Brick & block splitting

[JT101]

Hi

I'm looking specifically for something that will split / cut neatly wall bricks (engineering, facing and common); and also split concrete blocks (440 x 215 x 100mm), but concrete blocks don't have to be so neat as they will be hidden.

Cut a long story short, we can't afford a water suppressant saw. Plus I don't want to deal with all the mess. Some sort of block splitter seems the way forward, but I don't see any videos or images online of people using them for bricks. Only paving blocks. Maybe they won't cut cleanly?

I initially bought one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRICK-CUT...ETE-PAVIERS-RESHARPENABLE-PD4-2-/200965156638

But it's awful. Makes a right mess of the bricks.

Using a hammer and bolster is too time consuming for the number of bricks we have to cut.

Worst case I would just get one that does the bricks, and not the concrete blocks as we don't have so many of those to cut.

I'm leaning towards a second hand montolit, probst, fairport or redband lever action or hydraulic splitter, or hiring one. But again, don't see any evidence of being used on bricks.


Just want some opinions on what I'm proposing.

Cheers

 

[theoldun]

Hi
Using a hammer and bolster is too time consuming for the number of bricks we have to cut.
Worst case I would just get one that does the bricks, and not the concrete blocks as we don't have so many of those to cut.
Just want some opinions on what I'm proposing. Cheers

With a lump hammer and 100mm bolster we cut the average facing brick in 12 seconds. !00mm concrete block in 24 seconds. There is no machine or tool on the market that will beat that.
If their was, we would have one.
Regards oldun

 

[JT101]

Hi
Using a hammer and bolster is too time consuming for the number of bricks we have to cut.
Worst case I would just get one that does the bricks, and not the concrete blocks as we don't have so many of those to cut.
Just want some opinions on what I'm proposing. Cheers

With a lump hammer and 100mm bolster we cut the average facing brick in 12 seconds. !00mm concrete block in 24 seconds. There is no machine or tool on the market that will beat that.
If their was, we would have one.
Regards oldun

That's useful to know. Requires me learning the skill, then teaching the guys onsite, but I'm willing to give it a go. I was wondering, what sort of bolster should I use. Are there brick specific ones or just a regular new bolster will do?

And if you know of any good videos one web showing good technique I'd appreciate it.
Here's one for a concrete block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9djW5ovtSIc

and here's one for brick:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mprb-f6NvhI

Do you use a matt underneath brick, or just do it on a hard surface?

Cheers

 

[JT101]

I'm willing t learn so I got myself a new bricklayers bolster with beveledge. But I'm not having much luck. London bricks seem pretty easy to cut straight, but Funton Facing bricks seem too hard/brittle. He are my attempts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgslggJ41rM&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KshvWWN3hsA&feature=youtu.be

Obviously I'm not very good at this. I did read somewhere to hold the bolster ata slight angle toward the piece you want t keep, and given the bevel n the bolster, that may well crack at that angle. Anyway, some feedback welcomed!

And incidently, I got in touch with a montolit supplier, and they did admit that a lever operated block cutter does make a bit of a mess of bricks.