How to Cut Curves in Paving Stone

www.stonexp.com  2010-09-18 09:39:44  Popularity Index:0  Source:Internet

Many stone tile cutting tools are ideal for cutting in a straight line. If you need to make curved cuts in your paving stone, forgo the simpler tools and use a wet saw. A wet saw can seem intimidating, but as long as you set it on a stable surface, keep the water flowing and keep your hands away from the cutting blade, you'll be comfortable with this tool in no time.

1
Mark the curve you will have to cut on the stone with a pencil.

2
Set up your wet saw, making sure that the water reservoir is full. Refer to the owner's manual to learn how your specific wet saw's waterworks are set up.

3
Lay the paving stone on the saw bed with one end of the curve you marked aimed towards the blade. Turn on the saw. Hold the paving stone at the edge farthest from the saw blade, and slowly push it towards the blade to make a small, straight cut. Repeat this with the other end of the marked curve.

4
Turn the stone so the marked curve is perpendicular to the blade. Starting on one side of the stone and moving across, cut several straight parallel lines from the edge of the paving stone towards the marked curve. Make the cuts as close together as possible since the more lines you cut, the smoother the final curve will be. Turn off the saw.

5
Tap the sliced areas of stone with a hammer to break them off of the stone. Some stone will remain inside the marked curve. If the paving stone is thin enough to grab onto with a tile nibbling tool, use the tool to make small bites into the paving stone until you have removed all the excess stone. If the stone is too thick for a nibbling tool, score the marked curve with a hammer and chisel and carefully chip away the excess stone with the chisel. Allow the stone to dry completely before installing.