There are alternatives to large pieces of concrete.Whether they are stone, brick, or concrete, they can be used to add flair to walkways.Most of the time, you'll have to cut them to size to fit your design.You can do this with a hammer, chisel, or power saw.
Step 1: Measure the installation space to compare it to the paver.
Measure the installation space with a measuring tape.It's important to get a measurement for all 4 sides of the space.After that, you need to determine what needs to be cut from your paver to make it fit.Your installation location might be a 7 by 7 inch square and your paver is 18 by 20 cm.You need to cut a piece from the longer side of the paver.
Step 2: To mark cutlines, use a straight edge.
Measure your installation to figure out how much to cut off.To mark the region to be removed, place a ruler on your paver and draw a line across the top.Continue along the 2 sides and bottom of the paver.You need to score along the entire line if the side lines and top and bottom lines are parallel to each other.You can create additional cutlines if you need to cut multiple points.Cutlines should be drawn around each of the corners if you need to remove 2 corners.
Step 3: Score along the cutlines with a cold chisel.
The paver should be placed on a flat surface.The chisel should be aligned over the cutline.Begin by gently tapping the handle with a hammer.The chisel is being tapped along the cutline.Continue this process until there is a 16 inch (0.16 cm) grooves along the entire cutline of the paver.You might break off too much of the paver if you hit the chisel too hard.If you can't find a flat surface, place your paver on a piece of plywood held up by 2 saw horses.
Step 4: The paver can be separated into 2 pieces with a hammer.
The paver should be placed on the ground.There is a brick-set chisel in the middle of the grooves.To split the paver into 2 separate pieces, strike the handle of the chisel with a hammer.Score around the cutline with your cold chisel if you're having trouble.
Step 5: Uneven bits can be removed from the broken paver.
Use your brick-set and hammer to chip away at problematic areas.It takes practice to make a clean cut.You will have to take some time to even it out after the initial cut.If your paver gets shaky, place it on a barricade.If you want to smooth out problematic spots, use a stone carving file.Push the file away from you and then lift it up.
Step 6: Measure the installation location of your paver.
Measure the space you plan to install your paver in with a measuring tape.It's important to record a measurement for each side of the space.Determine how much needs to be removed to make it fit after you compare these measurements to your paver.Your installation location might be 8 by 8 inch (20 by 20 cm) square and your paver is 20 by 23 cm.You need to cut a piece from the longest side of the paver.
Step 7: Use a straight edge to mark a cutline on the top and bottom of the paver.
Measure your installation and determine how much to remove.To mark off the region that needs to be cut, place a ruler on your paver and draw a line on the top.After that, draw a line on the bottom parallel to the first one.Don't cut along the side lines on your paver.
Step 8: Attach a blade.
Attach the vice grips to the blade.Remove the bolt with a wrench.Lift out the blade after taking off the small rim under the bolt.Attach your new blade, then tighten the bolt over it.The diamond blade's teeth should be pointing in the opposite direction.If you are cutting stone with a blade that won't cut through them properly, you should look for one that is designed for that.
Step 9: On the blade shield, place your left hand on the handle.
It's a good idea to get comfortable with the positioning of your hands.If you want to practice moving the blade forward and backward, hold the handle with your left hand.Keep the saw steady by using your right hand.Make sure the blade doesn't move by pressing it against the brick.To prevent it from moving, put a rubber mat or small carpet under it.
Step 10: There is a marked line.
The depth is 2 inch.The paver should be placed on a flat surface.The saw blade should be set to 2 inch.Cut along the penciled line.Press down on the saw with your right hand.The back and front of the paver should have deep score lines.To keep the temperature cool, pull the blade out of the paver every 30 seconds.
Step 11: The step has an unwanted end hanging off it.
With one hand, hold the paver in place.You can use a hammer or mallet to tap the end of the paver hanging off the step.The paver should break into 2 pieces.If you don't have a step nearby, hit the tip of the paver on the concrete surface.The method is more likely to create a jagged edge.Even out jagged edges with a hammer and chisel.You can use a stone carving file if you push it away from you.