Cutting concrete block

[Dan94550]

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?

[wlively]

Re: Cutting concrete block

Angle grinder and a masonary blade.

[Ken524]

Re: 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?

My SkilSaw and a masonry blade made the job very easy.

Ken

[maver]

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!

[Ken524]

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!

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

[Dan94550]

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.

[Dan94550]

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!

Unfortunately I am going the dry fit route so there isn't any mortar gap to make up the difference.

[james]

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

[dmun]

Re: Cutting concrete block

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.

[SuperT]

Re: Cutting concrete block

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

Tony

[dmun]

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.

[james]

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

[Dan94550]

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.

[james]

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

[maver]

Re: Cutting concrete block

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.