Tool for notching Concrete?

[Bill Stock]

Several years ago we had some curbs poured around the garden (edging for paving stones). One of the curbs is poured along a fence line, which is now a problem as we're getting a real fence to replace the chain link. So I rented a concrete saw to slice up the curb into flippable pieces to get them out of the way of the new post holes. This went better than expected once I got the **** saw started (loose sparkplug).

But now I want to cut some 3"*6" (roughly) notches to fit around the new posts when they get set. The saw would definitely make the cuts in the edge of the curb, but how do I cut off my tounge? Also, the saw cost $91 for a 4 hour rental, so I would rather find an alternative!

BTW curbs are 7" deep, 4" high at the back and about 2" high at the front. Notching present a high risk of cracking.

[emjr]

Don't know where you are, but here in SE Michigan there's a place called "Performance Tool". They sell these- http://www.masonry-saw.com/ics_saws_853pro.html-for a big pile o'money, but I'll bet you can find one to rent. The video made me wish I had some ancient castle walls to pierce!

[crokett]

An angle grinder with masonry blade or circular saw with masonry blade would notch the concrete. Then you'd have to chisel out the waste. You could also do a series of holes along a line with a hammer drill but that would look pretty ragged. It might just be easier to cut the curb into sections that fit between the posts and then form and repour around the post.

[Tom Slick]

emjr has the best solution but is link should be http://www.masonry-saw.com/ics_saws_853pro.html

7" thick presents a problem. I'd use the saw to cut slices into the tongue and a grinder or circ saw with a diamond wheel to cut a line/notch the bottom of the "U" out. You need the slices so you can break them out in smaller pieces. You need the line/notch at the bottom of the "U" to create a weak point for the concrete to break off. Think about the process of notching or mortising with a chisel in wood.

[cgallery]

The ICS chainsaw is AWESOME!

[Uncle Cracker]

...but how do I cut off my tounge?

I get a headache just thinking of all the comebacks for this straight line, but in Rod's honor, I won't go there...

[Bill Stock]

emjr has the best solution but is link should be http://www.masonry-saw.com/ics_saws_853pro.html

7" thick presents a problem. I'd use the saw to cut slices into the tongue and a grinder or circ saw with a diamond wheel to cut a line/notch the bottom of the "U" out. You need the slices so you can break them out in smaller pieces. You need the line/notch at the bottom of the "U" to create a weak point for the concrete to break off. Think about the process of notching or mortising with a chisel in wood.

Yeah, this was my thought too. I'll use the concrete saw to cut the verticals and my angle grinder to nip them off. I considered a chop saw, but the dust would likely kill it the first time out?

I'll bet that saw rental price (emjr) would make my $91 look cheap, plus I'd never find it here.

[bruce hylton]

Make friends with a tombstone cutter and borrow his saw.

[Mr__Bill]

Why not just pour a new one where it fits around the post? It's not hard to make the forms and mixing concrete is more fun than playing in mud when you were a kid. I think it will be less expensive, less stress full, less dangerous and look better when you are finished.



Bill, with opinions as forceful as mine who needs facts.

[Bill Stock]

[QUOTE=Mr__Bill;407725]Why not just pour a new one where it fits around the post? It's not hard to make the forms and mixing concrete is more fun than playing in mud when you were a kid. I think it will be less expensive, less stress full, less dangerous and look better when you are finished.
QUOTE]

It's 'patterned concrete' so that's why I'm trying to salvage it.

[Mr__Bill]

It's 'patterned concrete' so that's why I'm trying to salvage it.

Well that makes sense then, tho you could make wax moulds of the pattern...........


the other Bill