Method and apparatus for leveling and grinding surfaces

A method for producing a planar finished floor surface by cutting a plurality of grooves, each having a bottom surface, into a hardened body formed by concrete or other material, the bottom surface of the grooves collectively forming a level finished benchmark plane, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an apparatus comprising:
• a first and second rails configured for being mounted spaced apart from and parallel to the other;
• a support beam having a first end and a second end, the support beam configured for mounting between the rails and for being movable along a length the rails;
• a plurality of support stands operably configured for mounting the first and second rails above the hardened body, the support stands having an adjustable length for adjusting a height position of the first and second rails such that the rails define a simulated plane above the hardened body;
• and
• a masonry saw assembly comprising:
• a masonry disc blade operably configured for mounting to the support beam and for being movable along a length of the support beam;
• and a blade position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the respective distance between the simulated plane and the finished benchmark plane formed by the collective bottom surfaces of the plurality of grooves;
• positioning the apparatus over a location of a desired portion of the hardened body to be finished;
• adjusting lengths of the one or more of the plurality of support stands defining the simulated plane above of the hardened body;
• positioning the support beam at a first position along the length of the rails;
• defining a depth of the bottom surface of the grooves forming the benchmark plane by adjusting the blade position adjustment mechanism;
• defining a first groove by operating the masonry saw along the beam at the first position;
• positioning the beam at a second position along a length of the rails;
• defining at least a second groove by operating the masonry saw along the length of the beam at the second position;
• positioning the beam at a third position along a length of the rails;
• defining at least a third groove by operating the masonry saw along the length of the beam at the third position;
• and
• wherein the bottom surface of each of the plurality of grooves collectively form the benchmark plane of a finished surface;
• after the benchmark plane is formed, providing a grinding machine;
• and
• grinding the hardened body down to the benchmark plane formed by the bottom surface of the plurality of grooves, thereby forming the level, planar finished surface.