October 06 2024 0Comment
close up image of a floor under a concrete chase cutter with a 8mm channel cut into the concrete 20cm wide

What is a Concrete Planer?

If you’ve ever walked across a beautifully smooth concrete floor and wondered, “How on earth did they make this so flawless?”, then you’re in the right place. The answer, my friends, often starts with a humble yet powerful tool called a concrete planer. While it may not be the most glamorous piece of equipment, it’s sometimes the backbone of prepping concrete surfaces for grinding, polished concrete floors, or resurfacing. Here at NZ Grinders, we use this beast to make sure every job starts on solid (and smooth) ground.

So, What Exactly is a Concrete Planer?

In simple terms, a concrete planer is like a high-powered shaving machine for concrete. Imagine a machine that shaves off the top layer of a rough or uneven concrete surface to make it smooth, level, and ready for further treatment. Whether you’re dealing with an old, cracked floor or just some annoying high spots, the concrete planer is the tool that gets everything nice and even.

At NZ Grinders, we rely on our trusty concrete planer to prepare surfaces for polishing and grinding. It’s the first step in ensuring that the final product—whether it’s a high-gloss polished floor or a smooth industrial surface—looks as good as possible.

But its not only used for prep work on polished concrete floors. We can use it to remove high spots from concrete, we can cut chasers for joint repair work or seismic strengthening, whatever you need we have you covered. Yes, you could use your own means and take weeks or months to complete a job, or contact us to complete it in hours or days.

How Does a Concrete Planer Work?

Picture this: a rotating drum armed with carbide-tipped blades (or diamond-tipped, for the fancier machines) spinning at high speeds. As the machine moves across the concrete, these blades grind away the top layer, removing imperfections, old coatings, or anything else that’s getting in the way of a smooth finish. It’s not subtle, but it’s effective.

Here at NZ Grinders, we love our planers for their ability to handle a wide variety of jobs. From removing stubborn adhesives to leveling uneven concrete slabs, they get the job done quickly and efficiently. The best part? We can adjust the depth of the cut, so whether we need to shave off just a little or go deeper to tackle more significant issues, the concrete planer is up to the task.

Why You Need a Concrete Planer

Now, you might be wondering: “Why can’t you just grind the concrete right away?” Well, without proper prep, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Uneven surfaces, cracks, and leftover coatings will ruin your chances of achieving that beautiful, polished look you’re aiming for. The concrete planer sets the stage for the magic that comes later—whether it’s grinding, polishing, or applying a new coating.

At NZ Grinders, we know the importance of laying a good foundation (pun intended). A smooth, even surface is critical for the longevity and appearance of any polished concrete floor. The planer helps us ensure that your floor not only looks amazing but will also stand the test of time. It’s like building a house—you wouldn’t want to start with a crooked foundation, right?

The Difference Between a Planer and a Grinder

You might be thinking, “Hold on, don’t you already have a grinder for this?” Yes, we do! But here’s the thing: a concrete planer and a concrete grinder serve two very different purposes. A planer is all about removing large, uneven sections of concrete and creating a flat surface. It’s the heavy lifter that prepares the floor for what comes next.

A grinder, on the other hand, is a finer, more delicate tool used for smoothing and polishing. After the planer has done its job, the grinder comes in to give the floor that sleek, polished finish everyone loves. They’re like Batman and Robin—both essential, but with very different skill sets.

When Do We Use a Concrete Planer?

At NZ Grinders, we use our concrete planers in a variety of scenarios. Got an old warehouse floor with cracks and pits? The planer is our go-to for removing damaged sections and getting the surface ready for a fresh start. Dealing with old adhesive or coatings that just won’t budge? The planer makes quick work of removing that stubborn gunk.

We also use it for leveling floors. Some concrete surfaces develop high spots over time, which can be a nightmare if you’re trying to apply a new coating or polish the floor. Our concrete planer knocks those high spots down, leaving behind a smooth, level surface that’s ready for the next stage of treatment.

Conclusion: Why NZ Grinders Trusts the Concrete Planer

So, what is a concrete planer? It’s a heavy-duty tool that grinds away rough, uneven surfaces to create a smooth, level foundation for polishing and other treatments. Without it, achieving that flawless finish would be next to impossible. At NZ Grinders, we take pride in using the right tools for the job, and the concrete planer is an essential part of our toolkit.

Whether you’re looking to restore an old floor or prep a new one, you can count on NZ Grinders to bring out the best in your concrete. So, if you need help transforming your floor, give us a call. We’ll bring the planer (and maybe a few jokes) to make sure your floor is as smooth as butter!

For more details, feel free to contact Glen at 021-434-199 or contact us via email

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