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

mrcheez

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

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.

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

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122671397#Comment_122671397

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

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.

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.

who what when

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

mrcheez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122671516#Comment_122671516

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

mrcheez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122671576#Comment_122671576

I'll check for deals...maybe Amazon

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

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122672239#Comment_122672239

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.

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.

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.

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