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  • Cutting concrete block

    I've got my stand all layed out and ready to pour the concrete inside the blocks but I need to get the blocks to lay flat after installing the angle iron. What is the easiest way (other than a wet diamond blade) to cut out for the angle iron so the blocks will lay flat?

  • #2
    Re: Cutting concrete block

    Angle grinder and a masonary blade.
    Wade Lively

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    • #3
      Re: Cutting concrete block

      Originally posted by Dan94550 View Post
      I've got my stand all layed out and ready to pour the concrete inside the blocks but I need to get the blocks to lay flat after installing the angle iron. What is the easiest way (other than a wet diamond blade) to cut out for the angle iron so the blocks will lay flat?
      My SkilSaw and a masonry blade made the job very easy.

      Ken
      Ken H. - Kentucky
      42" Pompeii

      Pompeii Oven Construction Video Updated!

      Oven Thread ... Enclosure Thread
      Cost Spreadsheet ... Picasa Web Album

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      • #4
        Re: Cutting concrete block

        But the easiest way is to set the angle iron outside the blocks and let your mortar make up the 3-5mm difference!

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        • #5
          Re: Cutting concrete block

          Originally posted by maver View Post
          But the easiest way is to set the angle iron outside the blocks and let your mortar make up the 3-5mm difference!
          I'll one-up you for an even easier route. Just sit the blocks on the angle iron and don't worry about any grooves or mortar thickness. Just let the blocks stick up a few millimeters.

          When you put the forms on the block stand for the hearth, make sure they are level (the blocks on the angle iron will stick up just a bit higher) and pour the hearth. No one will ever know. Shouldn't be any structural issues.

          That's how I'd do it if I had to do it again.

          Ken
          Ken H. - Kentucky
          42" Pompeii

          Pompeii Oven Construction Video Updated!

          Oven Thread ... Enclosure Thread
          Cost Spreadsheet ... Picasa Web Album

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          • #6
            Re: Cutting concrete block

            Thanks guys. I tried the skill saw yesterday and the old blade I had on there broke and I'm having a hell of a time trying to take off what is remaining on the shank. The blade I had on my angle grinder was for metal. I will go out and buy some new blades and continue.

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            • #7
              Re: Cutting concrete block

              Originally posted by maver View Post
              But the easiest way is to set the angle iron outside the blocks and let your mortar make up the 3-5mm difference!
              Unfortunately I am going the dry fit route so there isn't any mortar gap to make up the difference.

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              • #8
                Re: Cutting concrete block

                Home Depot has started carrying good and cheap diamond blades for cutting brick, block and stone. They are a lot faster and easier than the old fashioned black masonry blades -- and not that much more expensive. They work really well at first when they are still sharp, so cutting block is a breeze.
                James
                Pizza Ovens
                Outdoor Fireplaces

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                • #9
                  Re: Cutting concrete block

                  Originally posted by james View Post
                  so cutting block is a breeze.
                  Or you could just leave them out in the breeze .

                  No, really, get the diamond blade for the angle grinder. It's worth the money, and you'll use it a lot. And buy a good face mask while you're there. Big Dust Alert.
                  My geodesic oven project: part 1, part 2

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                  • #10
                    Re: Cutting concrete block

                    What size Angle Grinder you guys using...I bought a 4 inch and couldn't do much with it.

                    Tony

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                    • #11
                      Re: Cutting concrete block

                      I got the 4 1/2. The extra quarter inch of depth really helps. Also, the diamond blades don't wear down a quarter inch per cut.
                      My geodesic oven project: part 1, part 2

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                      • #12
                        Re: Cutting concrete block

                        I always use a Skill saw and a full size blade. I am part of the "buy a cheap one and kill it" clan.
                        James
                        Pizza Ovens
                        Outdoor Fireplaces

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                        • #13
                          Re: Cutting concrete block

                          I have a 4" angle grinder so I'll pick up a blade on the way home from work and give it a try. Since the angle iron is 2" the 4 " should do the trick.

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                          • #14
                            Re: Cutting concrete block

                            Make sure you get a metal blade for the angle iron, not a masonry blade! You can power your way through angle iron with the wrong blade, but it ruins the blade and is a big mess.
                            James
                            Pizza Ovens
                            Outdoor Fireplaces

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                            • #15
                              Re: Cutting concrete block

                              Originally posted by Dan94550 View Post
                              Unfortunately I am going the dry fit route so there isn't any mortar gap to make up the difference.
                              I meant mortar (or stucco) to the face of it when you finish the oven - the face does not need to be smooth - the block stand is just to raise the oven, but you are well on your way, no worries.

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