cutting blocks

All forms of block paving, brick paving, flexible or rigid, concrete or clays, new construction or renovation
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steve r
Site Admin
Posts: 143
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2003 9:18 pm
Location: chelmsford

Post: # 1698Post steve r

hi tony
Spent a long time trying to cut 12.5mm to nothing on the 200mm edge of my blocks and ended up with a heap of hardcore. Using a 110mm dangle grinder probably wasn't the right tool, although I used a diamond blade if it hit a stone the blade was thrown of the cut. I had to make 2 cuts that were acceptable on each block having made 1 cut and cocking up the second cut raised my blood pressure.
I have since found a local company that cuts pavers so have taken 40 blocks to be cut and pick them up tomorrow.
Having given up with cutting, I excavated about 5M x 12M in front of my garage, put in a leccy cable and managed to clear away all the hardcore and clay.

Must get some tomato plants for my planters.
Regards
Steve

84-1093879891

Post: # 1700Post 84-1093879891

The trouble with them little nangle grinders is that they have lots of centrifugal force that's hell bent on throwing them off course, but not enough deadweight to keep them steady.

John from Aintree Paving was cutting some blocks this afternoon using a typical cut-off saw, and because that's a much heavier tool, when it came up against a tougher bit of block, it tended to throw the block out of its 'hold', rather than cut askew or throw itself out of line. With a firmly braced block, the cut-off saw would trim those blocks of yours, nae bother.

Or you could use a bench-mounted masonry saw which is what the brick cutting company will have. Same principle - keep the block firmly in place and use a big heavy 'cutter' that can't be knocked off course. :)

Have you found a buyer for all your hardcore, yet? ;)

68-1093879161

Post: # 1701Post 68-1093879161

Do you rate the guillotine type of brick cutter?

(Edited by Dave L at 11:14 pm on April 23, 2003)

84-1093879891

Post: # 1702Post 84-1093879891

For some jobs, particularly tumbled blocks such as Woburn or Tegula, it's my preferred choice, but for clays or awkward cuts, a bench-mounted masonry saw is the best tool.

steve r
Site Admin
Posts: 143
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2003 9:18 pm
Location: chelmsford

Post: # 1711Post steve r

I'll put an ad in the craic.
Picked up the blocks this afternoon and tried them against the planters - your geometry is spot on, thanks.
One of the blocks has what appears to be a large stone about 60mm x 20mm embedded in the cut edge.
Will try and find someone with a camera so I can send a pic.
Regards Steve

84-1093879891

Post: # 1713Post 84-1093879891

A digicam would be a wise business investment, Steve - just think of all the publicity shots you could do for your company website! ;)

steve r
Site Admin
Posts: 143
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2003 9:18 pm
Location: chelmsford

Post: # 1716Post steve r

The owner of the local chinese take away has obliged with 2 pics.
have sent them to info@paving.
Lucky they weren't Mars Bars.
Do I win a prize?
Regards
Steve

84-1093879891

Post: # 1720Post 84-1093879891

I'll just post one of the images.....

Image

...that is some inclusion there, Steve!

I'm surprised a lump that size got through the aggregate sieves, which makes me wonder if it's not a clump of summat that's fallen into the mix from somewhere in the production plant.

You should send a picture to David Marsh at Brett and see what he has to say about it! ;)

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