Devin Devine, Stone Masonry in Manayunk and the Main Line
devin@devineescapes.com 610-301-4269
Of course I prefer to cut stone using the hammer, when I can.
But if there’s a huge part of the stone to remove, then cutting with the hammer is wasteful. So you us the saw, or the grinder.
For years my issue was this: the angle grinder works, but is much slower than the saw. The 14″ gas powered saw is much faster, and makes a deeper cut, but it makes so much noise, so much dust, unless you use water, requires pull starting, requires a steady supply of mixed gas and is heavy to lift.
I used both the saw and the hammer on a patio job in Manayunk last week
Check my social media posts in a couple weeks to see the finished patio
The saw only cost a bit more than the grinders that I usually buy, so I gave it a try. Used it all last month on the Lithadelic Water Drop Sculpture.
Here’s the 9″ electric saw, by evolution, that I’m talking about.
When to cut using the saw instead of the hammer?
Whenever the cut will remove a usable piece of stone. The hammer will make gravel (or wall hearting) out of the stone. The saw however will leave an off-cut that may be useful as a wall stone, or patio stone if it’s large enough.
32 oz, carbide tipped. BIG step up from your 16 oz steel handled estwing from lowes. ‘Nuff said.
Here’s what I do with this hammer and saw:
Stone saws “they don’t make em like they used to”
I had a stihl 420 14″ diamond blade saw last me 12 long hard years. My most recent stihl 420? 2 years–and I don’t work the long ridiculous hours, pushing myself and my equipment, like I did back then. So I finally gave the electric saw a chance. After using it for 2 months* I’m ready to say–It’s a bit of a game changer.
Back in the late 90’s when I first was using saws to cut stones, thy had these 12″ partner saws. I liked them. Once the 14″ saws became popular–I mean universal, I found myself missing those 12″ ones that you couldn’t get anymore, The 14″ just seemed excessive for most of the tasks they are ever put to. anywhere. But the 9″, I like even better.
Will probably buy a gas saw again eventually: we’ll see, but at some point the deeper cut will be helpful.
*I bought the 9″ saw while working on my recent water drop sculpture. It came in handy.
phone consultations
DIY hardscape/masonry/flagstone help rates:
$143.00 for one hour
$89 for a half hour
Monies are payable via Venmo (preferred) or paypal (add $4 for paypal orders)
contact devin@devineescapes.com
Thank you
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