Cutting Indian Paving Slabs - Tips/Advice

Maffy52

Hello, am re-laying my patio in a new design and need to cut a number of slabs to fit. I have tried using the grinder I use to cut bricks and block (Erbauer Masonry Diamond blade), but it is really struggling to cut much at all.

Does anyone have any advice for how to efficiently cut these slabs with a grinder? Do I just need a better blade, which one will work best for Indian sandstone slabs? Thanks.

FreeBear

What size grinder ?

Having cut slabs myself, it is slow going, even with bigger tools.

Maffy52

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146170#Comment_82146170

115 mm. The blade I have cuts through concrete bricks no trouble, but really surprised how much it struggles through these slabs. Went and got a new blade as thought it may be blunt, but no real improvement (this is the first time I've cut these slabs so have no reference for how easy or hard it should be!)

Have tried to cut a groove and 'snap' the slab but this doesn't work it won't snap cleanly…

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146181#Comment_82146181

This guy seems to have the right kit:

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

grumpy_codger

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146239#Comment_82146239

Petrol disc saw with 12-14'' blade is an overkill for slabs. Some electric angle grinder with common 9''(?) blade will do the job.

Screwfix have Titan for £35.

Eldi_Dos

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146289#Comment_82146289

I would take a contrary position to that and say hiring a Stihl saw from Friday to Monday would not cost much more than that and should do the job without too much drama.

grumpy_codger

Cut from rectangular slabs with 9" electric angle grinder. The slabs were 'Indian' IIRC.

bjorn_toby_wilde

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146648#Comment_82146648

Nice job!

I’m also surprised that the angle grinder won’t cut them. I’ve cut two different types of sandstone and a batch of slate now with an angle grinder and an Erbauer diamond wheel. They were all really easy to cut and the sandstone seemed particularly soft.

Maybe Indian sandstone varies in its hardness and OP has some that’s tougher than most.

Maffy52

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146239#Comment_82146239

yes, he certainly does.

Maffy52

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146648#Comment_82146648

very nice, what blade/disc did you use? I have the Titan grinder from screwfix which works fine, I presumably just need the correct disc.

stuart45

Stihl saws are used by pros because they are quicker. A decent 115mm angle grinder with continuous diamond blade is better for curved cuts.

A 9 inch angle grinder will work, it just take longer.