[cutntrim]

I'll be doing my first dry-laid random flagstone project either end of the week, or early next week. Just a small extension of an existing backyard patio area.

Just wondered whether using a hammer and chisel is sufficient/recommended for splitting the flags or do you guys normally score them first with a cut-off saw, or just cut them right through with the saw?

It's a random laid area, and the joints are 1" - 1.5" on average in the existing patio area. Oh, flags are 1.5" thick. Any other quick tips where the process differs from a paver patio would be appreciated.

Thanks...

[TrickyDick]

I don't do a ton of that but I've always scored them first or cut them through and then roughed up the cut side with a hammer. I guess it would depend a lot on what kind of stone it is though.

[cutntrim]

I would imagine that scoring them first would make splitting them easier. They're limestone flags 1.5" thick on average. Hopefully I'll be able to jigsaw most of it together without too many cuts, since the gap allowance is generous. If I score them first, I'll definately rockface them with a brick hammer after making the cut/split.

[NCSULandscaper]

i take my chipping hammer and litely tap the line that i want to break to get small fractures starting, then ill tap it hard to break it even.

[VoodooChile]

14" cut-off saw cutting the underside of the stone, or top-cutting on an angle set 1/2" back from the line I want, then chipping the angle cut to get a rough edge.

Electric circular saw does work, but is slow and risks blowing a fuse.

Chisel and hammer is way too slow, random, and hard on this old man's right arm.

[Stonehenge]

I'd follow Voodoo's advice - you'll never get limestone flagging to break where you want using a stone hammer or chisel. If it were sandstone or some other stone where there wasn't a horizontal grain to the stone, then that'd work great. But not limestone.

[cutntrim]

Sounds good guys. I actually still rent my cut-offs (14" Stihl or Partner) and I'll need one for the Celtik wall and paver job I"m on this week anyway, so I'll just hang on to it for an extra day or two. I did spring for a diamond blade however...the abrasive blades suck big time.

Next year I'll probably buy my own saw finally. Might get a Shindaiwa...at least I know the engine will start every time...unlike the Stihls I always rent!

[Raj Venugopal]

Husqvarna 375k is awesome.

Bought mine this year. Best saw I've ever used.

Originally posted by cutntrim
Sounds good guys. I actually still rent my cut-offs (14" Stihl or Partner) and I'll need one for the Celtik wall and paver job I"m on this week anyway, so I'll just hang on to it for an extra day or two. I did spring for a diamond blade however...the abrasive blades suck big time.

Next year I'll probably buy my own saw finally. Might get a Shindaiwa...at least I know the engine will start every time...unlike the Stihls I always rent!

[mrusk]

I have a husky 375k. I love the weight and size of the saw. It just seems to give me some proablems after a year of use. I'm guessing its my fault though. I am going to ad a air compressor to the job site trailer so i can get it blown off every night to keep it cleaner.

Matt