Use Cut Off Saw for Cutting Bricks??

[CHDinCT]

OK, this might be a stupid question but I don't know the answer and need to know by tomorrow. So I have a 14" cut-off or chop saw for cutting metal. Bought it used and it came with a metal cut-off blade. Tomorrow, I need to cut down some brick pavers. Can I use the cut-off saw with the metal blade to cut the bricks or do I need a masonry blade to cut bricks? Hope somebody knows. Thanks in advance

 

[MarkV]

You need a masonry blade in my opinion. The other problem is that the cut off saw really isn't designed to take the dust you are going to create. Masonry saws normally will run a water flow to cool and control dust.

MarkV

 

[polo1665]

OK, this might be a stupid question but I don't know the answer and need to know by tomorrow. So I have a 14" cut-off or chop saw for cutting metal. Bought it used and it came with a metal cut-off blade. Tomorrow, I need to cut down some brick pavers. Can I use the cut-off saw with the metal blade to cut the bricks or do I need a masonry blade to cut bricks? Hope somebody knows. Thanks in advance

As far as I know, you need a masonry blade. I've cut many a brick and never used a cut off blade. It doesn't have to be a real expensive blade ($20 or so) and it will make a lot of dust.
I've done it with a circular saw and a right angle grinder. Make sure to wear a dust mask.

 

[TRR]

Ditto on the masonry blade. If they are real brick you can score them then they'll break at the score. I'd use the cutoff saw with the masonry blade, but I'd also not expect it to last long (with long being relative to a cleaner environment) with all the grit from the brick.

Also, angle grinders have masonry blades. You can use them for scoring or touchup.

 

[Short Game]

Yup, you need that correct blade.

When I was a mason, when I still had a fifth lumbar disc, I cut a lot of bricks and blocks. I used garage sale circular saws and would get a year or so out of most of them before the brushes, bushings, and bearings went out.

 

[EddieWalker]

I use my Milwakee 14 inch metal chop saw all the time for cutting pavers and cultured stone. I put a diamond masonary blade in it and it workds great. I like the blades with the cuts in them. I'm told they help with cooling. I've tried both and find the ones with the cuts just do a better job.

If it's a small job, I use my 7 1/4 circular saw.

As for dust, it might be an issue, but then how long do you think it will last anyway? I run my tools until the die, and then buy new ones. Better to get the job done and on to the next then not get it done or spend time looking for something else to do it when you already have something that will do it.

Eddie

 

[RyGuy24]

I would get the proper blade, even a cheap one that looks like a metal blade but labeled for masonry, you won't need a diamond blade for a small job, and if you're just doing a small job I wouldn't worry about it hurting your chop saw. We had an old makita and used it for cutting everything for years before getting a proper brick saw, and it's still going strong. (although yes I agree the fine masonry dust doesn't do the motor any good) After you're done just take a blow gun and blow out around the commutator end (around the brushes) of the motor to clean it up when you're done.

 

[CHDinCT]

OK, we have a consensus here - masonry blade it is. I do have a 4.5" grinder so I'll probably just try to get a masonry blade for that assuming it's cheaper than a 14" one. I only need to make about 12-15 cuts. Might try just scoring them good and then using a cold chisel to break them the rest of the way. Thanks again.

 

[bearcreek paul]

The dust will screw up your saw if you cut a number of bricks.Use the oldest or cheapest saw you have and go with the diamond blade.I cut a couple hundred pavers with my good circular saw now it has developed a slight wobble.It will be my new paver saw from now on.

 

[magicheater]

I use my Milwakee 14 inch metal chop saw all the time for cutting pavers and cultured stone. I put a diamond masonary blade in it and it workds great. I like the blades with the cuts in them. I'm told they help with cooling. I've tried both and find the ones with the cuts just do a better job.

If it's a small job, I use my 7 1/4 circular saw.

As for dust, it might be an issue, but then how long do you think it will last anyway? I run my tools until the die, and then buy new ones. Better to get the job done and on to the next then not get it done or spend time looking for something else to do it when you already have something that will do it.

Eddie

I bought a Harbor Freight saw 20 years ago, did the same thing with the diamond blade. Wore the blade out, saw is still going. Masonry fiber blades work too but don't last nearly as long.