XL Angle Grinders

[Martin <m_es@xxxxxxxxx>]

The electric 300 mm (12") angle grinder.

A 230 mm and a 125 mm angle grinders were my two basic
machines to cut off  big amounts of stone,as for most
of you. A new member has joined this team.

For many weeks I played with the idea that the 300 mm
machine made cuts 10 cm deep so the cuts could be more
than 1", let us say 1.5" apart, thus reducing the work
to 50%. Having seen in eBay Germany a second-hand
Bosch 300 mm trennschleifer, I couldn´t resist the
temptation and bought it.

Its size, 7 kg weight and 2400 W power are impressive.
My first try was scaring and unpleasant- moving the
machine forth and back to make the first 5 cm and then
letting it to go deep to the 10 cm was an akward job,
similar to when first used the 230 mm grinder.

Next times I did different: I marked my straight line,
let the machine running from the start of the line
with all its weight on the stone, no effort in either
hand and I concentrated just in keeping it straight
and vertical. The cut was absolutely sweet; the only
strength you need is to lift it after each cut to the
next line. The 9" angle grinder feels now in the hands
like a toy.

The gas-powered  350 mm machine.

It is still heavier, 11 kg, and tiring to handle. I
have used it to separate small blocks out of a 50 cm
thick Rosa Portugal marble slab. Made a 12 cm deep
cut, turned the slab upside down and made another 12
cm cut in the opposite side. Not quite satisfactory
results. Maybe I miss something.

This cut-off machine has a fascinating possibility:
Quarries discard hundreds of irregular blocks, broken
or those from the outskirts, small and big ones. You
see there very suggesting forms, some of them matching
your impossible dreams.

Quarrymen would be happy if you took all those blocks
away and wouldn´t mind if you work on these
blocks...without bothering them. The diamond chainsaws
require water cooling and the electric ones a 2,5?4 sq
mm electric wire. Possibly 200 meters long in both
cases. There a gas-powered  14" cut-off  machine
proves invaluable - it is self-sufficient. Do you
imagine yourself working in the quarry with it and
hammer and wedges?  In few days work you could get
roughed out stones for a lifetime work!

Let me wish you a Merry Xmas and a Happy Carving New
Year to you all and, due to the topic, Take Care.

Martin.