In the process of performing construction work, it is often necessary to cut a brick, giving it a non-standard shape. This is not as easy as it seems at first glance. Cutting bricks requires a certain skill and skill. There are several ways to cut bricks. In order to cut the workpiece with high quality, you should carefully read the cutting technology, which will avoid possible cracking and damage to the material.
Brick cutting methods
In order to get a brick of a certain shape, you need to make some effort. First, you need to take the necessary security measures. Safety glasses must be purchased. They are needed so that brick chips do not get into the eyes. You will also need gloves and a respirator.
There are the following ways to cut bricks:
- chiseling
- circular saw cutting
- machine thread
- cutting with a petrol saw
- grinder cutting
The brick cutting process consists of several technological stages. In order for the cut to be smooth, you must first apply the markings. Pre-determined dimensions are applied to the brick surface using a ruler and chalk. You must not start the cut solely along the marking line. So you can get a part of the brick that does not correspond to the desired size and shape. The cuts should be made taking into account an error of 1, 2 cm.
Manual splitting of irregular bricks
The easiest way to get irregularly shaped bricks is by hand cutting. The brick splitting operation is simple to perform. For work, the master will need a medium-sized hammer and a regular chisel. The work should adhere to the following procedure.
To ensure stability, lay the brick on a flat surface. A marking line is applied to the workpiece with chalk along a ruler. Next, a chisel is applied perpendicular to the surface of the brick with the tip down. Then you should make a sharp blow to the instrument. If everything was done correctly, the brick should split into two identical halves.
Unfortunately, this method has many disadvantages. In particular, it is impossible to determine in advance how smoothly a brick will crack, even if everything was done correctly. In addition, a newly formed brick edge is never perfectly flat. Its uneven edges have to be hidden inside the masonry.
In production where a large amount of work is required, special machines are used to cut bricks. Brick cutting machines are versatile equipment designed for large-scale tasks in the production cycle. Working on the machine allows cutting with a high level of precision. The brick cutting machine includes the following structural elements:
- metal frame
- electric motor with drive
- diamond disc
- irrigation system
- fastening system
The operations on the machine are carried out with a high degree of precision, while the emission of brick dust into the air is minimal. The irrigation system of the working parts of the machine does not allow it to rise into the air. Cutting a brick on a special machine is not difficult, the work does not require special skills. Work on the machine is carried out in a strictly defined sequence.
First, markings are applied to the brick. Then the brick blank is fixed on the machine at a certain angle. When turned on, the rotating disc, making a movement, smoothly cuts the brick along the marking line.
In the process of work, the operator of the machine is located directly in front of the machine, which allows him to fully control the process of work. To work with the machine, use only discs of a specific model designed for this machine. During work, safety precautions should be observed. The equipment must be grounded reliably.
When carrying out masonry work, as well as in the construction of fireplaces, stoves, when performing facing operations, there is often a need for bricks with non-standard sizes or shapes. That is why any bricklayer or home mason should know how to cut a brick and what devices and mechanisms can help him solve this problem.
How to get a brick of a non-standard size or irregular shape
Manual cutting of bricks
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Quite recently, bricklayers and home craftsmen did not think about how to cut bricks for masonry. For many of them, the issue was resolved unambiguously - by the felling. At first glance, the operation is not very difficult.
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Here's how the professionals describe the order of operations performed when chopping with a combination trowel or pick:
- take a brick in your left hand;
- lightly hitting with a tool, apply a spall line along all edges;
- hit sharply with a trowel or pick, positioning the tool so that it is perpendicular to the face of the brick.
The main disadvantages of this method of forming bricks lie on the surface:
- processing accuracy leaves much to be desired;
- the newly formed edge is often uneven, and it is desirable to hide it inside the masonry, which is not always possible;
- impossibility of felling at a certain angle.
Fortunately, over time, the construction industry has enriched itself with a variety of tools. They not only make work easier, but also allow you to bring convenience and a certain amount of aestheticism into it. The new tool for cutting bricks ensures high precision of its processing and high quality of the processed edges.
What tools can be used at the present time, when the question is being resolved, how and with what to cut a brick at home? Home craftsmen and professional bricklayers can use for this:
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- angle grinder (grinder);
- with a special saw (gas cutter);
- machine for cutting bricks.
Brick Cutting Tools Overview:
How brick is cut
During cutting, in addition to special tools and devices, you will need a square and a construction pencil. In addition, any craftsman must understand and remember that this operation is extremely dusty. The use of a respirator and safety glasses during work is an urgent, even vital necessity.
To ensure the accuracy of sawing off bricks, it is advisable to make the necessary markings before cutting. For this, the cutting line is drawn with a pencil. The cut itself is made next to the line. If the cutting is done strictly along the line, then the brick may turn out to be smaller than necessary.
The question of how and with what to cut a brick is often decided based on the upcoming volume of work.
Using an angle grinder
How to cut a brick with a grinder
Brick cutting with a grinder (angle grinder - angle grinder) is most often performed in the course of small-scale production. To do this, you need to choose a tool that can work with a circle of 230 mm. If the circle has a smaller diameter, then it will not be possible to cut the brick to its entire thickness. Therefore, it will have to be turned over, and this reduces both productivity and the quality of work.
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The grinder used must have a power of at least 2 kW. An overly powerful tool is inconvenient to work with, since it is large and heavy.
In addition, when working with a grinder, you should choose the right disc for cutting bricks. The discs used to perform these operations are of two main types:
- abrasive;
- diamond.
The only advantage of an abrasive disc is its apparent cheapness. It really is only apparent, since such a disk wears out rather quickly and requires frequent replacement. In addition, the use of an abrasive disc is quite dangerous, since it is quite easily deformed and destroyed.
A diamond blade is preferred in the cutting process. It is based on strong steel. The disc is reliable, much less dangerous, characterized by the constancy of its diameter during operation. At the same time, diamond discs are of several types:
- regular solid edge... Such discs are cheaper than others and provide a high cut quality. But they get very hot and wear out faster than others;
- segment, the cutting edge of which is divided into separate sections using radial cuts. With this design of the disc, the cutting zone is well ventilated and the sludge is well drained. Segment blades are convenient for dry cutting;
- rims with turbo rim. This edge is provided with a serrated surface and has high rigidity and strength. These blades are the most durable and comfortable for wet and dry cutting.
To ensure the best quality cuts with a grinder, it is recommended to use a special device called a bed for angle grinders. With the help of such a frame, the grinder can be fixed on a special lever, and the brick - in a special device provided for this. The frame allows you to make not only straight cuts, but also to cut the brick at an angle.
Cutting with a petrol saw
Cutting bricks with a petrol saw
A gas cutter or, in other words, a special saw when cutting block bricks is rather inconvenient, since this device is quite heavy and large in size.
If a disc is installed in a gas cutter, then it resembles a grinder with a powerful gasoline engine. If a chain is used as a cutting tool in a gas cutter, then in appearance it is very similar to a chainsaw. The chain of a petrol saw, like a circle, is made in accordance with a special technology and is equipped with a diamond coating.
The brick saw is especially useful when making openings in brick walls or when demolishing them. The great advantage of such saws is that almost all of them have a forced water supply. This fact allows for greater comfort in dusty work such as sawing bricks.
Cutting bricks with a special machine
A brick cutting machine is a device that includes:
- sturdy metal frame;
- motor driven;
- diamond disc;
- workpiece fastening system;
- an irrigation system that almost completely eliminates the formation of dust.
The decision to buy a brick cutting machine makes it possible to:
- perform work at high speed;
- perform all sawing operations with a high level of accuracy, as a result of which the seam between the butted elements obtained as a result of cutting is barely distinguishable;
- significantly improve operator safety by minimizing dust generation that accompanies the brick cutting process.
Choosing a brick cutting machine
However, the price of a brick cutting machine is such that its purchase can be considered justified only when it comes to large volumes or when it is used by specialists who are constantly engaged in this type of activity.
Cutting bricks on such a machine is quite easy. Moreover, all stages of the operations performed are always described in detail in the manufacturer's instructions. As a rule, the sequence of work with this equipment is as follows:
- the necessary markings are made on the brick;
- the workpiece is fixed at the required angle;
- the cutting head is brought to the cutting site;
- rotation is turned on and its speed is set;
- the cutting tool moves smoothly to make the cut.
Great convenience in work is that the operator, when cutting, stands in such a way that the cutting wheel moves towards him. This makes it possible to clearly see the applied markings and, accordingly, to cut correctly.
A water-cooled brick cutting machine with corners is a rather complicated device from a technical point of view, which can be a source of increased danger. That is why all work with its help must be carried out in strict accordance with the safety instructions. The electric motor of the machine, operating from a voltage of 380 V or 220 V, must necessarily have a reliable grounding. The machine must only use cutting blades of the types and sizes specified in its operating instructions. The operator must use all personal protective equipment necessary for work.
Since the equipment of factory production is quite expensive, home craftsmen often have various ideas on how to make a homemade machine for cutting bricks with their own hands. The nature of such ideas is determined both by the capabilities and practical skills of the master himself, and by the volume of the upcoming work on cutting bricks.
So, the most courageous ones decide to imitate full-fledged machines. Others use the means at hand, adapting them to the needs that have arisen. Most often we are talking about the manufacture of a bed for a grinder. Sometimes craftsmen go for the fact that they replace the saw blade of a conventional circular saw with an abrasive disc, which can be purchased at almost any hardware store. However, in any case, a full range of measures should be provided to ensure the safety of a person who has to work with a homemade machine.
Thus, the range of tools for accurate and precise cutting of bricks is currently quite large. The choice of a specific device must be made by the master himself. The main selection criteria are:
- amount of work to be done;
- conditions for its implementation;
- financial capabilities of the future owner of the equipment.
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No construction can do without stone, brick and similar wall materials. Durability and affordability make them the main and most reliable materials for the construction of walls, stoves, fences and paving sidewalks and paths. In the process of laying bricks, sometimes there are abnormal situations when the standard dimensions of a block or brick do not correspond to the required dimensions. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly change the shape of the brick, and then only cutting can provide a high-quality fit of the block in place.
Working Principle of Brick Cutting Machine
The most effective method for cutting bricks is still cutting with a machine. While this is not the only way to give the stone the right size and shape, it is the most accurate and fastest of all, which we will look at later. Brick cutting machines, like any tool, can be both industrial and designed for household use. We will not consider equipment for cutting out stone blocks from rock, as we will leave out of the scope of the review and machines for jewelry work.
A machine of any level of complexity is a robust and reliable bed, cutting element, drive system and control and start system. It sounds too loud for the simplest cutters, however, without these elements we will not cut any brick. For complete control of the cutting process, the machine must have a rather heavy bed and a mechanism that would hold and feed the brick under the cutter.
Brick cutting machine BALI MEKANO, price
An example is a universal machine. It is not very large to enter the industrial category, and just can meet the needs of low-rise construction. The universal device BALI MEKANO fits into the middle price category. The brick cutting machine, the price of which is about 85 thousand rubles, works out one hundred percent of its money. The machine for cutting bricks BALI MEKANO has a wide range of adjustment of the cutting depth, so it can cope not only with bricks, but also with thermogly and recycled concrete. There are no difficulties in working with standard materials, including bricks. The maximum cutting height is 200 mm in one pass. The machine can use diamond discs with a diameter of 400, 450 and 500 mm, and it can be connected to a regular 220 volt network.
To cut such a strong material like 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 possibilities of cutting tools have expanded significantly, and circles for working with stone are not uncommon. A diamond disc consists of a metal core and a crown, on which diamond chips are applied. There are four methods for making cut-off wheels. Both the disk resource and performance depend on the manufacturing method.
- The electroplating method involves placing the edge in an electrolyte containing artificial diamonds. Such discs have good cutting ability, but have a short life.
- Cold pressing. The disc is made by pressing a mixture of metals with diamond chips in a special mold. Cold-pushed discs work well, but you can't count on long-term use.
- Hot pressing. A similar technology, only when pressing, the temperature of the press is increased. The discs are the strongest of all, but the cutting ability of the edge is somewhat inferior to cold pressed discs.
The most technologically advanced discs are those made using the silver soldering technology. Diamond edge segments are soldered to the base of the disc, and then a layer of diamond is built up along the entire cutting edge. But after that, the disk is not yet ready for use. The surface of the edge is processed until a perfectly flat surface is obtained. These cut bricks well and serve for a long time, but are very sensitive to high temperatures, therefore, during operation, they require forced cooling with water.
Brick cutting with a grinder
Naturally, not everyone can afford to have a brick-cutting machine on the farm, so there is an alternative method of processing - an angle grinder, or a grinder. To do this, you need a grinder, which is designed for a minimum circle diameter of 200 mm. Most often, discs with a diameter of 230 mm are used for cutting bricks. A smaller disc simply will not be able to cut the brick to its full thickness, so you have to turn it over, which is a waste of time, and the quality of cutting will suffer.
The more powerful the grinder, the easier it will be to cut into the brick body. For normal comfortable work and in order not to overload the tool, the grinder should not be weaker than 2 kW. When cutting, it must be borne in mind that the marking should be carried out taking into account the thickness of the disc, which is approximately 2 mm. The cutting process itself is not that difficult, but it requires some skills, so before cutting an expensive facing brick, it is worth practicing on a rough brick or on debris.
There is no material that cannot be processed. Everything is processed, so even if you do not have a brick cutting machine, you should not despair. The grinder will save the day, and the masonry will turn out to be even and neat.
The use of brick cutters helps to carry out the work in a safe manner with the highest possible accuracy and speed. This construction equipment is represented by stable metal structures with diamond discs connected to an electric drive, product fixation and cooling systems. This minimizes the process of dust formation and the risk of brick chips falling on the operator. Almost all modern machines are multifunctional and compact, the scope of application is limited only by a high price. The minimum cost of devices for professional processing is 80,000 rubles.
Model range overview
The range of equipment for cutting bricks is represented by machines from domestic, German, Polish and Asian manufacturers. Cedima and Fubag (Germany), Diam (South Korea) have good reviews, Lebedyan (Russia) is acceptable. All brick sawing machines differ in terms of design features, power consumption, type of fastening system, location of the electric drive, disc diameters and cutting depth.
1. Cedima stone cutting machine CTS-57 G, Germany.
One of the most famous models from a proven German manufacturer, which is in demand among companies with different volumes and directions of work. CTS-57 G Cedima is designed for high-precision cutting of building products: all types of bricks, including clinker, marble, natural stone, porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles. The machine is multifunctional, it is recommended to choose it if you need continuous and intensive use (the engine is characterized by high performance). A bucket with water for cooling is located below the drive, its volume reaches 50 liters, the dirty liquid does not return to it immediately, but is drained into a settling bath.
The structural advantage is the ability to move the side stop and the fixed pendulum cutting part, this design allows you to saw the workpieces at an angle of 45 °. Implemented the ability to cut wedge bricks on a machine and other products with a non-standard shape. To change the operating mode, it is enough to change the diameter of the diamond disc, the maximum possible is 400 mm. Like many foreign companies, saws are not included in the basic set, they must be purchased separately.
2. Diam SKH-600, South Korea.
Multifunctional high-performance model from a trusted manufacturer of brick cutting machines with an optimal price-performance ratio. It is recommended to choose it if you need to quickly process the stone, and when changing to discs with diamond chips - wood or any other building material. But the main purpose of Diam SKH-600 is to cut large blocks and strong thickened bricks. Cutting quality and precision is achieved by using high-strength aluminum guides and steel bearings to ensure smooth movement of the support table.
This brick sawing machine has a closed-loop cooling system with a reliable water pump and variable nozzles. The advantages of this design include the possibility of stopping the supply of water to the disk (the dry cutting function is available), the disadvantage is the reuse of water from the drain pan. To extend the service life, it is advisable to change it to a clean one as often as possible.
3. Lebedyan SKE 350/600, Russia.
Stone cutting machine with an overhead engine, designed for professional cutting of bricks, cinder blocks, porcelain stoneware, tiles, hard rocks. It has a stable one-piece high-quality steel frame, designed to withstand heavy and heavy loads. The structural advantages include the presence of a mobile table for feeding bricks and other blocks and an autonomous water cooling system with a reliable pump. The equipment is designed for long-term continuous operation, regardless of the material of the workpieces.
The cost of this brick machine outperforms foreign ones with a similar power and the ability to cut at an angle at least twice. At the same time, the basic set includes a diamond disc with a diameter of 350 mm, a guide and a movable table, they do not need to be purchased separately. The reviews on the products are mostly positive, the high quality of metal structures and the absence of dust when cutting bricks and building blocks are noted. The warranty period for purchases from the manufacturer is 1 year.
4. Fubag A 44 / 420M3F, Germany.
Professional pendulum machine with a swing frame for cutting tiles and bricks. The equipment is valued for its high build quality, structural reliability, ease of use and security. Coating the disc with a special steel casing guarantees a safe working process: all cutting parts are closed, chips do not fall on the user. The machine has an overhead engine and a movable carriage. The device operates on a 380 V mains supply and needs to be grounded.
The manufacturer emphasizes that the main advantage of this machine is the high precision in cutting bricks and building products. There is a possibility of changing discs to work with materials with different sizes and hardness and load regulation. An important requirement for the operation of the equipment is the use of cutting saws in strict accordance with the instructions. The basic kit does not include a diamond disc; it and replacement elements must be purchased separately.
5. Sima Venus 150 Mekano, Spain.
Compact machine for work on various construction sites. If necessary, the model can be easily folded, transported and installed in a new place. Functional capabilities are not inferior to the rest of the Sima series: the ability to cut at an angle and work with different building materials when changing discs is implemented. The mechanism for changing the cutting depth is simple: the workpiece is fixed on a long table, this design allows cutting blocks up to 1500 mm. The manufacturer's structural advantages include a reliable electrical cable system.
Comparison of the characteristics of the considered brick sawing machines
| Machine name | Power, W | Cutting depth, mm | Cut length, mm | Possibility of cutting at an angle | Machine size, mm | Weight, kg | Price, rubles |
| Fubag A 44 / 420M3F | 2900 | 145 | 590 | foreseen | 1170 × 650 × 640 | 72 | 99 100 |
| Lebedyan SKE 350/600 | 2040 | 100 | 600 | 1300 × 600 × 1300 | 85 | 55 000 | |
| Cedima CTS-57 G | 2200 | 125 | 1140 × 620 × 655 | 80 | 118 500 | ||
| 4000 | 210 | 600 | 1330 × 670 × 1485 | 100 | 90 600 | ||
| Sima Venus 150 Mekano | 3000 | 100 | 1500 | 2193 × 765 × 1234 | 11 | 168 000 |
Tips for choosing equipment for sawing bricks
The main performance characteristics are the productivity of the machine, its functionality (allowable angle, length and depth of cut) and the quality of the cut. Before choosing and buying a model, it is worth clarifying:
- The value of the maximum permissible load.
- Maximum diameter of the working disk, the ability to change the cutting depth (change cutting elements).
- Cutting error. It is noteworthy that most manufacturers indicate this ability as basic, but numerical values are difficult to find among the publicly available information. The only way out is to buy trusted brands.
- Ability to cut stone and brick at an angle.
- The volume of water in the tank of the cooling system, control over its supply. The smaller it is, the more often you have to stop the workflow.
- The stability of the support table, the evenness and smoothness of the guiding structures.
- The presence of a removable or stationary metal casing to protect the machine operator (provided for most modern devices).
- Dimensions and weight, ease of movement. The factor is in principle insignificant, but machines equipped with wheels are easier to transport.
- The presence of fans for additional cooling. This modification is definitely worth choosing for large volumes of work.
- Overheating control system.
- The warranty period specified by the manufacturer.
The cooling system of the machines deserves a special mention. On the one hand, the supply of water helps to extend the life of expensive discs. On the other hand, on most of even the most modern brick cutting machines with corners and water cooling, it circulates in a closed loop. This leads to the need for frequent water changes, which is not always convenient on an industrial scale. Installing settling troughs partially solves the problem, but many users convert the closed system to a continuous one.
Buying a used brick sawing machine will not be a problem, this equipment has been sold on the market for a long time. Attention is drawn to the condition of the metal and engine, guide structures. But significant savings are unlikely to be achieved, the manufacturer's warranties rarely exceed 1 year, and the intensity of the devices is high. For one-time promotions, instead of a used machine, you should think about renting it.
Hello everyone, today we will look at a very useful machine that will make life easier for stove-makers. It's about a machine that is capable of cutting fireclay bricks. Using the machine, you can cut a brick lengthwise into two thin halves, you can also cut grooves and so on. Collected everything on the basis of a grinder with a concrete disc. The grinder is fixed at the desired angle, which allows you to cut all bricks with the same depth. When cutting, it is not the grinder that moves, but the brick itself, the broaching is done quite simply. If you are interested in the project, I suggest studying it in more detail!
Materials and tools used
List of materials:
- node from the car cardan transmission;
- square shaped pipes;
- Sheet steel;
- corner;
- paint for metal.
Tool list:
- grinder;
- welding machine;
- marker, tape measure;
- vice;
- spanners.
Machine tool manufacturing process:
Step one. The foundation
We weld the base for the machine, for this profile pipes, a corner or whatever is at hand are suitable.
Next, we need a hinge, the author used a knot with a cross from a car cardan drive. You can use a simpler hinge in the form of a bolt and nuts, the grinder will still be rigidly fixed during operation. Cut off the gimbal and weld the hinge at right angles to the base.
Step two. Bracket for grinder
We make a reliable bracket in which it will be possible to fix the grinder. Here you will need corners or other parts depending on the shape of the grinder body. The author's bracket is attached in three places, with bolts and a steel clamp.
When the bracket is ready, it needs to be welded to the hinge through a piece of pipe. It is important to use a square here, you need to make sure that the cutting disc is at right angles to the base.
Step three. Retainer
You need to make a retainer that will allow you to fix the grinder at the desired angle. The author drew the detail by hand with a marker on a sheet of metal and cut it out with a grinder. Well, then the part was welded to the base using steel plates.
Step four. Rails, platform, clamps
The rails can be made from a profile pipe; to reduce friction, the author welded them “on the edge”. We make corners under the rails that will slide along them. The corners of the required dimensions can be welded from sheet steel.
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