what type of paver/block saw?

[jpcjguy]

Hey all,

So I have some future projects planned. One is to redo a retaining wall that is currently railroad ties with no deadman (nice lean to it) with block and to extend our paver patio. No specific time table yet, but thinking about keeping an eye out for an appropriate saw on craigslist. Since whenever I actually need something, none are listed or ridiculously priced.

Looking at a saw that meets both needs. I see a few 14" wet saws listed like these:

But is that overkill for patio pavers? Can this saw do retaining wall blocks easily? I have debated the 10" HF Tile/Brick saw as an option, but I think it won't help me with the retaining wall blocks.....
Suggestions/comments?

Thanks!
Joe

 

[Mhyde52]

I'd look for a decent used gas chop saw. Might be able to buy a used one from a homeowner type rental place for a reasonable sum. Even Home Depot. If you can find one that hasn't been rented a ton, but it up for replacement, could be a good deal.

Most of the wall block I've used does not look like it will fit in the above saw.

 

[Brian_WK]

I have the HF wet tile / block saw I can measure it after work to see what the max height cut is. I have only used it for Tile but has been flawless so far (besides the **** pump, Just buy another one of those right off the bat) I know I can cut a 3 inch tall glass Rum bottle.

Chop saw is gonna get you pretty inaccurate cuts if you are worried about that. If not I would just go with a Paver and Retaining Wall Block Splitter less cost no maintenance and quicker.

Brian

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I use a hammer and chisel for cutting bricks. With most patterns you don't need to cut many, just a few at the ends.

 

[finn]

Manual block splitter and a diamond wheel on an angle grinders for detail work and trimming.

I've used my gas chop saw, but have difficulty getting straight cuts.

 

[jpcjguy]

Manual block splitter and a diamond wheel on an angle grinders for detail work and trimming.

I've used my gas chop saw, but have difficulty getting straight cuts.

Yeah - I saw someone use a gas chop saw and the cuts were not straight and you could see it in some pavers. Maybe if you did it day in day out and got really good. Me - not so much, that is why I am thinking some kind of table based saw (at least for the pavers). Looks like retaining wall blocks will be done another way.

 

[Goodtobeking]

Yeah depending on what style wall blocks you use, you won't be able to cut them with a table. I love using the style saw you posted to cut pavers, but usually takes a a little longer to cut out a long line in a paver patio. We do a lot of curved lines on our patios, will overlay, then cut the line with a gas Stihl 14" concrete saw. Only inside radius' are really problems, so I will use a table saw to cut them after scoring the line with the Stihl saw.

It's not that hard to cut a straight line with a "gas" saw. You just need to find a nice flat spot on the ground, or level out a skid, and pay attention to your angle and how you're holding the saw. Most walls only have one face, so cut that first, then cut and clean up the back.

On a side note, coming up may be a good time to grab a good used saw. I heard that OSHA, at least in my area around Cincinnati, is trying to adapt a "Zero Dust" policy. Basically meaning all saws will have to be wet. Our sliding table saw doesn't have the capability for wet action.

 

[Fixed]

How many do you have to do? Angle grinder to score it and a hammer to snap it works beautifully for small jobs.

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[engineer2]

Angle grinder to score it and a hammer to snap it works beautifully for small jobs.

That's the fasted way I found.
Angle grinder with a thin diamond wheel.
Cut all the way around the block.
Split it with a hammer and chisel.
Use the grinder to grind off any remaining nub.

 

[ssdave]

I use a 14" bosch cut off saw. I've cut hundreds of pavers and retaining wall block, a dozen or so basement windows and doors, and a lot of flat work. Used it twice in the last month to cut holes for ductwork in a basement wall. Makes a lot of dust, so I wear a good respirator. Of course, a face shield and ear protection also. A wet saw will work better for paver, but it's not as versatile.

I also use the cut off saw for cutting rebar, and for cutting cast iron pipe. Have cut a little bit of other steel also. It's a heavy beast at about 30 pounds. After you hold it up against a basement wall for 5 minutes you'd swear it weighs 75 pounds.

https://www.zoro.com/bosch-abrasive-cut-off-machine-metal-14-india-1365/i/G6157891/?gclid=CJOF_8b64dMCFYpgfgodX8YDXw&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[ddawg16]

I use a M&K wet saw...it's designed for tile...but works *****'n on pavers.

I've tried the ol' chisel and hammer method....looks like **** compared to a clean tile saw cut.

 

[jw3]

I use a 14" bosch cut off saw. I've cut hundreds of pavers and retaining wall block, a dozen or so basement windows and doors, and a lot of flat work. Used it twice in the last month to cut holes for ductwork in a basement wall. Makes a lot of dust, so I wear a good respirator. Of course, a face shield and ear protection also. A wet saw will work better for paver, but it's not as versatile.

I also use the cut off saw for cutting rebar, and for cutting cast iron pipe. Have cut a little bit of other steel also. It's a heavy beast at about 30 pounds. After you hold it up against a basement wall for 5 minutes you'd swear it weighs 75 pounds.

https://www.zoro.com/bosch-abrasive...gclid=CJOF_8b64dMCFYpgfgodX8YDXw&gclsrc=aw.ds

And I thought I was the only idiot to own one of those evil things. My dad bought that thing 30+years ago. And it still works just like it was brand new. If a man uses it all day, his *** is whopped. It does a fantastic job on block and brick. I went to a gas powered saw due to wet conditions I work in.


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[Handyfarmer]

I have a block saw similar to the top photo, that was a copy of a target masonry saw, used it for a few concrete block basements I have a wet attachment on it,

 

[awdblazer]

 

[maxpower_hd]

I've cut pavers with a circular saw with a concrete blade and it worked fine. I only had a handfull to do. If you are going to have a lot more then you might want a worm drive but I had no issues with my standard Porter Cable.

The blocks might be a different story. I haven't had to cut many but it sounds like you are only going to have a handfull of those too. I would probably use the grinder and a chisel rather than buy an expensive saw for one job. Either that or rent one.

 

[ssdave]

Before I bought the Bosch cut off saw, I just bought a $5 yard sale special Craftsman or Skil circular saw and used a diamond blade in it. The motors didn't last long but they worked for a few pavers or block. I wouldn't use my worm drive saw or one I liked to do it.

 

[p_mori7]

diamond wheel on an angle grinders for detail work and trimming.

^^^ This is also what I do.

Use a mask, and get a cheap HF grinder.

 

[Stuart in MN]

That's the sort of thing I would go to the rental store and get a wet saw to use for a day. I'm all for buying tools but how many times will you use it again?

Lay out the patio, get the pavers marked that have to be cut, and knock them all out at once.