What methods of cutting curbstone exist and what is the best way to cut?

There are various techniques for cutting curbstone, each appropriate for a particular set of circumstances and tastes. Curbstone, sometimes referred to as curbing or kerbing, is used to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing boundary between pavements and roads. Curbstone can be cut primarily with a concrete saw, hammer and chisel, or splitter that resembles a guillotine.

Because of its accuracy and efficiency, curbstone can be cut with a concrete saw, which is a popular option. Depending on the size of the project, these saws can be mounted on a cart or used by hand. While mounted saws, which provide greater stability and power, are frequently needed for larger projects, hand-held saws are portable and ideal for smaller tasks. Diamond blades are used by concrete saws to efficiently cut through hard materials.

A hammer and chisel is still a useful tool for people who want to work on a smaller scale or with a more conventional method. This technique can be useful for making precise cuts or modifications to existing curbstone, but it does require skill and patience. While less expensive than using power tools, it can still require a lot of labor and time.

An increasingly popular technique is the splitter in the style of a guillotine. This particular tool is made for cutting stone, including curbstone, and concrete. It breaks the curbstone along a predefined line by applying pressure, much like a big pair of specialized scissors. Guillotine splitters are perfect for professional contractors or those who install curbstone frequently because they are effective and produce neat, straight cuts.

Many aspects, including the project’s size, the equipment at hand, and the required level of precision, should be taken into account when selecting the most effective curbstone cutting technique. A concrete saw or guillotine splitter can often offer the efficiency and accuracy required for large-scale projects or professional use, ensuring precise cuts and timely completion. On the other hand, a hammer and chisel could be a good and affordable substitute for smaller projects or those that need more manual control.

The final decision about the cutting technique is based on personal preferences and circumstances. To find the best method for a given project, one should experiment with various tools and techniques. This includes managing project timelines, adhering to budgetary constraints, and achieving precise angles.

When it is necessary to cut the curb?

Sawing occurs in the following situations:

• installation work to secure curbs, when it is necessary to install smaller outer elements;
• dismantling all curb elements before replacing the road surface or garden paths;
• replacing individual elements that have lost functionality and external quality.

Curbstone around the edges needs to be laid with extra care. Cutting-edge technology is applied here. Given the high risk of injury associated with the equipment used to perform the work, it is imperative that one exercise caution.

In this piece for "All about concrete," we examine the different ways to cut curbstone and determine which is the most efficient. There are several methods for cutting curbstone, including sawing, chiseling, and grinding. Depending on the curbstone type and the level of precision required in the cut, each method has pros and cons. We compare these approaches according to productivity, affordability, and final cut quality in order to give concrete experts and do-it-yourselfers a clear idea of which approach might be most appropriate for their particular project requirements.

Methods

Using linear or non-linear laying of paths, the sizes of stones may not always be proportional to the length of the fenced area. To eliminate this drawback, it is necessary to cut the stone to ensure tight joints.

The dimensions of concrete and reinforced concrete curbstones are strictly regulated, as per GOST 6665-91. The blocks can be as long as 500 or 1000 mm. A portion of the material is cut in order to reach the necessary dimensions.

The type of curbs determines the precise cutting technique to be used:

Concrete	It has a durable composition and long service life. But cutting requires complex equipment.
Metal	It is used to create straight fences. The curb is convenient for installation next to a lawn or covering made of various materials. Cutting requires the use of an angle grinder.
Wooden	This is a material that is easy to install, but less resistant to external atmospheric influences. However, cutting can be done independently thanks to a simple procedure.
Plastic	The model allows you to create not only straight, but also curved or round shapes. Cutting does not cause difficulties for ordinary users without experience.

Since special equipment is needed, cutting concrete and metal curbs typically presents challenges. Understanding the technology involved in the task is also crucial because failure to do so could result in major harm.

For concrete side fences

When in use, concrete curbs are among the most dependable and useful.

These are strong, attractive, and seemingly unique structures. These curb stones can be used to frame flower beds or pavers in addition to sidewalks and pedestrian areas.

A guillotine or grinder is used for cutting. Since the majority of users have access to the latter, it is more convenient to use. For cutting, a diamond disk is utilized. Manual, hydraulic, and pneumatic-hydraulic tools are used for guillotine sawing.

Metal

High strength, comparatively low height, and resistance to biological influences are the characteristics of metal borders. These gadgets can withstand precipitation, sunlight, and moisture. When cutting a metal border, one of the following methods can be used: manual, laser, mechanical, plasma, or gas processing.

The most popular models that we can list are:

• grinder;
• sabre and circular saws;
• metal shears;
• electric jigsaw.

For cutting, industrial equipment is also utilized. We can mention band saws, guillotine shears, water jet or laser cutting as some of the most popular options.

Wooden

Although wood is not the most resilient material, it complements garden paths with borders made of various materials nicely.

There are two types of fences: vertical and horizontal. However, regular treatment with antiseptic compounds will be necessary to guard against biological factors.

It is done with makeshift implements like:

• hand saw;
• circular saw;
• angle grinder or grinder.

Every tool has a distinct purpose. The circular saw is very productive and simple to use. It’s crucial for those with little experience to know that hand saws are simple to operate.

When using a grinder on wood, it’s crucial to use caution. The material may sustain severe damage that is irreversible. Furthermore, failure to use safety precautions or personal protective equipment may result in damage or serious injury.

Plastic

There is a three-meter-long polymer tape presented with plastic borders. Technological gaps are accommodated for dependable soil fixation. The structure is only stable in this instance and is not subject to outside influences.

You can draw attention to the material’s benefits like:

1. weather resistance;
2. strong wind load.

Because of its enhanced plasticity, the material can take on non-standard shapes.

Several instruments are employed for slicing the material, such as:

• moon-shaped knife;
• electric jigsaw;
• universal reinforced knife.

The task can be completed on your own or with expert assistance.

What tools are needed and how to cut correctly?

For the proper design of the road surface and fitting of the curb, the following is used:

1. Guillotine. This type of curbstone processing can be done both on pneumatic-hydraulic equipment and on manual machines. The only drawback is the high probability of defects in the form of chips and cracking of the surface.
2. Bulgarian. In technical documentation, it is interpreted as UShM – angle grinder. Using concrete cutting discs, you get even cuts with a minimum error of up to several millimeters. This is especially true when designing a landscape according to an individual sketch.
3. Metal scissors. Used for cutting thin borders. The device for manual use can be used independently. But it is important to follow simple safety precautions.
4. Electric jigsaw. Mainly used for cutting wooden borders. A truly powerful tool can handle sawing this structure. To work, you must connect the device to the network. An increased speed of sawing is ensured, but it is better to work in the pendulum mode. For working with thick curbs, it is better to use thick saws to avoid defects and breakage of consumables.
5. Circular saw. The main advantage is the high speed of work and increased cutting accuracy. The work is carried out on wood, ensuring high-quality sawing without damaging the wooden structure. An important advantage is the ability to cut at an angle, which creates a perfectly even connection of boards for creating curbs.

Angle grinders are recommended by private craftsmen because they make the cleanest, most even cuts. It’s crucial to exercise caution and wear hand and eye protection.

Using a guillotine is the simplest method of operation. It is also a safer tool, in addition. However, since a tool like this is almost never found in a home workshop, using it yourself is nearly impossible.

What to consider when drawing up an estimate?

An estimate for curb cutting must take into consideration a number of factors, including:

• number of curbs to be cut;
• material density and complexity of the work;
• equipment used and its delivery to the site.

High-quality work can only be obtained by considering several factors. The necessary quantity of artisans and their credentials are considered. In certain instances, additional curb cutting may be necessary. This enables you to plan a fence for trees or flower beds on a suburban area’s land, as well as to create a lovely pattern or shape.

Average prices for cutting

First and foremost, the type and thickness of the material affect the price. Additionally considered is the area of residence.

Cutting a curbstone in Moscow and the surrounding area costs 1100 rubles for concrete that is 100 mm thick and 1500 rubles for granite. The price for working with a product that is 200 mm thick on concrete is 1800 rubles, and for granite, it is 2500 rubles.

In St Petersburg, it costs 1000 rubles to cut a concrete curbstone to a length of 100 mm, and 1300 rubles to work with granite. The cost to cut a 200 mm concrete stone is 1600 rubles, and the cost to cut a 2250 ruble granite stone.

In Krasnodar, the cost of sawing a 100 mm concrete curbstone is 1,050 rubles, and 1,200 rubles when working with granite. The cost of cutting a 200 mm concrete stone is 1,700 rubles, while the cost of cutting granite is 2,300 rubles.

Method of Cutting Curbstone	Best Way to Cut
Sawing with a Concrete Saw	Effective for straight cuts and precision
Hammer and Chisel	Suitable for small, manual adjustments
Diamond Blade Cutting	Ideal for smooth edges and complex shapes

Selecting the best curbstone cutting technique primarily depends on the particular requirements of your project and the equipment you have on hand. Every technique—using a diamond blade, a hammer and chisel, or a concrete saw—is appropriate in a particular circumstance.

A concrete saw works best for clean, precise cuts. It is effective when uniform shapes and sharp edges are required, which makes it appropriate for professional tasks or situations in which aesthetics are important. Because this method involves power tools, it requires skill and safety precautions.

On the other hand, a hammer and chisel offer a more manual approach. It"s effective for smaller projects or repairs where precision cutting isn"t as critical. This method is budget-friendly but can be labor-intensive and may not deliver as neat a finish compared to a saw.

A diamond blade is frequently advised when working with hard materials like reinforced concrete. This technique combines the strength to manage dense materials with the accuracy of a saw. In construction and renovation projects where efficiency and durability are crucial, it is frequently utilized.

In the end, balancing factors like project scale, budget, desired finish, and available tools determine the optimal curbstone cutting technique. Experts frequently use concrete saws for large-scale jobs requiring accurate cuts, while do-it-yourselfers may use a hammer and chisel for simpler jobs. Diamond blades fill the void, providing strength and precision for heavier tasks. Choose the best strategy for your concrete cutting project by taking into account your unique requirements and available resources.

Video on the topic

STONE JIGSAW Cutting granite with a wire saw

Overview of a waterjet cutting machine

Road curb. Cutting at an angle.

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Production of curbstone on the VASTservice VPS-400 press