Is there a “nack� to using a block splitter. I never had the need to use one before. The last time I laid block paving I used a consaw to do all the cuts and although I got nice clean cuts every time it is quiet a noisy and messy job. This time around I decided to try a block splitter and I’m having difficulty getting clean cuts.
I’m cutting 50mm rumbled blocks. The block splitter, although hired, is brand new. There is an adjustable screw at either end for adjusting the height of the blade and I have it level and set at about 5mm above the block.
About half my cuts are coming out bad. When it works, it is great but when I get a bad cut it is really a pain in the a*s. Hammer and bolster to clean the cuts makes a mess which I am trying to avoid. Am I doing something wrong or is this normal?
I find a quick sharp jolt on the handle gets better results than a slow gentle press. Any ideas? Or is it just the make up of the blocks that is causing the problem?
Cutting blocks - Block splitter or consaw?
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Dave_L
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Not a huge amount of experience on the chopper, but sharp jolts are the way to go.
You should see our block paving guy (I'm more on the tarmac side) cut in a driveway - the speed at which he does it is awesome - and accurate - mostly done by eye, too.
You should see our block paving guy (I'm more on the tarmac side) cut in a driveway - the speed at which he does it is awesome - and accurate - mostly done by eye, too.
RW Gale Ltd - Civils & Surfacing Contractors based in Somerset
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See what we get up to Our Facebook page
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squire
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Had a bit more joy with it yesterday evening. It seems there is a bit of a technique to it all right. Also it seems to depend on the particular block with some being a bit "crumblier" than others. If the block is a bit damp (from being on the bottom of a stack) it does not seems to cut as well as dry ones.
Nothing sounds better than that sharp "crack" when a block splits well.
Anyway, another couple of evenings should see me finished.
Thanks.
Nothing sounds better than that sharp "crack" when a block splits well.
Anyway, another couple of evenings should see me finished.
Thanks.
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lutonlagerlout
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Tony McC
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We spend quite a bit of time on the training courses talking about cutting-in and teaching more reliable techniques. I can;t go into all the detail here, but if you were to ask for my number one tip for effectiove cutting using a splitter/guillotine, it would be to use properly honed blades. Time after time after time I get told by layers that the blocks they are using are "shite" but when I examine their splitter, it turns out they've never changed the blades and the ones in use are as bent a nine-bob note.
On another note, from next year, dry cutting of any paving materials is being "actively discouraged" by the HSE. Regular readers will be aware that I've mentioned this repeatedly over the last few months, as on behalf of the training group and small contractors in general I put my two penn'orth into the steering committee organised by HSE.
The proposals we've drafted are online and comment from the wider trade is welcome. There's an online discussion community page here that is open to all and I urge all contractors with relevant experience to read the proposals and add their comments. As a group, we know that we can only make this scheme work by getting the trade onside, by getting the lads on site to recognise that we're doing this for their benefit, not just to make life awkward.
If I get time over the next week or so, I'll be posting more information about this on the News page of the main website.
On another note, from next year, dry cutting of any paving materials is being "actively discouraged" by the HSE. Regular readers will be aware that I've mentioned this repeatedly over the last few months, as on behalf of the training group and small contractors in general I put my two penn'orth into the steering committee organised by HSE.
The proposals we've drafted are online and comment from the wider trade is welcome. There's an online discussion community page here that is open to all and I urge all contractors with relevant experience to read the proposals and add their comments. As a group, we know that we can only make this scheme work by getting the trade onside, by getting the lads on site to recognise that we're doing this for their benefit, not just to make life awkward.
If I get time over the next week or so, I'll be posting more information about this on the News page of the main website.
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lutonlagerlout
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did the main drive and used a splitter for all the cuts,have to say the total lack of dust and noise was a massive improvement on working conditions,also to be honest once it was sanded and wackered you couldnt tell the difference
also used the half block technique to ensure no slips and darts and i have to say that worked well too
i wish i had found this site 15 years ago
cheers LLL
also used the half block technique to ensure no slips and darts and i have to say that worked well too
i wish i had found this site 15 years ago
cheers LLL
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squire
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lutonlagerlout wrote:have to say the total lack of dust and noise was a massive improvement on working conditions,also to be honest once it was sanded and wackered you couldnt tell the difference
I'd have to second that. And I'd be surprised if it wasn't a lot quicker too.....once I got the hang of it
Good to see the HSE moving on this and I'm sure the HSA (Ireland) will follow suit.