Marking out - How do you mark out for an awkward area

Patio flagstones (slabs), concrete flags, stone flags including yorkstone and imported flagstones.
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Rocksteady
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: Rugby

Post: # 51920Post Rocksteady

Hi I'm new to the site and looking for advice and guidance please.
I've read most of the cutting in topics from the main site but my question is how do you mark out the slabs for cutting if you can't lay them down temporarily to mark them? My situation will be that my pathway will pass between a raised grass area (500mm high) and the garage. The grass side is a straight run but the garage is on an angle to the grass ie. not parallel so this is where my cuts will be, obviously i can't lay the slabs as the garage is in the way.

so any advice will assist me greatly

thanks

Clive :p

mickg
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Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2009 8:01 am
Location: Peoples Republic of Westhoughton
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Post: # 51921Post mickg

if the pieces are an awkward shape use cardboard or thick paper to make a template for each of the pieces then use this to draw round onto the flag, don't forget to allow for your joints

start with the largest pieces first so the template can be reused again and again as the pieces of flag go smaller and smaller

for some of the pieces of flags you may be able to use a tape measure if the pieces are in the shape of a triangle, measure one of the sides allowing for the width of the joint, lay the flag down flat and put the tape measure on the corner and mark the flag to your required length on this side

measure the other side also allowing for the width of the joint then mark your flag

join these 2 points together using a straight piece of timber or level and mark the flag so you have a straight line to work to and this will give you the size of flag you require

using an angle grinder or 2 stroke saw cut the flag, make sure your wearing your steel toecap safety boots, safety goggles and ear defenders :D
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Rocksteady
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: Rugby

Post: # 51927Post Rocksteady

mickg wrote:using an angle grinder or 2 stroke saw cut the flag, make sure your wearing your steel toecap safety boots, safety goggles and ear defenders :D

Thanks mickg

regarding your last line i've got all of those, i've even got slabs & cardboard. Just need the skill now.
I will be starting very soon so i'll keep you posted.

once again thanks.

Clive :)

local patios and driveway
Posts: 1568
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 9:58 pm
Location: Gatwick
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Post: # 51937Post local patios and driveway

most of the time you can also use the same technique a tiler would use. lay the slab you want to cut on top of the one next to the space and use a second slab against the edge of the building and mark. do yourself a favour and get some pavers chalk, its a must have for anyone in the trade

Rocksteady
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: Rugby

Post: # 51947Post Rocksteady

That method sounds like a good idea. Especially if things are a bit damp (English summer weather being variable) i won't have to contend with a soggy template.

cheers :)

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