cutting the thermolite blocks

[h12rpo]

Just getting ready to shape the blocks that go under the hearth. Whats the best way to cut them? ...........they look a bit crumbly so I'm worried about clouting them with a bolster.

[conic]

right, I have cut loads of these. get an old panel saw and take it steady. When it stops cutting well then place the saw flat down onto a flat wood surface like plywood, get a nail punch and a hammer place the punch on the first tooth on either end and hit it smartly so it bends to one side about 1mm, do this on every otehr tooth. then turn over the saw and do the same but on the teeth you did not touch yet. you will end up with one tooth to the left and one to the right along the length of the saw this will cut a groove in your block just wide enough so it does not snag the saw blade. or you cab by a tungsten tipped block saw for about 20 quid.
I also did a building job where I needed 30 pieces cut at 60mm so I run them through my circular saw, like a hot knife through butter.

whichever method you use go slow and dont bent the sawblade left or right or the block will snap but it has excellent compression properties.

PS make sure you always wear goggles, gloves and mask

Conic

[h12rpo]

Cuts through them like butter :-)

[bookemdanno]

Easiest things in the world to cut and shape! Like Conic says, an old saw will do just fine.
I've also found an old surform is great for shaving a bit off here and there too!