Looking for one to cut a few (not many) relatively thin concrete slabs. Never used or owned one before, so don't know what to look for. I thought that a 4.5" would be ok (will it?), and just buy a big pack of stone cutting disks from Screwfix - they look cheap enough.
The ones below seem ok to me. Any recommendation? I suspect that once this job is done I will not be using it for more than a couple of times a year.
formatting link
?cId=100368&ts=65546&id=50168
formatting link
?cId=100368&ts=65546&id=87881Any tip will be much appreciated.
Either the Bosch or the DeWalt would be good in this small size. I have something similar to the Bosch one and it has been fine.
However, I don't think that this is going to have enough cutting depth for paving slabs - even thin ones, and will struggle anyway.
Really you need a 230mm one.
I researched these because I had a need for one a few months ago. Bosch and Metabo had the best reviews and the antivibration handles make a big difference in use.
In the end I settled on the Metabo because it came with a couple of good quality cutting disks. Prices were about the same at around £79 at the time. I got mine from Lawson HIS because of best price but it does vary.
If you feel that your usage rate doesn't make this worth it, then I would look at the rental places - cost is about £12 a day.
Forget the stone cutting discs and go for a diamond blade. Faster cut, less dust, and one will cut hundreds of slabs. With a big slab and ordinary abrasive disks you may need more that one per slab!
Everything you need to know on cutting slabs:
formatting link
can get diamond discs from eBay for peanuts)
About angle grinders:
formatting link
about discs for them:
formatting link
The ones below seem ok to me. Any recommendation? I suspect that once this
With thin slabs you may be able to use a small grinder by making a partial cut and then snapping the slab. If you want to make a full cut (which sometimes you need to do on corners or notches etc) then a 230mm machine is required.
If you want a "one off" tool, then even one of the cheapies will do (although avoid the lowest of the low like Kinso (google this group to see why!)). A £15 quid machine will see out 20 slabs.
ergonomics as well, easy to use single handed when required. Will survive being chocked up with masonry dust much better than the budget tools.
Bosch have the edge on grinders (over DeWalt) anyway.
Treat with respect - they can bite! Use a mask and face shield (the visor type is good), plus ear defenders.
If you use a 230mm grinder then spend a bit more a slightly better machine and hang on tight. I have had many years faithful service from a
2kW Hitachi grinder that came with a diamond disc. Cost about £75 IIRC.
Good luck with it. I found slab cutting surprisingly easy with a grinder. There's little danger of kick back because the material you're cutting is rigid and the cut can't close up as it might with wood. Following a line can be tricky, and it pays to set up some kind of base to rest the slabs on. I used a couple of lengths of 4" x 4" with a bag of sand for the offcut to fall on. Dust is the main problem. Warn the neighbours not to put the washing out that day.
A useful tip I have found is to make the first pass with the grinder starting at the edge of the slab nearest you, and moving away. That way the stream of dust from the cut is not obscuring your cut line.
If you need help getting a straight line then an old ali level makes a suitable straight edge to guide the blade.
IIRC I found it slightly difficult to see the cut because of the guard. Had I been doing a lot I might have worked out a more comfortable working position
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.