[scraper990]

Do you and, if so how, use the gas saw to cut in for the inside soldier course when laying pavers (e.g. along the house foundation)? The concept of laying the field long, then cutting, on outside edges works great. To this point, I've been marking and cutting all the bricks around stairs, fire pits, and walls. Is there a better way?

Thank you in advance for any help!

[Stonehenge]

Can you put a soldier course around each of those things? Then you can mark cuts that can be done more easily with the cutoff saw.

[scraper990]

Thanks for the reply Stonehenge!

So, would I snap a line the length/width of a soldier paver and use that line to start laying my pattern, letting pavers run wild into that section as I proceed? That seems to make sense for straight sections, but what about around steps and the like? The process of marking and cutting the curves is still a bit confusing to me. Are you suggesting using a paver as a scribe to trace the outline of the soldier course on the field brick, then cut that line? Should I be concerned with gaps or fit issues with the soldier course?

[Stonehenge]

You have the idea. You'll want to have a bit of a gap to ensure there's room between any rough surface of wall block and pavers.

[davemac]

I wouldn't worry too much about gaps. Sand will fix any gaps you have.

[PSUscaper]

I some instances where it is tought to cut up agains a house or wall because the saw won't physically cut without hitting the handle against it, I will include a wider soldier row. Sometimes sticking in a 2x6" 'twinkie' paver in there will give you the added room needed to make the long cut and shave a good amount of tub saw cutting off the job, plus it adds a nice touch to the border.

I like using a tumbled 'twinkie' as a second soldier course on standard finished pavers.