My tile saw doesn't cut it.

[asudavew]

After cutting tile over the weekend, I finally decided to cut a brick in half....

Not thinking I would have a problem, I didn't try it sooner.

Well I have one of the cheap wet tile saws from Lowe's from past jobs, and unfortunately it is too small to cut a brick in half.

I can cut about 1 inch in on both sides, and that's it.

So.. I was thinking of alternatives.

I do have a 10" cut off saw, so while at Lowe's I tried to find a 10" masonry blade. No luck.

But at Home Depot, they had one for 4 bucks and change.

I bought it, put it on my cut off saw and selected a brick.

It sliced the brick in half like butter. I bet it didn't take 10 seconds.
Needless to say I was pleased, because I can cut just about any angle with that saw. No shims or special jigs needed. I just have to rotate the blade.

Now I'm sure I will need several of these blades to do the job, because they will wear to nothing, but they are inexpensive.

Anyways.. I just wanted to give everyone another option for cutting bricks.

If you go this route, don't forget a mask and eye protection, because it's dusty work.

Here's a pic of a blade like mine.
If you buy one, make sure it says that it's for masonry because the ones designed for metal look about the same.

Good Luck and happy building!

[rlf5]

If I were you I'd go for a diamond blade. You almost surely won't have to replace it, and I it may slice through a little better as well. You can get the expensive one from HD for about $35-45 I think, or you can get one from Harbor Freight for about $20.

[asudavew]

Does it cut without water?

[rlf5]

I'm sure it will. I have a diamond blade on my grinder that cuts just fine w/o water. LOTS of dust though...it's much better if you soak the bricks beforehand.

[asudavew]

I've found some that say wet and some that say dry at Lowes.com.

[dmun]

I did a lot of work with one of those little 7" table type tile saws. Not fun. Among other things they throw the cutting slurry right up into your face.

There are abrasive cut off saws that have shielded motors for abrasive work, and miter saws for woodworking. My guess is that those for woodworking will burn up pretty quick in the dusty environment of abrasive cutting. On the other hand a cheap saw might last long enough to do the job of one dome.

I really hate the smell of those abrasive cut-off wheels as they self destruct. I'd look for a dry diamond blade.

[n2iko]

There are two problems with the diamond blade and cut off saw. The first as mentioned is the dust and the second is dust in the bearings of the cut-off saw.
If you can live with these go for it!


--mr.jim

[Ken524]

Another option: get the Harbor freight wet saw and a blade, then polish it up for Ebay or Craig's List after you are finished. You'll probably recoup a good chunk of the purchase price (and you won't trash your cut-off saw).

[Gareth]

Harbor freight is the way to go. The store employees told me if I purchased the $45 extended warranty I could use the saw return it for a full refund no questions asked. It is worth the $219.

I used it this weekend to cut granite tile, it was so sweet!

Gareth