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Cutting Tobermore concrete blocks, do I need to hire angle grinder?

  • 01-10-2024 10:35am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,965 ✭✭✭✭


    When cutting concrete Tobermore blocks can I not just use a cutting tool like this one and save on all the dust when using an angle grinder?

    https://www.hirehere.ie/block-splitter-small

    Doing a diy paving job



Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,714 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    Depends on the width of the 'block'. If it's just a few then hammer and chisel, or else a splitter if the block is wide enough. Wet cutting using a concrete saw is preferred over dry due to the silica dust anyhow.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,965 ✭✭✭✭mrcheez


    220 x 55 x 80 mm

    The visible edge is 55mm wide and 220mm long

    Then the side I would need to cut would be 80mm

    When cutting I assume I'd need to cut with the 55mm side upright to ensure I cut off the angles as it's to fit a circular shape



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,714 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    Not sure I get your cut-plan. You're cutting the 220mm side at the 80mm mark?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,965 ✭✭✭✭mrcheez


    The side you see is 55 x 220.

    It sits 80mm deep.

    The blocks will need to be cut to match edge of circle, so the 55 x 220 will need a corner cut off.

    Therefore I can't cut the block laying it sideways, needs to be cut standing up on the 55 x 220 side.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,714 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    I'd try the hammer/chisel first, then after that I'd head down to the hire-place with a block and ask them if there to make a test-cut. Hire the splitter then if it works?

    When I hired a consaw recently I found it a pain to operate as they are heavy and also cut-out the odd time and need restarting. Plus you'd need pre-mixed fuel on standby too. So yeah, only go down that route if you can't get the other two methods working.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 828 ✭✭✭who what when


    You can buy an angle grinder a decent disk for less than 100 bob. Surely renting one would be similar?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,965 ✭✭✭✭mrcheez


    Reckon a petrol consaw is needed rather than a handheld electric cutter?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,965 ✭✭✭✭mrcheez




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,520 ✭✭✭hesker


    I used a consaw when laying mine and found it great. Really keeps the dust down.

    Saw lads doing it at work too with a water fed saw



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,714 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    You'll burn out the motor in a handheld one in relatively little time. Plus it's more risky as the segmented concrete disks are more flimsy, I had one let-go last year when I was cutting a concrete tile - I didn't think that the disk was excessively worn, it must have snagged and shattered. That's less likely to happen on a proper water-fed con-saw.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,714 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    You'd want to be looking at >750W and a relatively good brand. I've used Einhel and Erbauer and found that they are good for general DIY.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,357 ✭✭✭Shoog


    You can cut with a 4" angle grinder and diamond blade. Diamond blades aren't that expensive unless you need a thin one, less than a tenner from a discount store. Score a 1" cut on opposite faces and hit with a hammer - will do anything up to a nine inch block.

    Cheap angle grinders are a waste of time as they quickly burn out, but a decent one will last for years and is the single most useful tool after a hand drill. Couldn't live without mine as I do a fair bit of metal work.

    Dust is the issue as they generate a lot and the only real solution is a mask.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,965 ✭✭✭✭mrcheez


    I'll look at the consaw rental then if that is more stable and less dusty. Not as concerned about price as ease of doing the job myself



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