[PetalsandPines]

OK....I must admit this....I have never used a chopsaw for other than cutting out a piece of sidewalk......How do you cut small pavers with them? Do you have to hold the pavers down, cut them on the ground or what? Once you cut through the paver, what is underneath as to not ruin the blade?

 

[BRL]

Yep you were were right! That was the dumbest question yet. JUST KIDDING!!

Generally you build the field of pavers, then cut them where they are. The base for your pavers will be less damaging then the pavers are to the blade. If you need to cut some separate from the field, put them on soft ground somewhere and the blade should survive.

 

[SuperShovel]

I usually rent a table chop saw. Without the blade I can get one for like $70 a day. It seems like a pain to cut them with my handheld cuase they are so small. The table is fast, clean, easy and accurate. I wish I didn't spend the $1000 on my handheld cuase I usually don't use it but it comes in handy sometimes.

I agree with BRL, the ground works fine. But I can't see how I would ever actually cut them on top of my base. It kinda messes up the compaction doesn't it? It might be alright if its on the outside edge, but I wouldnt be comfortable doing that. I could be wrong.

 

[capital]

For Patio work we use the table chop saw (electric). I do not think I would ever suggest dropping a chop saw into compacted area or dirt to cut thru a brick. Table saws work best, dry blade is what we use along with dry blades on are chop saws. I keep having images of a piece of lime stone flying across the project hitting either a piece of glass or someone up side the head................

 

[SuperShovel]

capital

why do you cut dry?

 

[Team Gopher]

Here is a tool I found for paver cutting. Click image for link.

 

[Rex Mann]

A couple ways to cut pavers with a handheld. Just as BRL said, overlay the field and mark your soldier course then follow the line with the saw. However, does not work well with serpentine edges.

If we have to measure and mark the pavers, meaning cutting them out-of-place, we either put them on a pallet or another paver.

Most of the pavers you do have to hold with your left foot. I am right handed. As you do the cutting you'll find what works for you.

Handheld = production = more $ in your pocket. However, just like everything there is a learning curve involved using the handheld saw.

Peace,

Rex

95% of these jobs were completed using a handheld saw

 

[jwholden]

I have considered the wet miter saw more than once until I saw the price tag. Just can't justify it and I think I would end up using the TS350 for most of the cuts anyway.

I like the handhelp chopsaw but I have to pace myself so I don't throw out my back. This is one tool where working deliberitely instead of rushed is ALWAYS better.

I use the left foot to hold and just lay the brick in the grass. I try to angle the cut a bit toward the good side so I don't have an angled cut creating a wide gap between pavers.

I do not have a water jet on my saw, but would love to try one. Not sure you could use this to cut the bricks in place but anything to keep that darn dust down is an improvement.

 

[AGLA]

Small Makita circular saws with diamond blades are quite commonly used around here. The idea is that they can cut a tighter radius.

One thing you really have to watch with the cut off saw is the ease of which it can throw a paver across the street at the slightest bind.

 

[SuperShovel]

I just want to say anyone who might be thinking a circular saw is somehow easier to use than a 14" gas powered saw. Give the gas powered big guy a chance. He is buildt for the job. And if you are using a circular saw, once you learn how to use the gas powered saws you will be one happy son of a ----- cuase those little things are a pain in the --- from what I have heard. But I could be wrong I've never bothered to use one.

 

[SuperShovel]

Hey Rex Mann, that is an awesome show. Nice work.

Personally my saw cutter and I have the table saw down so that it's faster than using our handheld.

 

[capital]

Super,

We used to use both dry and wet saw blades until someone mistakes a blade for a wet and then uses it with watter and it was a dry blade. The blade basicly does not last as long, so for us it was easier to just switch to dry blades. Also are blades are switchable between the two saws and the guys have learned to take a few cyndier blocks with them to sharpen them back up as they begin to dual out on the paver or flagstone.

 

[SuperShovel]

I see, thanks capital, I was wondering if I was missing something about dry cutting.

 

[hollywood]

Alot of good points brought up here. Have to agree with Rex. A handheld does seem to be very efficient. As for cutting pavers in place, we don't do that either. We may score with the handheld first, but will cut on top of another brick. It is true that while cutting a paver with just your foot holding it can be difficult, once you know the saw, you can "feel" when it is starting to bind.

As for wet or dry cutting, dry cutting definitely is quicker, but dustier. A wet cut keeps the dust to a minimum, but cuts a little slower when using abrasive blades. We prefer to score dry, then finish the cut with water. We use a Stihl TS 400 with a 14 wheel. Excellent saw. As long as you can cut steady and even (not pitching the saw blade to the left or right) the cuts will look fine. I suppose there are advantages to any type of saw, but the handheld works well for us.

Good luck with the cutting PetalsandPines.

 

[work_it]

Rex Mann, that is one awesome website. Great looking work too. My hat is off to ya!

 

[paponte]

For Patio work we use the table chop saw (electric).

Same here. We have a generator on the truck so no problem on job sites. I have an associate that spent $1200.00 on a Target wet saw, and quite honestly I can do the same thing on a $75.00 chop saw and a masonry blade. Only difference is that you have to make sure you are cutting up wind.

As far as a skill saw, I would agree tat a gas cut off will be easier. The only time we use a cut off is if there are alot of weird angles or alot of circles. In that case we will actually lay the soldier coarse last, and just cut the inner pavers.

 

[LawnMowerMan2003]

I prefer a jackhammer.