How and with what to cut and split bricks? Step by step instructions

Sometimes in the process of work it is necessary to cut a brick; we will describe in detail how and how to do this in this article.

Brick is a popular building material that has proven itself to be reliable, strong and durable.

Structures made from it are able to withstand significant mechanical loads, the negative impact of mechanical factors, and extreme operating conditions.

But to build a house from it will take a lot of time, money and effort.

Durable, dense material is not easy to process.

To cut and split it, special hand and electric tools are used, which will be discussed further.

How to get a brick of a non-standard size or irregular shape

Not so long ago, professional builders and amateurs did not even wonder what they could use to cut bricks. They used a regular pick and a chopping method, which does not have a high level of complexity.

The process of cutting bricks using a pick or a combination trowel is as follows:

• you need to take a unit of building material in your left hand;
• after this you need to apply a split line using a tool on all edges of the product;
• at the end, apply a sharp jerky blow to the edge of the product, while the pick and the surface of the brick should form a right angle.

Manual cutting of bricks

This method has some disadvantages:

• low accuracy;
• the surface of the formed edge is uneven, so it has to be hidden inside the masonry, and in some cases this is impossible;
• You cannot split a brick at an angle other than a straight one.

But, time has passed, and now there are new construction tools that can be used for these purposes. They make the process more convenient and accurate, plus they significantly reduce time costs. In addition, the formed edges of the products are distinguished by a smooth surface.

Now a completely fair question arises: how to cut sand-lime or fireclay bricks. Modern construction specialists use the following tools for this purpose:

• brick processing machine;
• special saw (gasoline cutter);
• Bulgarian.

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Cutting disc for machine

To cut such a durable material as brick, you need a special cutter in which the role of the cutting edge is played by diamond, topaz or other corundum. With the advent of artificial diamond, the capabilities of cutting tools have expanded significantly, and wheels for working with stone have become not a rare occurrence. A diamond blade consists of a metal core and a crown, onto which diamond chips are applied. There are four methods for making cutting discs. Both the disk resource and performance depend on the manufacturing method.

1. The galvanic method involves placing the edge in an electrolyte containing artificial diamonds. Such discs have good cutting ability, but have a short service life.
2. Cold pressing. The disc is made by pressing a mixture of metals with diamond chips in a special mold. Cold-pressed discs work well, but cannot be relied upon for long-term use.
3. Hot pressing. A similar technology, only during pressing the temperature of the press is increased. The discs are the most durable of all of these, but the cutting capabilities of the edge are somewhat inferior to cold-pressed discs.

The most technologically advanced discs are discs made using silver soldering technology. Diamond segments of the edge are soldered to the base of the disk, and after that a layer of diamond is built up over the entire cutting part. But after this, the disk is not yet ready for use. The edge surface is processed until a perfectly flat surface is obtained. These cut bricks perfectly and last a long time, but are very sensitive to high temperatures, so they require forced cooling with water during operation.

How to cut bricks

When processing these building materials, you will need a pencil and a corner, in addition to the main cutting element. It should be noted that this procedure is accompanied by the formation of a significant amount of dust, so it is extremely important to use personal protective equipment. The respiratory tract should be protected with a respiratory mask, eyes with safety glasses, and hands with gloves.

To cut building materials more accurately, you must first apply markings to its surface. A construction pencil is used for this. Now you can start cutting, and this should be done not along the line itself, but near it, otherwise the brick fragment will not be the size required.

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Electric tool

Depending on the type of cutting, you can choose the right power tool for the task.

Jigsaw or miter saw - for those who don’t need much

For small masonry work, you can use an electric jigsaw. It will cope well with simple cuts. But it does not have enough power to process large quantities of stone. You just need to choose the right working surface.

Grinder - “a lifesaver from the garage”

The most common of them is the grinder. If you take it only for processing ceramic products, then it is better to choose a model with a higher power, since a large load is expected with low power. The best option would be a tool with a power of at least 2 kW. You can choose something more powerful. But, as a rule, such instruments are heavy and massive. It will simply be difficult to work with them all the time.

The right grinder is the key to success Source yandex.net

It is worth considering that when using an angle grinder, the material will become very dusty, even if it is thoroughly moistened with water before starting work. Therefore, it is best to carry out all work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. It would be useful to use personal protective equipment.

Cutting with a grinder is a dusty business Source bladesandbits.com

For such work, depending on the purpose, different disks are used:

• Abrasive . Cheaper and wears out quickly. By reducing the diameter, it is impossible to make deep cuts. Good for small volumes and simple cuts of bricks in wall masonry.

• Diamond . They have a longer service life. Cuts more accurately and safely. With them you don’t have to worry about how to cut a brick wall. Effectively make any holes in ceramics of any brand. Ideal for fitting products to face or Bulgarian masonry.

Note! You need to use discs with a diameter of 230 cm. If you take less, this will affect the quality of the cut. The width of the circle is also not enough for a complete cut. This means you have to turn the brick over. This may lead to inaccurate division. To process the cut you will need a circle with a diameter of 125 cm.

Using an Angle Grinder

Now let's talk about how to properly cut brick with a grinder. This operation is carried out when it is necessary to produce a small number of fragments of building material. Models that can be equipped with a circle with a diameter of 23 centimeters are suitable for processing.

Smaller cutting elements can also be used, but in this case the productivity and accuracy of the work suffers, since the disk will not go through the entire thickness of the product, so the workpiece will have to be turned over.

Cutting bricks with a grinder

The power of the tool used must be at least 2000 watts. You should not use a tool that is too powerful for this purpose, as it will be unreasonably heavy and cumbersome.

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Video description

How professionals work with stone cutters can be seen in this video:

Laser cutting

The most expensive and effective method of processing wall products is laser cutting. Such equipment operates on gas-discharge lasers. Ideal for processing any complexity of stone, brick, concrete walls of different thicknesses and with the presence of reinforcing elements.

Laser equipment can be used to perform high-precision artistic stone cutting Source hanna76.ru

It is mainly used on large-scale projects, as it is powerful and expensive equipment. For small construction projects, and especially for home use, laser systems are unreasonably expensive.

What kind of disk to cut bricks with?

It is also very important to choose the right disk for processing bricks. Cutting tools that are used for such operations are divided into two main groups:

• diamond;
• abrasive.

The main advantage of the abrasive disc is its relatively low cost. However, it should be said that such products fail quite quickly, so they need to be changed frequently. In addition, abrasive discs are subject to deformation and cracking, and therefore are quite unsafe.

Abrasive disc

Diamond blades are best suited for this operation. They are made from durable steel. This product is reliable and has a long service life. Also, such disks are more secure. Diamond cutting elements are also divided into several groups:

Simple products with a continuous edge . Such products provide a smooth surface of the newly formed edges and are low cost. The disadvantages are rapid wear and strong heating during processing.

Segmental . The main design feature of such products is the presence of cuts on their edges. This design ensures high-quality waste removal from the working area and slow heating. These blades are well suited for dry cutting.

Discs equipped with a serrated edge . The main advantage of such products is a large margin of safety. They have a long service life and can be used for wet and dry cutting.

Grinder with diamond blade

To improve the quality of cutting building materials, experts recommend using a grinder bed. Using this design, the cutting tool and the workpiece can be rigidly secured. Using the bed, you can cut bricks lengthwise or in half at different angles.

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Specifications

industrial machine

They produce two main types - industrial and household appliances. They differ in size, power, and guaranteed performance. Household models are quite suitable for work in small enterprises and private construction sites. Industrial ones are needed in large factories, where the volume of output is above average. They have more functions and capabilities for processing bricks and any other materials.

Main technical characteristics of manufactured models:

• voltage from 220 V to 380 V;
• power from 2.2 kW to 3.0 kW;
• cutting depth from 65 mm to 200 mm;
• cutting length from 500 mm to 620 mm;
• cutting disc diameter 300-620 mm;
• machine length 950-1225 mm;
• height 1110-1370 mm;
• width 615-720 mm;
• weight from 57 kg to 109 kg in the basic configuration.

When choosing a device for sawing bricks, you should pay attention, first of all, to the power, operating modes and manufacturer. It is not advisable to buy cheap devices from little-known or unknown companies, since the risk of getting a non-working, defective, quickly breaking unit in this case is very high.

Precautions when working with an angle grinder

Before starting all work, you should familiarize yourself with the basic requirements and rules for working with cutting tools. The first thing to remember is that you need to hold the instrument with both hands. Despite its simplicity, this requirement is the most important, since firmly holding the grinder guarantees high precision of work. A kickback will not move the tool significantly and certainly will not rip it out of your hands. It is also very important to choose a comfortable position in which you do not risk losing your balance.

The power cable must be laid so that it is at the maximum distance from the working area of ​​the tool to prevent the possibility of their contact with each other. Otherwise, the cable may be cut or wrapped around the disc. These situations are very unpleasant, since there is a risk of a short circuit or a river stopping the circle with further displacement of the device. It is also prohibited to place the grinder with the wheel still spinning on any surface.

Cutting bricks with an angle grinder is a fairly simple procedure, but it requires full concentration to do it safely. It is necessary to remember about the formation of dust during processing. To remove dust, a protective casing is used, which is equipped with a pipe for a vacuum cleaner. If it is not possible to organize waste disposal, you should wear a respiratory mask. You can also pour water into the work area and ventilate the room frequently.

The main nuisance that can arise during work is a kickback. This is an unexpected movement of the tool as a result of a jammed wheel. Almost always the disk is destroyed. This situation may arise due to the fact that the direction of movement of the angle grinder is opposite to the direction of the cutting tool. In most cases, a kickback is a consequence of incorrect actions by the employee. To protect yourself from such troubles, you should remember the following rules:

• It is necessary to stand in a place where the tool will not bounce during a kickback, otherwise there is a risk of injury.
• It is also necessary to hold the tool firmly with both hands.

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Useful advice from professionals

When cutting decorative stone, there is a set of unwritten rules for good and safe work. Here are some of them:

• You should work in thick clothing that protects from small particles of material flying out from under the tool, your eyes should be protected with glasses, long hair should be hidden under a hat, and closed shoes should be on your feet;
• cutting stone is a dusty process, so you should use a respirator;
• when cutting flat stones, it is more convenient to use not a grinder, but a special machine for cutting tiles with a diamond blade;
• dusting during cutting significantly reduces the use of water, which is used to wet the stone being processed and the cutting disc;
• The cutting path should be marked with a thin line, cut so that the marking line remains on the part of the stone being used;
• Of the grinders of three sizes: small, medium and large, it is preferable for a worker who does not have sufficient experience to choose a small one. This one is easier and, accordingly, safer to work with;
• When working with an angle grinder, it is recommended to hold the tool in such a way that if the cutting disc breaks, the debris does not cause injury;
• When working, hold the tool tightly, but not rigidly, like holding a caught bird: “so as not to strangle, but not to allow it to fly away.”

Cutting bricks with a gas cutter

Cutting bricks with a gas cutter

If you have a question about how to cut bricks without a grinder, you can use a gas cutter. This device is a special saw. The tool is quite inconvenient for cutting building materials, since it is bulky and heavy.

If a disk is used as a cutting element in a gas cutter, then it is similar to an angle grinder, with the difference that it runs on gasoline. A chain can also be used as a cutting element. In this case, the gas cutter is a bit like a chainsaw. The cutting elements for the gas cutter are made using a special technology and coated with diamond chips.

By following the link https://vse-postroim-sami.ru/materials/8564_pustotelyj-kirpich-vidy-preimushhestva-i-nedostatki-shhelevogo-kirpicha/, you will find useful information about the properties of hollow bricks. We also recommend reading the article about demolishing a concrete wall. Read about how to make a staircase out of brick here.

This device is convenient to use when arranging window or door openings in brickwork. The main advantage of gas cutters is the availability of water supply to the working area of ​​the tool.

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Cutting instructions

The instructions for sawing ceramic blocks with an alligator or reciprocating saw are not complicated and involve several steps :

• the block that needs to be cut is installed on top of another block or simply on a cement floor;
• using a square, tape measure and pencil, several marks of cutting locations are made on the block;
• using a long ruler and pencil, the marks are connected to each other;
• holding the tool level, smooth cutting is performed along the intended lines.

When working with an angle grinder, the ceramic block is cut along the entire perimeter. Using a chisel and hammer, the unnecessary part is broken off. Irregularities in the center of the block can also be smoothed out using a grinder.

Cutting bricks using a special machine

A machine for processing such building materials consists of the following elements:

• reliable metal frame;
• diamond wheel;
• power unit;
• workpiece holding system;
• water supply system to the work area.

Brick cutting machine

Purchasing this equipment allows you to do the following:

• quickly process workpieces;
• cut products with maximum precision, resulting in a smooth surface, which is very convenient for further work;
• increase work safety, since the water supply system ensures minimal dust formation.

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Features and problems of work

In the construction of a garage, fence, or stove, small parts of a brick product have to be cut by hand. To prevent an increase in material consumption, it is cut with a special tool to obtain even pieces for further use. Since the brick is fragile, the use of a jackhammer or hammer drill is undesirable. So the accuracy and correctness of the form will be impaired. To obtain an even sample, brick cutting is performed with special tools and auxiliary tools, such as a corner (ruler) and a pencil. The builder will need safety glasses and gloves to protect himself.

Choosing a machine for cutting bricks

Despite the above advantages, it is not always advisable to use a brick processing machine. The fact is that it is quite expensive, so its purchase will be justified if a significant amount of work is involved. Also, such installations are recommended for specialists who are constantly engaged in such activities.

Processing building materials using this equipment is very simple. Each model comes with instructions. In most cases, processing workpieces on a machine includes the following steps:

• markings must be applied to the workpiece;
• then the brick is installed at the desired angle;
• the tool is brought to the working area;
• the engine is turned on and the rotation speed is adjusted;
• the cutting element moves and cutting occurs.

The main advantage of working with brick processing machines is the fact that the worker is in a position where he can view the cutting process and therefore control it.

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Review and comparison of models

CTS-200

CTS-26 L

CTS-375.2

CTS-265

Brick cutting machine overview

Brick processing machines are complex structures that can harm the health of the operator if handled incorrectly. Therefore, work on the processing of building materials must be carried out taking into account all safety rules. The device is equipped with a power unit that operates from a network with an operating voltage of 380 Volts, so it requires correct grounding. Only those wheels that are approved by the manufacturer can be used as cutting elements. The worker must also use protective glasses, gloves and a respirator.

A device produced at a factory is quite expensive, so if the question arises of how to cut brick at home, then it is better to use other installations. However, some home craftsmen try to assemble such a machine themselves. The parameters of the future device are determined by the capabilities of the designer and the upcoming scope of work.

Some people even decide to completely replicate the design of factory-produced machines. Other home craftsmen use improvised means to imitate machines. In most cases, we are talking about an angle grinder that is mounted on a bed.

In some cases, a circle from a simple circular saw is used as a cutting element. This is due to the fact that such a tool can be purchased at almost any hardware store at an affordable price. In any case, you must remember the safety rules and take all measures to comply with them.

Working principle of brick cutting machine

From all of the above, it follows that the modern market offers a huge number of different devices for processing bricks. The choice of equipment falls on the shoulders of the master, and it must be done taking into account the following factors:

• scope of proposed work;
• work environment;
• budget for work.

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How to lay decorative stone correctly

Decorating interior walls with decorative stone can be done in several ways. The most common of these is to apply glue to the back of each tile. This method is convenient because it allows you to use pre-applied markings without any problems. That is, each piece is adjusted in place according to the drawn lines. This is very convenient because it allows you to do without even wedges. If it is already clear where to lay the tiles, there is no need to use any additional means.

In this case, very deep seams are obtained. Therefore, these options for finishing walls with stone go well with a grout package. But using a trowel will be more difficult. The process looks completely different when the glue is applied to the wall. In this case, the total amount of grout is reduced, but wedges will probably be needed to maintain the same size of joints.

How to cut brick by hand

Now let's talk about how to cut bricks for masonry by hand. The sequence of actions is as follows:

The first step is to find several blanks without visible defects.

After this, markings should be applied to the surface of the building material.

Then you need to take a pick and apply several blows at an angle along the entire perimeter along the markings, and then hit the end edges, while beating off the corners of the product.

Pick hammer

To obtain a flat and smooth surface, you need to rub the resulting surface against another brick.

Then you need to make a small groove on the wide edge of the product using the same pick.

After this, it is necessary to install the product with the groove down and apply several blows in the area of ​​the groove. A hammer is used for these purposes.

To obtain a fragment the size of one or three quarters of the product, you need to make a groove on all edges of the brick. Then start hitting with a hammer until the brick cracks.

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Difficulties and errors

Despite the fact that ceramic blocks are considered quite durable, they can easily crack under strong mechanical stress.
That is why, in order to minimize waste of building material when performing work on sawing or cutting ceramic blocks, it is advisable to use the “correct” tools - an alligator saw or a reciprocating saw.

Using these devices, you can make the most even and accurate cut line without damaging the block itself.

Experience and skills in working with ceramic building materials are also important; if they are lacking, a lot of rejected material remains when cutting. The master must know how to cut the material correctly.

Brick splitting

Another device for processing these building materials, which can be used at home and on a construction site, is a brick splitting machine.

Brick splitting plant

The equipment is a mechanical installation in which the workpiece is fixed and cut using special knives.

The equipment may be automatic or mechanical. Most experts recommend using a guillotine knife as a cutting tool for such structures.

This tool is characterized by its relatively low cost, ease of operation and the ability to use it for different types of bricks.

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Concrete cutting saw

Device and purpose

Petrol cutters are used for dismantling work.

A hand saw for cutting concrete can greatly facilitate the processing of reinforced concrete, stone, composite, brick and monolithic structures during all kinds of construction work. As a rule, wall saws with diamond blades are used for cutting reinforced concrete, but their use is not always available.

The fact is that the weight and dimensions of such machines are quite large, and therefore they cannot be used in hard-to-reach places, confined spaces, for high-altitude work in industrial mountaineering and other similar areas. Hand-held circular saws do not allow cutting to a sufficient depth.

Wall saws are often too bulky and heavy.

Therefore, when carrying out work using wall cutters and other heavy equipment, hand-held chain saws are always used. The reciprocating design of the cutting set allows you to work at a sufficient cutting depth - 30 - 40 cm, in addition, it allows the end entry of the saw and cut with a 90-degree rotation, which is important when constructing openings and niches.

A band saw for foam concrete allows you to cut to a sufficient depth.

The main cutting tool of the device is a diamond chain stretched on a special tire, which drives and guides the chain. The chainsaw chain for concrete has special soldering in the form of diamond-coated segments, which makes it more durable and efficient.

The bar and chain are detached from the saw like a headset, which simplifies the maintenance and repair of the tool.

The device has a power unit - a gasoline or electric engine.

Electric chain saw for concrete.

The gasoline unit, as a rule, has a two-stroke operating principle and is protected from moisture and dust. Torque is transmitted to the chain using a clutch or gearbox; most often, modern tools have an automatic centrifugal clutch, which allows you to immobilize the chain at idle speed or stop it when jammed and other emergency modes.

The tire of a chainsaw for stone differs from the tire of a regular chainsaw for wood. It is more complex due to the channels through which water flows to the circuit. Water is necessary to cool the cutting belt and remove concrete-sand sludge and chips, without which the chain will not be able to work for a long time.

The bar and chain are removed from the device.

If the tool is equipped with an electric motor, then this is usually a brushed single-phase unit running on alternating current 50 Hz and 230 V. The power of the electric motor can range from 1 to 3 kW, sometimes more powerful machines are also available. Particular attention in the design of electric saws is paid to protecting the engine from water and dust.

Important! Hand-held reciprocating saws for concrete are used for cutting concrete, stone, brick or asphalt in hard-to-reach places during construction and dismantling work. It is also advisable to use them for small volumes and sizes of structures.

Application area

Saw on foam concrete at work.

How to cut stove bricks at home so as not to spoil a lot of material

From the author: Hello, my dear readers. Very often during the construction process we face many small problems that need to be solved here and now. If you are faced with an exclusive type of masonry, then the question of how to cut stove bricks at home may arise by itself.

Why cut brick?

Quite often, amateur masons are faced with the problem of changing the classic dimensions of one or another type of brick. Few resort to generally accepted standards and try to find their own methods that make it possible to turn an ordinary block into a small one.

The reason for the need for such actions is the peculiarities of the masonry. Repeatedly I resorted to a variety of cutting methods during the construction process due to the fact that I had to make a beautiful joint, finish a side correctly, lay out a corner, fill in a missing or fallen part.

Having gained experience, I have identified several basic ways to cut bricks with my own hands:

• using available materials;
• using a specialized, manual, entrenching tool;
• auxiliary electrical equipment;
• technology designed specifically for this purpose.

Each of them has found its own niche in the modern construction industry market. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Available materials

The necessary equipment is not always at hand to help you do the job better. However, if your hands grow from the right place, you can solve the problem on the spot without much effort.

I repeatedly had to break stones right at the place of work, since time was running out, and there was no particular point in getting bulky equipment in order to make just one copy of the required size. If you have never done this before, rest assured that you will not succeed the first time.

So, if there is nothing suitable nearby, you should arm yourself with an ordinary hammer and chisel. If the second one is also missing, the first one will be enough. It is very important that there is no mechanism on the reverse side for removing nails. It's better to let it be small than big. You don’t even have to think about hitting it with a sledgehammer. This will just ruin everything, although I won’t say that I haven’t seen such rather non-unique events.

Using light strokes of the brush, separate the part you need and use it further for its intended purpose. Be prepared for the fact that you may ruin a few pieces, because this is a rather delicate matter that requires care.

How to make a machine with your own hands

When using a format-cutting machine, you can obtain high-quality furniture parts. This is due to the high precision of the production process, including cutting. Therefore, if it is difficult to purchase ready-made equipment, but you really want to start a chipboard processing business, you can assemble the machine yourself.

Required tools and materials

The saw unit of the machine is most often a welded structure, since it most effectively resists vibration.

• welding machine;
• “grinder” with a metal disc;
• electric drill;
• measuring tool.

In order for the equipment to operate for several years, it is better to choose those materials for its manufacture that have been subjected to heat treatment.

• square or round pipes;
• a beam or two round pipes connected to each other;
• rollers;
• steel sheet with a thickness of at least three millimeters;
• chipboard sheet;
• lever mechanism of any configuration.