Cutting blocks

[Paul Miller]

I'm using Marshalls Driveline 50 blocks and I'm finding cutting them a bit of a problem. I hired a block splitter, but I've wasted so many blocks just trying to get a half acceptable cut, but without success.

The top and bottom edges of the cut is generally OK where the blade is in direct contact with the block, but the face of the cut is very uneven with many peaks & troughs making it impossible to fit 2 together without big gaps showing.

I've now resorted to using my angle grinder and am having more success.

However, I have to cut a couple of small rectangles from 2 blocks; 2 x 5 cms. How can I accurately cut a small segment like this?

Also, any tipe for cutting around a drainpipe ?

Cheers

Paul

[DNgroundworks]

erm, carefully? I regularly have to take 5mm of the side of a block, it can be done, its just a pain.

With regards to the block splitter, ive owned a few, and sold all three as you just cant get a good enough finish, a stihl saw is the best way or an angle grinder.

[DNgroundworks]

I usually do it with a small grinder but its hard to explain, Haggistini on here posted some pics of immaculate cutting around circular stuff, if someone could post a link thatd be grand

[Carberry]

Avoid using the angle grinder wherever possible, they put out too much dust.
Are you angling the blocks so the one you are wanting to use is undercut? Are the blades sharp?

Here is the link you're after
http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....;st=300

[msh paving]

erm, carefully? I regularly have to take 5mm of the side of a block, it can be done, its just a pain.

With regards to the block splitter, ive owned a few, and sold all three as you just cant get a good enough finish, a stihl saw is the best way or an angle grinder.

A good quality block splitter, made by probst will cut perfect every time if you make shure blade are sharp and that the jaws are straight and true,always undercut the block by laying it on table of cutter this will give you a nice top line, once sand and compacted you only see the top of the cut,this was all cut with a probst splitter,usually 2 of us cutting with 2 cutters


MSH

[Dave_L]

There is definitely a knack to using a block splitter as MSH has alluded to!

[lutonlagerlout]

I have a splitter and it works ok,but i still prefer the neatness of the stihl
you have to angle the block with the side you want being at the lowest point
so you wont get 2 halves out of 1 block
however on the positive side
no dust
no water
no fumes
no noise
i say no noise i did have some stuck up berk say to his wife"OMG i cant believe they are chopping block s on a saturday morning"
I actually wanted to get the stihl out to really ruin his day :;):
LLL
cutting circles in paving or blocks is an advanced technique
and tbh paul is beyond your remit
leave a 100mm square out around the downpipe and make good in situ with coloured mortar once the paving has been wacked
cheers LLL