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Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:30 am
by musivarius
I want to cut some 400mm x 400mm x 30mm slabs into irregular shapes, (basically not reduce them too much in size but shape them like stepping stones).
What angle grinder would be powerful enough to do the job and what blade would I need?
I don't want to have to spend more than I need but I don't want something that will overheat and an anglegrinder I can use for other things such as polishing.
Cheers
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:41 pm
by rab1
any makita, they make the best by a long margin.
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 7:29 pm
by local patios and driveway
Id have to agree with makita. But if your not in the trade any 9in grinder will do it
http://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb283grd-9-angle-grinder-230v/40362
Bear in mind when buying tools from screwfix, they have diffrent spec tools to usual tools elsewhere, normally made better value using plastic gearing instead of metal etc. cheap isnt always cheapest
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 7:56 pm
by Mikey_C
of course if you are going to get on with the job, stuff from screwfix or say b&q comes with a pretty good return to store no quibble 1 year guarantee. if you are going to use an angle grinder buy a good mask and safety glasses.
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:20 pm
by musivarius
Thanks for that, I was veering toward the Makita but I'll think about the Screwfix ones.
Cheers
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:54 pm
by mickavalon
Hire shops mate, forget Screwfix.
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:31 pm
by lutonlagerlout
irregular shapes can be sticky to cut smoothly
you may be better to but precast stepping stones and tile them
here are some examples
lot less grief than cutting them
LLL
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:55 pm
by Bob_A
mickavalon wrote:Hire shops mate, forget Screwfix.
As I don't get trade discount I prefer to buy cheap tools then hire.
A 100mm angle grinder from HSS costs £22.40+vat a week.
You have to give a deposit and then have the inconvenience of taking the tool back when your finished
I'd buy a cheapo from Argos for £18. If lasts over a week then you have saved. If it goes wrong within a year take it back.
Suits me as a diyer, but I do understand that they are a false economy for a pro who needs tools that'll last years of uninterupted abuse.
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 10:17 pm
by lutonlagerlout
i think bob is on the money here
if i need a jig saw for 1 little job i just buy a 20 quid job then leave it in the lock up, used 1 about 3 times in 20 years
hiring small tools is a total waste of money
i noticed that jewson hire barrows and shovels!!!
LLL
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 8:32 am
by mickavalon
Fair comment, in that case, Wickes own brands are pretty decent quality for the money.
I suppose Luton that if your a DIY'er then storing tools is maybe the reason people hire barrows etc, I know what you mean about cost of small tols, but we have a pretty good rate at our Hire shop, and yes i do buy tools for small jobs, sanders, planes etc but like you probably. it's having all the right tools in the right place at the right time. No matter how organised I am, there are plenty of occasions when I've been miles from the lock up and had to hire a bit of gear, because I've left something behind.
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 2:37 pm
by musivarius
Thanks, I think I'll go for a cheap one as I'm only going to do about 4 or 5 initially. I'm setting mosaics on them so if they sell then fine I'll get something a bit better.
I wanted to cut them as I've got someone to sell them to me for 50p for reclaimed 400mm squares, casting my own sounds like it could involve some work :;):
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 10:13 am
by London Stone Paving
If you are looking to polish as well then it might be worth buying a grinder with a variable speed option