Cutting Retaining Wall Blocks

Johnny_B · Apr 2, 2010

Hello,

I'm getting my tools and supplies lined up for a retaining wall I'm going to be putting in this month (ordered the Unilock Brussels Dimensional blocks today). I have to make 5 or 6 cuts where the blocks adjoin the house, so I'm wondering if I should rent a diamond blade wet saw or just pick up a 14" cut-off saws and a diamond blade from Harbor Freight. Unfortunately the Harbor Freight wet saw can only cut brick up to 3 inches and the bricks I've ordered are 3.9".

HF has two saw options, and I was leaning towards the $99.99 model ITEM 1624-5VGA - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices instead of the $49.99 model.

I've skimmed through the HF tool reviews on the website and have seen some complaints about the metal-cutting blades on this saw, but has anyone ever used this or similar saws (with a masonry blade) to cut retaining wall blocks?

Sorry for the long-winded question...but thanks in advance.

ditzel · Apr 2, 2010

You can rent a gas powered cut-off saw with diamond blade from home depot tool rental for about $50.00

Jeff F. · Apr 2, 2010

I just used a masonry saw and cut it free hand. I think I paid between $20-$30 for the day. Good luck on your project.

4jd318 · Apr 2, 2010

we just put a diamond bladae in a milwaukee metal cutoff saw. Works real good.
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Scooby074 · Apr 2, 2010

rental gas saw, the saw rental is cheap, but wait till they hand you the bill for wear on the diamonds

it was more than the saw rental!!!

FallbrookFarmer · Apr 2, 2010

Johnny_B said:
Hello,

I'm getting my tools and supplies lined up for a retaining wall I'm going to be putting in this month (ordered the Unilock Brussels Dimensional blocks today). I have to make 5 or 6 cuts where the blocks adjoin the house, so I'm wondering if I should rent a diamond blade wet saw or just pick up a 14" cut-off saws and a diamond blade from Harbor Freight. Unfortunately the Harbor Freight wet saw can only cut brick up to 3 inches and the bricks I've ordered are 3.9".

HF has two saw options, and I was leaning towards the $99.99 model ITEM 1624-5VGA - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices instead of the $49.99 model.

I've skimmed through the HF tool reviews on the website and have seen some complaints about the metal-cutting blades on this saw, but has anyone ever used this or similar saws (with a masonry blade) to cut retaining wall blocks?

Sorry for the long-winded question...but thanks in advance.

I have, don't buy it, It works okay for metal cutting, but as soon as it gets some masonry dust in it, BU-BYE
Rent one, you'll be dollars ahead

petes · Apr 2, 2010

I used a masonry abrasive cutting blade in an old skilsaw. Cut a groove (3/4" deep?) on all 4 sides around the block, then use a masonry chisel to bust it off where it's been weakened. I was able to split off as small as about 1" slices off the end of a ~10" x 10" block.

2manyrocks · Apr 3, 2010

Yes, an old skilsaw from the pawn shop $15-$20 and an abrasive blade.

If you are trying to notch out block to weave new block in, you can knock out the mortar with a hammer drill.

polo1665 · Apr 3, 2010

2manyrocks said:
Yes, an old skilsaw from the pawn shop $15-$20 and an abrasive blade.

+1 on this, cheap masonry blade can be had for $20. I used my old Sears skilsaw and it still works fine. I Cut a lot of block and flagstone before that blade wore out.

One thing, make sure to get yourself a respirator. That dust is a killer.

Mark