Cutting Concrete Pavers – Best Method?
jfkpdx
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Well, I’ve got the majority of the field laid out for a patio with 6″ x 6″ concrete pavers. However, there’s a curve still staring at me saying “Alright, tough guy, how you gonna fill me in?” I tried the brick set/chisel method, and, well, never having worked as a mason’s apprentice, the results were less than desirable. And I lost a few more blocks simply due to frustration and the fact that the hammer was still in my hand.
So, what is the best method for cutting pavers to fit within a curve? I only have about 12-15 pavers to cut. I was envisioning using an abrasive blade on either my circular saw or on my 12″ chop saw. Are there other alternatives? What about dust generation?
Replies
Kraus,
What's your budget? A $8.00 4.5" dry diamond blade in an angle grinder works great for scoring. Do you have one? HF has one for $10.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3150
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You could spend $90.00 on a Milwaukee, but I get the feeling this is a one shot deal.
Jon
I am a Weekend DIYer who put in a small concrete paver patio last year. I also recommend the angle grinder. Got a 7 amp Craftsman for $59. Use a masonry cutting blade to score a half inch or so into the paver and whack it with the hammer and chisel in the groove. I found it also helps if you score both sides and the ends. It may leave a rough break where you didn't score, but that will be beneath the sand/mortar. As far as dust, WOW...it does kick out quite a bit. Wear a face shield and dust mask, or cut with a stiff wind at your back!
Thanks, y'all. I also checked with some friends and they seemed to echo the same. There are other methods with larger saws/wet saws, but for the small size of this project, I'll just go pick up some new blades for my grinder.
Cheers,
JK
i laid 1100 sq feet of pavers last summer...
used a wet tile saw for the cuts.
worked great for me, but keep in mind you can only make straight cuts.
so your patio/walkway that has a curve, you still can curve it, but your cuts will be straight.
hope that make sense...
i will try to dig up a picture if i can...
We've laid a few hundred thousand pavers and the "best" way to cut a curve is to use a "demo" or concrete saw. We would just flex a piece of 1/2" conduit into the shape desired, scribe a line with chalk or pencil, and follow the line with a diamond blade. Very fast, and the curves look like curves, instead of strait cuts angled into a curve.
However - it isn't the easiest way for the uninitiated!
Demo saws do come from the rental center wth water attachments already in place. A useful thing. I can remember cutting dry -- the brick dust was terrible and my lungs definitely noticed it at the end of the day!
If you want to have another go at the chisel approach, try a NOTCHED brick set. It won't give a perfectly clean line, but will generally allow you to cut it where you want. Just work back and forth along the desired line, from both sides if possible. Have the paver on a solid, flat surface while you work on it.
Get a 7-1/4" dry diamond blade for your 7-1/4" circular saw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask, and cut away. Cost is about $35 that you'll be glad you spent.
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