Cutting pavers with a 7 1/2" handheld saw

[Mps18]

Reading this reminds me of my projects I always end up getting a new power tool as an excuse to do the job more efficiently win win situation

[the_matrix_guy]

Or not cut them, score them with a grinder and snap them off with a wide chisel. It is pretty easy to do and makes a pretty clean "cut".

I wound up getting a 4" Makita side grinder with masonry blades, I love that thing.

[the_matrix_guy]

Thanks again for all the help. you guys are awesome.

[ghilliesuit]

I did edit that post. The $70 model is rated for 1" thick material. Probably not enough. There is something more appropriate for 299 (aka 300). With a %20 off coupon your looking 240 for something rated to do, I think if i remember correctly, 2 1/4"

[ghilliesuit]

$70?! I was ready to spend 700 lol

Kindly see my previous post, please.

I was looking at the Dewalt.

How much you spend on the tool is really up to you. The more you spend the greater the time for your ROI. But the flip side is a more well produced product. I typically would consider Dewalt "contractor" grade - as such the products are made to work day in/out for years on end (hence the nice warranties etc....). For the homeowner who needs to make it through a few projects - the Dewalt will definitely work.

If you want a saw that will last for years - that you can pass on to your grandkids - get the Dewalt. That tool in a non-commercial setting will last a LONG time. If you are just looking to get through a few projects you may be able to get away with less. Even a used commercial grade wetsaw can be had for less and should get you through. The HF options will be lesser quality, but should get you through your projects. Totally up to you and how you envision your future usage of the tool. You could always sell your Dewalt after your done your projects to recoup some of the cash as well. Either way, good luck.

If it were me I would get the HF and then sell it when I was done. But thats just my preference. There is no right/wrong.

[Macdave06]

I am thinking of investing in a proper professional wet masonry block / tile cutter, to be honest. Cause we also want to re-tile a bathroom ourselves, i feel like its worth it. Especially considering that we would also do pavers for the front driveway eventually. It would make cutting way easier, cleaner, and precise. And cleaner in both regards, in the cuts and mess-wise.

If you're planning on doing tile you might as well buy a wet saw. You can do ceramic with a cheap tile cutter, but a lot of the options are porcelain and you pretty much need to have a wet saw. You can find one second hand for 100-150 bucks. A lot of people buy a new saw for DIY and sell them after.

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[the_matrix_guy]

The right tool for the right job - is always the right thing to do. Harbor Freight sells a cheap one that would get you through what you need for something like $70. Add on a %20 off coupon and that's a pretty good deal. Especially for a specialty tool. Then you can get a decent blade and your off to the races. Either way, good luck.

$70?! I was ready to spend 700 lol

Kindly see my previous post, please.

I was looking at the Dewalt.

[the_matrix_guy]

Do you guys have recommendations regarding a wet tile/brick cutter? Is the Dewalt worth it at around $850-900? I saw some lesser known brands for around 500-550

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1...000S/203054774

[ghilliesuit]

I am thinking of investing in a proper professional wet masonry block / tile cutter, to be honest. Cause we also want to re-tile a bathroom ourselves, i feel like its worth it. Especially considering that we would also do pavers on the front driveway eventually.

The right tool for the right job - is always the right thing to do. Harbor Freight sells a cheap one that would get you through what you need for something like $70. Add on a %20 off coupon and that's a pretty good deal. Especially for a specialty tool. Then you can get a decent blade and your off to the races. Either way, good luck.

Edit on the saw recommendation: not sure what thickness you are cutting through. Depending on the paver thickness HF has some other offerings. Here is a link to the coupon

[the_matrix_guy]

Where do you live? Soil compaction is based almost entirely on your location. If you want to do this whole project by hand you could very easily be looking at 80hrs of work, by yourself before you cut or lay a single paver
.

I'm in South Florida.

This is a decent video with some good info. I would rent a plate vibrator instead of the hand tamper but it is all about your budget

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGU8a16XEkA

I definitely want to keep costs down because we also have other projects in mind so we want to stretch every dollar. We are also doing a bathroom remodel and that's something that will eat up most of the budget for right now. That being said, I can appreciate using the right tools for the job,but i feel like I can compact it myself by tampering it manually. I mean, im in good shape, i would just look at it as a workout lol

Thanks for the video.

Abrasive masonry blades work pretty well. Just make sure you get one rated for the correct RPM of your circular saw and you should be good to go. Also, something that you can clamp them down to while you cut can help. Water will help the dust, as well as a shop vac can be used in lieu of water to catch some of the dust

Mitigate the dust. Use a GFCI outlet if using water, if possible. Wear a respirator while making your cuts. Wear an impact rated face shield while making your cuts. Create the project of your dreams without spending $$$ more than you have to.

I am thinking of investing in a proper professional wet masonry block / tile cutter, to be honest. Cause we also want to re-tile a bathroom ourselves, i feel like its worth it. Especially considering that we would also do pavers for the front driveway eventually. It would make cutting way easier, cleaner, and precise. And cleaner in both regards, in the cuts and mess-wise.

[ghilliesuit]

Abrasive masonry blades work pretty well. Just make sure you get one rated for the correct RPM of your circular saw and you should be good to go. Also, something that you can clamp them down to while you cut can help. Water will help the dust, as well as a shop vac can be used in lieu of water to catch some of the dust

Mitigate the dust. Use a GFCI outlet if using water, if possible. Wear a respirator while making your cuts. Wear an impact rated face shield while making your cuts. Create the project of your dreams without spending $$$ more than you have to.

[Flounder]

This is a decent video with some good info. I would rent a plate vibrator instead of the hand tamper but it is all about your budget

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGU8a16XEkA

[Mr. Hick]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I figure a Makita 7' circular saw would work better than a grinder? How deep did you guys dig the bed for the pavers and how many inches of sand did you compact? Did you guys rent a compactor or did you compact it by hand with a manual tamper?

Much obliged for all the input

Where do you live? Soil compaction is based almost entirely on your location. If you want to do this whole project by hand you could very easily be looking at 80hrs of work, by yourself before you cut or lay a single paver
.

[the_matrix_guy]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I figure a Makita 7' circular saw would work better than a grinder? How deep did you guys dig the bed for the pavers and how many inches of sand did you compact? Did you guys rent a compactor or did you compact it by hand with a manual tamper?

Much obliged for all the input

[mtaylor]

I spent a week cutting concrete with a circular saw when I was working construction. It worked ok, but it was someone else’s saw. I had someone following me with a shop vac to catch dust, too.