a straight-edged opening ready for framing.
Need Hand Sawing?
Common Applications
- Block wall door and window openings
- Foundation wall beam pocket notches
- Concrete step and stair modifications
- Expansion joint cutting
- Paver and decorative concrete cutting
- Small section removal
- Pipe and conduit channel cutting
- Concrete curb cutting
- Threshold modifications
- Fireplace and chimney openings
- Retaining wall modifications
- Tight-space trench cutting
Equipment Used
- Husqvarna K 770 gas-powered cutoff saw
- Husqvarna K 7000 electric ring saw
- Stihl TS 500i fuel-injected cutoff saw
- 12" to 16" diamond cutting blades
- HEPA vacuum dust collection systems
- Straight-edge cutting guides
- Battery-powered electric saws for remote areas
Related Services
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Need Hand Sawing in Massachusetts?
Contact REDCORE today for a free estimate. Fast response, competitive pricing, professional results across Western and Central MA.
