U notch in a paving slab

Discussion in 'Landscaping and Outdoors' started by HappyDoingNowt, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. HappyDoingNowt

    HappyDoingNowt New Member

    I have just installed a pergola on my old patio and now need to notch a small u shape in the edge of two pavers to fit around the post.

    Is this something that could be done with a masonry blade on a reciprocating saw?

    I’ve also read a few internet things on angle 9 inch angle grinders with diamond blades but every article seems to suggest you are moments away from instant death :(

    Any suggestions for cutting or reassurances about using an angle grinder appreciated.
     
  2. jonathanc

    jonathanc Guest

    crack on with the grinder. just be careful
     
    HappyDoingNowt and CGN like this.
  3. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    A 9” grinder certainly has some power to it and a gyroscopic like force so common sense and respect always needs to be applied, along with safe working practices (could mention a few but don’t wanna wrap you in cotton wool) :)

    If you’ve got a wooden pallet handy, this acts as a handy raised platform to cut blocks on but overhang blocks so blade doesn’t cut through and catch in wood

    Or some bricks to raise blocks on

    Need to hold block firm whilst cutting - you really don’t want it to move or can snag blade and certainly don’t want feet anywhere near blade

    Larger slabs are easily held firm with one foot (safely out the way) or can use a couple of clamps

    Smaller blocks or pavers are more tricky to clamp whilst being out the way of the grinder. A plank of wood, just on edge of raised block and then stood on with one foot hold block firm, whilst your safely out way of the blade

    Make 2 cuts to edge of U shape then use smaller grinder to mark between them, both top and bottom of block

    Obviously on top of block, cut across the width carefully so you don’t overshoot the sides - but you can’t cut very deep

    Make another cut underneath block, can overshoot the sides a bit

    Then knock out section with a narrow stone chisel / scutch chisel / etc
     
    HappyDoingNowt likes this.
  4. Roys

    Roys Screwfix Select

    Or fit the slabs and then core drill it, that is how I fitted my rotary clothes dryer.
     
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  5. spannerw

    spannerw Screwfix Select

    How do you core drill a square hole?
     
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  6. Roys

    Roys Screwfix Select

    Good point, I did speed read and never picked up it was a square hole required, however depending on location and look required a round hole just big enough to allow the square tube to fit through would still work.
     
    HappyDoingNowt likes this.
  7. FlyByNight

    FlyByNight Screwfix Select


    A "U" is not square - there is a curve at the end.
     
  8. HappyDoingNowt

    HappyDoingNowt New Member

    Thanks for the detail. Very helpful
     
  9. spannerw

    spannerw Screwfix Select

    I was assuming it was a square post the op had used, not a u shaped post.
     
  10. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    I think we can all guess that although the OP mentioned a ‘U’ shaped notch to be cut out to allow slabs to fit around pergola post - it’s highly likely, almost certain, I’m willing to bet on the fact, 99.9% the case, that the notch to be cut is like a square ‘U’ and not actually having a round base - as shown by the actual letter itself

    If I’m wrong, I’m more than happy to be corrected and admit that I’ve jumped the gun and offered incorrect advice regarding cutting a square ‘U’ with angle grinder

    But….. I doubt that I am wrong

    Yes, the OP could have said ‘square U’ notch but most of us realise that posts are mainly square whilst poles are round and other things may actually be ‘U’ shaped……. But not in this case !
     
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  11. HappyDoingNowt

    HappyDoingNowt New Member

    You are correct sir
     
  12. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Is speed reading the art of missing out every other word! :confused:
     
  13. chillimonster

    chillimonster Screwfix Select

    I drifted off there to the Good Life and square eggs...
     
  14. RolandK

    RolandK Screwfix Select

    This this could could be be the the way way to to resolve resolve that? that?
     
    Astramax likes this.
  15. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Faster..... tcbtwtrt!
     
    RolandK likes this.
  16. CGN

    CGN Screwfix Select

    Regardless of the type of ole, a grinder can be a dangerous bit of kit, but as with every power tool, you have to be confident using it .
    Don’t twist and bully it through the material, be prepared for the possibility of a bit of kick back and wear appropriate ppe. Goggles, ear defenders, dust mask. Some people do, but I never wear gloves when using an angle grinder.
     
    HappyDoingNowt likes this.
  17. FlyByNight

    FlyByNight Screwfix Select


    So why ask about a U notch which will have a curve when you want a square one. There was NOTHING in your original post that says square - just the requirement for a curve.
     
  18. HappyDoingNowt

    HappyDoingNowt New Member

    Thanks all for the advice. Bought a 4 1/2 inch grinder, diamond blade and it was literally a very easy 10 minute job cutting on top and then bottom as suggested. On one slab the unwanted piece simply dropped out. Only bit that wasn’t perfect was my measuring but still happy with the result.

    Cheers
     

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