how to remove stone from wall?

[tommydog35]

I am knocking through a stone wall that previously had a window to create a doorway. I have removed all the stone from the middle with an SDS chisel, but don’t want to continue with that method for the sides as I don’t want to disturb things further into the wall.

I thought the best thing to do would be to use an angle grinder with a diamond wheel and cut the stone on the sides. The front will be square, but the rear will be swept back along the contours where the red arrows are pointing. I purchased a 9 inch angle grinder and diamond wheel. The problem is that due to the bulk of the tool with the guard on, I can’t get flush to the sides. I suppose I could angle it, but that would involve cutting into the sides a little.

Does anyone have any ideas? attached are a couple of photos

 

[Montauket]

Can you get flush with the guard off? You could always use a face shield. Are you looking for a clean crisp edge or more of a live edge type look? You could always score a line and then hand chisel it to break the stone for the live edge look. Going bigger your next tool is a concrete saw. It might work well if you can find one of the ones where the blade is offset in relation to the handle, but I think you still won’t be flush.

Love those old stone walls in homes

 

[tommydog35]

Can you get flush with the guard off? You could always use a face shield.

Even with the guard off I don't think you will get flush. Also the spindle protruding out will stop you getting completely flush. A dedicated concrete electric saw is going to be bulkier still. When you saw concrete saw, do you mean one of the manual saws? I just looked those up and they look like they may do the job. But wonder if they are up to it?

An alternative may be sometime like a masonary sawzall blade. Something like this:

What do people think?

 

[Montauket]

I was talking about what you are showing above

 

[PCustoms]

Cut what you can, knock the rest loose back to a joint.

Cut the pieces to the correct size and then mortar them back in.

Edit: if you knock them all loose and cut to size, you can put then put the saw cut side "in" to make the exposed face look more original.

 

[rsanter]

Chain saw
Yes they make a chain saw that will cut through concrete
See if you can rent one

I have a 4.5" diamond blade that mounts on my grinder flush on the bottom, you can use that then chip a way and go again. It's from bad dog tools

 

[Jackfre]

A small jack hammer with the correct blade will do it. I’m not talking a 90# Kent hammer but one that you can handle. you are low enough in the wall that you should not have to hold it to high. Go to one of the better rental yards and see what they have. A concrete saw with the 12” or so abrasive blade will do it as well But with an offset.

 

[LiketoFix]

A larger "Quick cut saw with diamond blade", can be used as I've done it several times. Same method, but a 12-16 inch diameter blade. Some saws take an 18 inch blade. Renting one is easy instead of purchase price for one job. Once you cut your edge line establishing the perimeter, it's just normal demo from there and not to disturb the existing.
Good Luck,
LtF

 

[tommydog35]

A concrete saw with the 12” or so abrasive blade will do it as well But with an offset.

I have seen those offset saws, but you still have the spindle that sticks out and would prevent a flush cut

 

[tommydog35]

Cut what you can, knock the rest loose back to a joint.

I have to be real careful as there is a beam just above it. The beam does not rest on much material. Some of the stones are big and can't just be pulled out, otherwise there is a serious risk of collapse. Thats why cutting it in situ is better and If I can cut it flush, the finish should be decent.

 

[carlaisle]

Find a place where you can rent something like this: https://www.stihlusa.com/products/concrete-cutters/professional-concrete-cutter/gs461/