I've just been given a job to slab someones back garden, having only cut up a few slabs before with my 115mm grinder, I realise it will not be up to the job for this one where there are around 20 slabs needing cutting.
What should I get to do this?
Screwfix are doing a Dewalt 9" grinder for £70 - would this be alright?
And also, which discs should I go for - this'll be basic builders merchant supplied conrete slabs.
Thanks Alan.
cutting.
alright?
If they are solid concrete slabs it'll be hard going with an angle grinder.
What you REALLY REALLY need is one of these, and now is you excuse to buy one :
It need not be. Remember you don't have to cut all the way through - a groove (possibly half-depth) will suffice with a full depth cut right at the ends.
Plenty of good advice at
Mathew
Have to agree with Mathew - I cut 10 in half using the small angle grinder, just putting a groove along each side, so that I could put an edging round my veg patch.
Rob
Best of all is hire a concrete saw. Not expensive. A diamond blade on the angle grinder may well be similar price - check with the stockist and get one suitable for concrete.
The limitation on an angle grinder is the depth of cut.
Done mine with a Makita 9" grinder and budget diamond blade from Screwfix (which is still going several jobs later). Very easy work but just make sure you keep your body clear of the line of the grinder. I'm sure the budget =A315/=A320 grinders work just as well.
Go for a budget 9 inch. Faced with a similar situation a few years ago I bought a 9 inch Ferm and used Screwfix cutting discs. It cut a 2 inch slab in 5 or 6 passes, but it is a powerful beast.Cut in such a way that the disc does not jam in the cut - if it does you will not be able to control the kick, even though the disc slows quickly with the power off. I have no experience of diamond discs but conventional ones produce a large amount of dust - don't do it when your neighbours (or SWMBO) have any washing out:-)
Malcolm
Diamond. Dirt cheap these days - check eBay.
Cheap angle grinders usually work as well as good ones, but with obvious lifetime limits. However the big difference is that they weigh around twice what a good (=A380ish) one weighs. For cutting slabs flat on the floor this is almost an advantage, even though it's normally a damn nuisance.
Lump hammer, bolster chisel and tin of elbow grease.
Stone cutting or a diamond blade in an angle grinder will cut a slot and make *lots* of dust. Once you have a slot about 3/8" deep along the entire face and down the edges place the slab, slot upper most, over over an edge and snap it.
Not if the slab is thoroughly wet first..
The traditional wetting agent for diamond is olive oil. Not that I am suggesting it.
Is the diamond really diamond?
Yes. I use water myself.
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