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Hello to all of you… would like to know if there is a “cheaper” way to cut concrete block instead of renting the gas powered saws from the rental outfits. I ask this, because it would end up being a pretty long rent time.
The designer’s thoughts were on making it look pretty, not on even numbers of blocks. So, I get to cut a bunch of them. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. I suppose that I should also mention that the block has a 12 inch depth and not the standard 8 inch depth. That alone should make it interesting at wall intersections.
Thanks, Gregg
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What are you building that you can't use the half blocks that are stacked in the pile next to the full blocks at the yard?
Get a mason's hammer, the kind with a long, straight chisel in place of the regular claw end. Strike the block firmly all along the line that you want to cut. This will induce a stress crack along that line and eventually the block will split. With a little practice you might even get it to split where you actually want it to split.
You could also score the line with a masonry blade in an old sidewinder (dusty) and then tap it apart and clean it up with a hammer and wide cold chisel.
*gregg,I use a diamond blade in a skil wormdrive. Cuts fast, less dust.KK
*for the odd sizes, i use a diamond blade in a grinder... and a mask and goggles...then a mason's hammer and brick chisel to finish...ralph's method works well too.. just not enough dust and noise to suit me ...
*First let me say thanks for all nifty ideas. This house design has all sorts of oddball lengths, 45's and the occasional intersection. The half blocks just don't come near to the different depths that I need. I guess it would be easier if I could get it out of my mind that the designers should come over and cut the block that "they" drew in. I do appreciate the helpful comments that I received from all of you. Hope that you have good luck in all of your endeavors.Gregg
*How about laying regular block up to the point where the oddball stuff such as the 45's, corners and intersections must be added and then form and solid pour them as pilasters, complete with steel and ties to the block. Would make one heck of a structure and you would have to have steel and solid grouting of the block at those places anyhow.
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Hello to all of you... would like to know if there is a "cheaper" way to cut concrete block instead of renting the gas powered saws from the rental outfits. I ask this, because it would end up being a pretty long rent time.
The designer's thoughts were on making it look pretty, not on even numbers of blocks. So, I get to cut a bunch of them. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. I suppose that I should also mention that the block has a 12 inch depth and not the standard 8 inch depth. That alone should make it interesting at wall intersections.
Thanks, Gregg