Replies

1. 
   MarkH128 | Jul 13, 2002 05:23pm | #1

   Maybe a rotary hammer could drill some starter holes then clean out  in hammer mode with a chisel, or a cement saw with a diamond blade would work. I've never tried cutting through a rock wall.

1. 
   zbalk | Jul 13, 2002 07:53pm | #2

   Thanks Mark; i'm headed to the rental supply.  i like the hammer drill idea, but this exterior is suspect, as the "builder" didn't tie on the veneer, at all, anywhere, and the visibly vibrating rock face gives me some concern.  i'm sold on the cement saw suggestion.

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Jul 14, 2002 01:14am | #3

   Just a suggestion as I've never done this, but a similar topic has come up in enlarging brick veneer walls for windows, doors, etc.

   Can you remove the rock pieces whole by chipping through the mortar lines ?

   Make an outline of the opening on the rocks while they are still in place.

   Remove the appropriate pieces and then cut them to the line.

   This would eliminate the concern with damaging the wall from vibration and you may have more options in making a clean cut with better clamping/securing the rock pieces.

   Mortal the cut pieces back in place.

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   zbalk | Jul 15, 2002 06:20am | #4

   Thanks Ahneedhelp. i've wreaked havok on this portion of this remodel, but i think it worked out fairly okay. Lots of remortar and retuck to go. However, i like your idea very much, and i'm going to employ the technique on my/our house for the long-delayed installation of a single French door out of our bedroom onto the deck. Thanks for the suggestion.