I looked up the post on ICS saws and considered that route. We have a table saw with a 14 inch blade and want a faster way to cut versa lok without flipping the block over. I was wondering what would be better; the concrete chainsaw or the 20" sliding table saw (about 6k). We also cut pavers with the 14 inch saw. Thanks
Cutting 6 inch wall block
cdqat1432
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I looked up the post on ICS saws and considered that route. We have a table saw with a 14 inch blade and want a faster way to cut versa lok without flipping the block over. I was wondering what would be better; the concrete chainsaw or the 20" sliding table saw (about 6k). We also cut pavers with the 14 inch saw. Thanks
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Great tip RJ. The face is all that matters. Stick a wide chisel in the cut and hit it. As long as it's not freestanding obviously.
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Maryland based EDCO has a table saw that can cut an 8-inch block in one shot. I too like a nice clean cut for block. A large table saw is also a great tool for cutting solid block for seat walls where cuts are visible on both sides.
It's so easy for a field worker or an owner operator to say "hay just use a cut off saw".
A business with employees is a whole different world than the owner operator world. A new laborer is less likely to be able to do a nice clean cut with a chop saw but more likely to do a nice cut with a table saw. It's great the current workers are talented, but what will you do if they go work elsewhere? It will take their replacement time to learn how to make a good cut.
The topic creator is on the right track - if you want to be a pro you need to think like a pro and think about the next turn before you get to it.
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It's so easy for a field worker or an owner operator to say "hay just use a cut off saw".
A business with employees is a whole different world than the owner operator world. A new laborer is less likely to be able to do a nice clean cut with a chop saw but more likely to do a nice cut with a table saw. It's great the current workers are talented, but what will you do if they go work elsewhere? It will take their replacement time to learn how to make a good cut.
The topic creator is on the right track - if you want to be a pro you need to think like a pro and think about the next turn before you get to it.
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I think efficient. I could cut 5 block to your one.
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You can get a 20" table saw for a lot less than $6,000 though...
As an example, the Retail price (which no one pays) for a 20" MultiQuip Saw is under $4,500. The Edco is also under $5,000. You can buy then locally or from a distributor.
A 20" saw will give you the depth to cut an 8" block in a single pass.
Also, as DVS could probably tell you, once you get a bigger table saw, you will find a lot more use for it than you think. Hand Held saws are great, but they aren't always the be all end all...
As an example, the Retail price (which no one pays) for a 20" MultiQuip Saw is under $4,500. The Edco is also under $5,000. You can buy then locally or from a distributor.
A 20" saw will give you the depth to cut an 8" block in a single pass.
Also, as DVS could probably tell you, once you get a bigger table saw, you will find a lot more use for it than you think. Hand Held saws are great, but they aren't always the be all end all...
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That's not the point, my friend. You're not understanding.
In terms of cutting material - The business needs to be equipped so that any field personnel can make clean and efficient cuts. If your guy that makes clean and efficient cuts is off work for a week for his relative's funeral and the others on the crew are not able to cut like him - then what would you do?
If you have a good table saw - then the business owner does not have to rely on that key man.
The topic creator is on the right track.
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Youre right, if the guys who is a good digger hurts his foot, you should have every size excavator available for someone to use. Definitely buy a 6k saw for this one job. Great idea
Jeez, teach all your guys to use a cutoff saw? Youre not asking them to carve sculptures, its an 8" straight cut. I can teach my mother to do that in 20 mins.
Jeez, teach all your guys to use a cutoff saw? Youre not asking them to carve sculptures, its an 8" straight cut. I can teach my mother to do that in 20 mins.
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RJ brings up a great point. Another analogy would be for instance I've been running a skidloader with pilot controls for years. Stick me in one with foot controls and my production goes way down. Do I get the hang of it after 20 minutes? Yes. You can't have everything.
One way to make perfect cuts for beginners on freestanding walls using 6" block is to measure on both faces the length you need and using a speed square to make sure you make a straight line. Tip the block on its one face and cut in at an angle making sure you stay right on your mark. Flip the block over and do the same. A lot of beginners have problems keeping a square cut and or the centers hitting first. With this method the two faces will be perfect cuts and the center will actually be cut out some. Again, the face is all that matters.
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One way to make perfect cuts for beginners on freestanding walls using 6" block is to measure on both faces the length you need and using a speed square to make sure you make a straight line. Tip the block on its one face and cut in at an angle making sure you stay right on your mark. Flip the block over and do the same. A lot of beginners have problems keeping a square cut and or the centers hitting first. With this method the two faces will be perfect cuts and the center will actually be cut out some. Again, the face is all that matters.
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Cut off saws are learned in 20 mins! Come on guys. There is technique and its not learned the first year usually. Most guys will hold a saw on a 5 deg angle or so and make a mess of the block each and every time. Every hardscape guy who is half serious needs to have all three, min. 14" tile saw, any quick cut other than the new Stihl's (lol) and an experienced helper.
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I'm in, lets do it
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Just did a lot of block work today, for another company I am subbing for. Mostly straight walls and ninety degree angles, so little to no cuts involved. But when there is one, I cut the block and flip it over for now. In the works of getting a table saw for the future though.
That is the best way, and when doing double sided curved walls, it's the only way to get the best look.
That is the best way, and when doing double sided curved walls, it's the only way to get the best look.
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Get a 16" chop saw. One cut, done. Nothing faster. We do have a 16" big table saw, the only time it gets used is on sitting walls with a radius where both sides of the wall can be seen. Other than that no need. So what if your cutter messes up a few block. His time cutting is way more valuable than the block. So he has to cut one block 3 times... still faster and cheaper than doing it on a table saw.
I always try and start new guys off with cutting pavers. If they don't make a square cut it generally doesn't really matter unless its really bad. After some time cutting pavers I'll show them how to cut block. By then they have a feel for the saw and how to make square cuts. I agree its not rocket science but to become really good at it, its like anything, it takes time.
RJ, we just finished our largest job of the year. I'll be putting photos up at some point. I'm currently going through the 50k+ photos of the time lapse I shot for it.
I always try and start new guys off with cutting pavers. If they don't make a square cut it generally doesn't really matter unless its really bad. After some time cutting pavers I'll show them how to cut block. By then they have a feel for the saw and how to make square cuts. I agree its not rocket science but to become really good at it, its like anything, it takes time.
RJ, we just finished our largest job of the year. I'll be putting photos up at some point. I'm currently going through the 50k+ photos of the time lapse I shot for it.
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I use these soapstone markers, the flat ones in the holder..but they don't work good in water..usually go to permanent marker and may have to scuff a few pavers if the mark shows
http://www.pavetech.com/big.htm?path=tools/images/markers.jpg&width=600&height=365
http://www.pavetech.com/big.htm?path=tools/images/markers.jpg&width=600&height=365
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