Maybe OT Cutting concrete blocks

Jiles · Sep 2, 2011

I have a storage room connected to my home and the outside walls are constructed of concrete blocks with brick on the outside.
I want to install an exhaust vent to remove tractor exhaust fumes because I frequently work inside this building.
I have cut concrete blocks with a diamond or abrasive blade in a skillsaw and I have also cut them by fracturing with brick chisel.
These blocks are the hollow type and I am not sure which cutting methoid will work the best.
The outside brick will have to be cut with a saw and I can accept that.
However with all the dust associated with saw cutting, it will create a problem inside the building.
Will this work or does someone have a better idea ?----

I plan to cut and finish the 10 1/2" square opening in the brick and then use the brick chisel to fracture both sides of the concrete blocks to create a 13 1/2" square opening.
I know that a perfect cut will not be possible, but I don't want to do a "shoddy job"
Bear in mind that I could cut the inside surface of the blocks but the side that faces the outside brick is the problem.
I guess I may be trying to do too good of a job!!!

JLG · Sep 2, 2011

I made a hole for a stove pipe in my block walls by marking out the circle, and then drilling around it with a LONG hammer drill bit. I drilled an inch or so apart each time, and the bit went the entire way through the block. Then I took my mason hammer and broke out what was left on the inside and out. Worked great and looks good too. After I mortared the clay thimble in, you'd think it was layed in when they did the wall. If both inside and out need to be pretty you can drill a center hole, and then mark the inside and outside off of that, and drill from both sides.

Jiles · Sep 2, 2011

(quoted from post at 22:00:40 09/02/11) I made a hole for a stove pipe in my block walls by marking out the circle, and then drilling around it with a LONG hammer drill bit. I drilled an inch or so apart each time, and the bit went the entire way through the block. Then I took my mason hammer and broke out what was left on the inside and out. Worked great and looks good too. After I mortared the clay thimble in, you'd think it was layed in when they did the wall. If both inside and out need to be pretty you can drill a center hole, and then mark the inside and outside off of that, and drill from both sides.

Thanks---that is an option as I have a Bosch hammerdrill with long bits and an assortment of chisels.

Super Steve · Sep 2, 2011

water will keep the dust down

bill mart · Sep 2, 2011

just had block work done at the place I work, all they did was take a pump up garden sprayer filled with water and sprayed the cutting area as they cut. Bill

Jiles · Sep 2, 2011

Yes--- water would be part of the problem. I wouldn't even consider cutting without it!

Billy NY · Sep 2, 2011

You could also speak with a concrete cutting, core drilling outfit, small job, they might be able to use a concrete chainsaw or some other specialty tool, if for some reason you are worried about over cutting or fracturing by chiseling etc. It is nice when needed to have a clean rough opening, but not always necessary, one thing is for sure, avoiding dust by cutting dry is something I try to do, just nasty business going dry.

Geo-TH,In · Sep 2, 2011

I would use a sledge hammer and knock out more block and brick than needed. Then use a hammer to clean up the old joints. Cut new block and brick to the size needed to finish up the hole, then point tuck them in.

Second option, put your vent in the roof.

Ultradog MN · Sep 2, 2011

I have to cut concrete often as I am a remodeler. Frequently have to cut trenches in basement floors to install plumbing, etc and also have installed a lot of egress windows over the years. Don't dare put too much dust in the house. I use a diamond blade in my circular saw and use a garden hose and let it trickle directly onto the front of the saw blade. Flat or vertical makes no difference. Never got a shock and have done it hundreds of times. Circular saws don't last me very long but they are expendable.

Jiles · Sep 2, 2011

(quoted from post at 01:17:47 09/03/11) I have to cut concrete often as I am a remodeler. Frequently have to cut trenches in basement floors to install plumbing, etc and also have installed a lot of egress windows over the years. Don't dare put too much dust in the house. I use a diamond blade in my circular saw and use a garden hose and let it trickle directly onto the front of the saw blade. Flat or vertical makes no difference. Never got a shock and have done it hundreds of times. Circular saws don't last me very long but they are expendable.

Dave Sherburne NY · Sep 3, 2011

The brick will be harder to cut than the block. I would try to make the brick opening first, along the mortar joints and then cut out the block.

Maybe OT Cutting concrete blocks

Jiles

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JLG

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Jiles

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Super Steve

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bill mart

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Jiles

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Billy NY

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Geo-TH,In

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Ultradog MN

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Jiles

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Dave Sherburne NY

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