|
|
Post by bigandy on Jul 12, 2012 13:25:17 GMT
Hi all,
One more question in my quest to complete my oven. I need to cut a few firebricks in half. They don't need a super smooth finish, as the cut ends will be buried inside my oven, and not at all visible.
I know from cutting concrete blocks and normal engineering bricks, that using a bolster and a lump hammer to score round the edge before giving them a good belt with the hammer, breaks them well enough. But, does this technique work well on firebricks too?
Cheers
Andy
|
|
|
|
Post by cannyfradock on Jul 12, 2012 14:39:45 GMT
Hello Andy Fire-bricks will cut quite good with a hammer and bolster. If you have lots to cut then it's worth investing in a decent 4" bolster with a keen edge. I give them a fair clout on one side then turn the brick over and give a decent crack on the other side......usually they break nice and clean.......make sure that you cut on a solid surface and make sure the surface you are cutting on is clear of grit and dust EVERY time you use the hammer and bolster.   As you say....all the cut edges can be either between bricks or faced towards the outside of the dome.  All the best with your build Terry p.s.....welcome to the forum. |
|
|
|
Post by pete123 on Jul 12, 2012 21:40:57 GMT
I found cutting firebricks in half a doddle with a bolster & chisel. The only time I came unstuck was when I tried to be clever & cut one lengthways. I used a disc cutter in the end as I did for any angles.
By contrast I've bought some horrible house bricks - Funton Orchard mix - I've just tried cutting 5 of them in half with a chisel & messed every one up. I'm back to the disc cutter now.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigandy on Jul 13, 2012 9:59:37 GMT
HI folks,
That's brilliant, cheers for confirming that. I've got a fairly cheap bolster (£3 from a local tool shop!) but I do have a bench grinder so I can keep it nice and sharp. It would probably be wise for me to order a stack of extra bricks to allow for dodgy breaks!
Cheers
Andy
|
|
|
|
Post by turkey on Jul 14, 2012 9:09:01 GMT
I would say you always want extras for waste or changes to the plan. Shipping heavy bricks is expensive so a handful next month will be a sour bill to pay.
|
|
|
|
Post by scottme on Jul 14, 2012 21:22:49 GMT
I have never been that confident with a hammer and bolster and so I cut all my firebricks with an angle grinder and a diamond blade. If you go that route, the best advice I can offer is to make sure the bricks are well soaked before cutting, because otherwise your expensive diamond blade will very quickly turn into a shower of sparks.
|
|
|
|
Post by tonyb on Jul 17, 2012 7:20:51 GMT
I went the 'mixed' route, usiing the angle grinder to do a 1cm cut in the brick than bolster from the opposite side.
|
|
|
|
Post by bookemdanno on Jul 18, 2012 12:48:59 GMT
I know my bricks were only old reds but my tired old Wet Tile Saw Table worked well and allowed me to set the guide and cut the bricks to size. Going around all four sides then snapping with a Bolster. It has a water reservoir, therefore keeping the dust down and you can scrape out the residue to re-use as a source of fireclay i'd say!
|
|
|
|
Post by pistolpete on Jul 19, 2012 13:57:49 GMT
I've found the Bolster chisel all I've needed using Terry's method you can actually get some really neat cuts that are perfect for slapping mortar onto.
Wicks do a hard material disc called a "turbo" which will fit a grinder for £25. I've got one of those and expect to use it for arch when I come to do it but again so far its had little use. The chisel is quicker, quieter, safer and cleaner.
Pete
|
|
stevo
WFO Team Player
Posts: 118
|
Post by stevo on Jul 19, 2012 15:38:24 GMT
I managed to chop all mine with a hand grinder and diamond blate - cut as easy as butter and the cuts were really accurate.
Stevo
|
|
|
|
Post by cannyfradock on Jul 19, 2012 16:46:16 GMT
Pete.....if it's not too late, don't forget to soak the bricks in water (preferably overnight) before cutting with an angle grinder.....it makes easier work and prolongs the life of the blade....
Terry
|
|
|
|
Post by pistolpete on Jul 19, 2012 17:08:06 GMT
Just commented about that in my build thread. I soaked some of the bricks from my demantling session and left them in a tub of water over night, they have all had their edged chipped off! I was very careful with them and they have not been disturbed but the hissed when I put them in like loads of air was escaping (bricks in tub first, water added over them, again gently if it helps).
As a result I'll be avoiding soaking my bricks. Will take a shot if I remember to show you, nearly all of the 20 halfs I soaked are affected.
Pete
|
|
