[SteveJ]

I am going to be cutting some Pisa2 concrete blocks for a retaining wall project, and I'm trying to find a cost-effective solution for cutting bricks and coping. The Pisa specification recommended a circular saw with a masonry blade, and I was going to purchase one of these because I'm a weekend warrior and the rental costs would be too high for me.

1) Can someone recommend a good circular saw for me that would have sufficient power for this but not be too expensive? As I said, I'm not a pro and I don't need a high-end model.

2) Searching on "masonry blade" brings up both inexpensive abrasive blades and diamond blades. Can someone set me straight on which one is most suitable for my job?

3) Is cutting concrete bricks a wet or dry procedure?

Thanks,

Steve

[AZTLANLC]

Does unilock recommend using a circular saw? most likely would be a demo saw I'd search on ebay or craig list you can get a used decent one for 300+ partner or stihl are the most common, a diamond blade for sure an abrasive would last you 2 to 3 pavers.
Circular saw would not be able to cut all the way trough for coping and most pavers.

[SteveJ]

I guess you're right - the Installation Guide doesn't suggest the use of a circular saw. I have, however, seen a number of people using a circular saw to cut as much as they can and then split the brick. I was hoping to do it this way.

[dan deutekom]

You can do it that way but......
Makes for a sloppy installation because you won't get accurate fitting blocks and your circular say won't last very long before it burns out from the heavy load and the fine concrete dust. Either buy a used saw or rent one with a diamond blade. You will be glad you did.

[SteveJ]

Originally Posted by dan deutekom

You can do it that way but......
Makes for a sloppy installation because you won't get accurate fitting blocks and your circular say won't last very long before it burns out from the heavy load and the fine concrete dust. Either buy a used saw or rent one with a diamond blade. You will be glad you did.

Dan, just to clarify, are you recommending a demo saw like AZT is?

[MLysiak]

Harbor freight has a cheep demo saw, It aint a Sthil or Husky but it will accept a 14" blade. Item #66753-1RHH $399.99

[VoodooChile]

You can't afford to rent, but you can buy new?!?

I'd get to the point where I am ready to cut, rent a brand name 14" cut-off saw with a hose attachment, and cut wet in 1/8th time your circular saw would, if it survives the ordeal at all.

I've cut flagstone for several 100 feet of path with a 7.25" electric circular saw and an abrasive blade, and it ain't nothin' but a pain in the butt. Retaining wall block, forget about it!

Post some pix when you are done!

[SteveJ]

I have to cut maybe 10 coping units and 20 wall bricks. I was hoping to get away with buying circular saw with a masonry blade instead of doing this the "correct" way with a demo saw.

[NCSULandscaper]

you can rent a demo saw for about $65 for a half day..........cant find a circular saw and diamond blade that cheap

[agla]

You are not going to cut wall blocks with a circular saw. Rent the gas powered cutoff saw.

If you were just doing pavers and were limited to doing a little at a time and really wanted to have your own cutting tool, I'd suggest a a good 4.5 " grinder with a diamond blade. Just make sure you set it up to shoot the dust away as you cut or you'll burn it out very quickly.

Be very careful not to put pressure on the the blade while cutting or you'll shoot a brick across the neighborhood no matter which you use. Let the blade do the work and keep it straight. Eye protection and a dust mask are a must.

[AZTLANLC]

10 copings and 20 wall blocks ok in that case you can do it with a circular saw, the copings split the sections that don't get cut, for the wall just cut the face of the wall about 2" depth and then split with chisel and hammer.

you might kill your saw tough so I still think renting a demo saw would be the best option.

[dan deutekom]

yes i meant demo saw