The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sun Apr 10, 2005 6:37 pm**

Hi all,
First time post from a first time patio layer...This website has been invaluable to get me as far as I've got (25 Sq metres of indian stone) so thanks for all the archived info'! I've done an archive search etc., on this topic but having attempted to cut some flags today with an angle grinder thought I'd better ask for some help...

I've borrowed a 180mm (7") angle grinder from a friend, which came with a "stone" cutting disc (not a diamond saw blade) and it took me about 15 minutes to cut less than a foot length of 30/40mm indian stone. It also almost completely used the disc in the process. I am planning on buying a diamond saw blade (or 2) tomorrow, but at probably Â£15 a throw I was wondering whether I should just sack it and hire something beefier.

How much quicker and easier will the cutting be with a diamond saw blade?

Would a Block/slab splitter (with the sprung teeth) be more suited for the job? - I need to cut about 10 triangular pieces and 5 rectangular pieces...(biggest edge piece is about 600x300mm - smallest 150x300mm)

Should I hire a saw rather than perservere with the angle grinder?

Also because I'm using hand fettled stone, will the smooth edges I get from all these (possible) methods distract greatly from the rest of the stone edges?

Any help/advice gratefully received!!

John

Posted: **Wed Apr 13, 2005 12:20 pm**

Like you I am a first time patio layer. Mine is nearly done now, and I learned everything I needed from here.

There is a section on tools and cutting, which is good info. We hired a Stihl saw (petrol), with a 300mm diamond wheel. The hire charge wasn't much. We had large 600mm long flags of cast concrete, 45mm thick, and it cut through really easy, about 30 seconds per flag.

I don't know enough to know whether this is the right thing for Indian stone, but if I ever do any more cutting, I wouldn't hesistate to get the above. Big Stihl, big wheel, diamond.....brilliant.

Posted: **Mon Apr 18, 2005 3:11 pm**

You can get away with a nangle grinder, but unless you have a big one of 225mm/9" dia or more (ooh err, missus!), then cutting can take some time and blade wear is heavy.

A cut-off or con saw is a better option, as they usually have a 300mm/12" dia blade and may also have a water feed attached to keep the dust to a minimum. The bigger the blade, the faster the cut.

However, the diff in quality between an abrasive "stone cutting" disc and a quality diamond blad is immense. You get virtually no wear with a diamond blade; the depth of cut is maintained, and the crate of cutting has to be at least 5 times as fast as that of an abrasive blade. I know the diamond blades are more expensive but you really do get your money's worth in terms of saved time and more accurate cuts.

The Brew Cabin

Cutting indian stone...? - Angle grinder or block cutter or what?