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How to Use a Block Wet Saw on Brick and More

 

Block saws are not a very common type of saw, but for people working in certain industries, they are an indispensable piece of equipment. A block wet saw is closely related to other types of stone cutting saws, like masonry saws and tile saws, but it has a somewhat specialized purpose. These machines are ideal for cutting through pieces of stone, brick, concrete, etc. that have relatively small dimensions in terms of length and width, but require greater cutting depths than other masonry equipment can typically provide.

Block saws, also known as brick saws or stone saws, use the same types of diamond blade that are used with tile and masonry saws. But whereas a masonry saw might have a maximum cutting depth of just 4 to 5 inches, a block wet saw will typically have a cutting depth of anywhere from 8 to 18 inches depending on the size of the blade. The trade-off is that block saws usually have a smaller bench or table that limits the other dimensions of whatever is being cut. This makes a block wet saw the preferred equipment for cutting through thick bricks, pavers, cement blocks, and similar materials.

How does a block wet saw work?

Just like with other masonry equipment, block saws or brick saws use a steel blade coated with tiny diamond particles which grind through tough materials like stone or concrete. The wet component comes from the built-in water pump that is used to cool the blade during cutting. Water from the tank is pumped onto the blade and brick so the friction doesn’t cause the blade to overheat, which can reduce its useful life and even be a safety hazard.

Unlike other stone cutting saws, whose primary movement is back to front, most block wet saws use a combination of top to bottom and back to front motion. The blade is mounted on a cutting head that can be moved up and down, while the bench contains a small sliding table to place the material on.

How to use a block wet saw

When you have measured and marked where you want to cut, place the brick or block onto the sliding tray so that the cutting line aligns with the notch for the blade. Power on the machine, and ensure that water is flowing freely over the blade. Once the blade is spinning, it’s time to carefully introduce the blade into the brick. To do this, slowly slide the tray towards the blade while simultaneously pulling down on the cutting head so that the blade plunges into the brick. Depending on the size of your brick and the maximum cutting depth of your block saw, you might have to turn the brick over and repeat the process on the opposite side.

The key to getting a good cut with a block wet saw is to listen to the machine. Don’t force the brick into the blade, or vice versa, too fast. All this will do is reduce the life of your diamond blade and possible cause chipping. But with a little patience, it’s easy to get professional looking cuts with a brick saw.

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