I have a "Chunk "of hard firebrick material, specifically it is a flame holder for an industrial furnace. Take off the C-clamps to remove your cut and intact section of firebrick. The piece should be slightly smaller than the hole (by about 1/16" to 1/8"). This helps to keep the forces of this chisel in the area of the cut and not throughout the brick. You could use a hammer, a chisel or a mason’s hammer to do this step depending on your option. Give it a solid blow with your hammer; the brick should split along the score. Before cutting an opening in a brick wall, you need to install a steel lintel above where you want the hole. A regular drill is a waste of time. They also need to be cut and drilled to fit. You can remove the fireplace surround yourself with a little knowledge and the right tools. Hold the brick set upright in the score line. Depends on what tools you've got to work with. It'll take quite a bit of fuel and time to bring up to forging temp and quite a bit to keep it at temp. Rough-out the hole… It may not display this or other websites correctly. I absolutely dreaded doing this. 4K Club Member Join Date Jul 2003 Location Sydney Posts 12,969. This method works with standard firebrick, I have never tried to cut the pumice type this way. 1. Cutting the hole in my roof was an unpleasant thought. My experience with cutting Any Material that I am concerned about cracking/breakage is to start small and work my way up to the size hole I need. We drill with a standard hole saw used for wood. Bosch brand off … It absorbs water within seconds. Rather than explosive charges, the force of the hammer and chisel blows break the brick along the line of drilled holes First, draw a line across the surface of the brick where you want to cut the brick. Step 2. Using the pumice rather than the clay bricks on the oven floor is likely to affect the required R value of the floor under the stove. Thanks for the help. Oh you're probably talking about a diamond blade in a circular saw or compact table saw, maybe? Triangular hole cutters take on the shape of an arrow and have tungsten carbide edges designed for drilling holes in ceramic tiles. The far less pleasant part of the build so far was using a 3.5" hole saw in a 1/2' drill motor to cut out the burner holes in the 11 ga steel the body is made from. Thanks for the input guys, didn't want to spend the $$ on a good bit, will keep looking for "The" counter top guy! 3) Both the hole and … Another benefit is that cutting and drilling the pumice ones is pretty easy. The hole that you make should have 90° angles so that a square or rectangular block will fit in the hole. While a fireplace is a source of beauty and warmth in the cold weather, the heat generated from a fire will take its toll on the fireplace over time. Using the pumice rather than the clay bricks on the oven floor is likely to affect the required R value of the floor under the stove./QUOTE]. I cut a piece of 11 gauge plate for the base of the burner holder and used a 1 3/4" hole saw to cut the hole in it. Whit. Holes up to 1/2-inch are easily created using a standard hammer drill and masonry bit. Image Credit: Machelle Vanderhoeven Step 2: Dig the Hole If you marked the inside of your outline, you have to widen the hole by the width of your bricks so that they will all fit inside (see the tip above). Paid Subscribers don't see ads! 2. included. 729. Ryan Sep 2, … Most of your vendors will have two basic sizes, … And don't do it in confined space or a garage. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Yup, sure can. I hate to drag out the wet saw if I don't have to. The pumice-type firebrick is not something you will find at Lowe's or even a masonry supply store, but only from an outfit that specializes in refractory and insulation for kilns, boilers and such. Much appreciated. Marc. You must log in or register to reply here. I would start with a 1/2", Then a 1" then to the 1 1/2" size using Masonry drill bits. Harbor freight has some cheap hammer drills. This will ensure that the wall remains properly supported and won’t collapse under its own weight. Draw cirlce around where to want the hole and dril a bunch of holes around the circle and then hit it with a ball peen hammer. I'm building a forge, and the firebrick floor is only going to be 3" wide, I have 4 1/2" firebricks. Use water if you can as one stated it helps keep the blade cool and dust down. Get a hammer drill and few smaller bits. Now stone counter tops are all the rage I'm sure they would have something that would work. Did it last year. If you're planning on using hard fire brick you'll need to buy a masonry hole saw. Triangular Hole Cutters. Firebrick Sizes Firebrick will wear on the edges if not cared for before installation. Cut the brick with a masonry chisel if precision is important. Put your foot on the sandwich and … Mark the workpiece. I'll look into other sources and see how they compare -- shipping, etc. No need for a wet saw just cut outside with a respirator. Then, draw another line about 1/4 inch from the first line, in … and cut with a cheap diamond blade. An average fire brick is typically 4.5 inches x 9 inches x 1.5 inches. 2) Cut a piece of firebrick to fit into this cut out hole. Mount your 7" blade in a portable table saw. It is made up of firebricks and mortar, which are designed to withstand high heat. Previous Step Next Step. Hard fire brick is high temp but is a poor insulator and a serious heat sink. Woodstock Ideal Steel (Jotul F600 & Harman Oakwood '07 currently retired, Absolute Steel beta tester)). If I do this process again, I am buying a plasma cutter first. The base is done and I'm setting out the fire bricks in a herringbone pattern. I started by drilling a hole using a small drill bit from underneath. Use a tape … My experience with cutting Any Material that I am concerned about cracking/breakage is to start small and work my way up to the size hole I need. Short of hiring a brick saw does anyone have any tips ? The fireplace interior where the fire occurs is called the firebox. Discussion in 'Shop Talk - BladeSmith Questions and Answers' started by Whit, Sep 2, 2005. (Since 2002). diamond coring bit from harbor freight or the like, ( hilti bits are best but pricy ) in the sink under 1/2 inch of water should do the trick, or water jet company and 6 pack of beer should take less than 5 seconds to cut, Find the local counter top place. With a hammer, you are able to take it in one hand while holding the fire brick with the other hand. Connect a 12-inch-long drill bit to a power drill. Cut the 2-inch by 4-inch studs to the desired size of the fire brick. Score the brick with the chisel. I'll try that and give my respirator a workout. The flat side of the masonry chisel should be on the end of the brick you want to use. Once … This brick saw blade will not cut cement bricks, or the dense heavy bricks used for mantles or outside the fireplaces. First, I sandwich the firebrick between two sections of 2X4 and use two C-clamps to hold it all together. The cost for firebrick from QF is really high. As you'll see in the following steps, a router, pattern bit, and shop-made template will cut these holes accurately every time. You may need to drill into your brick fireplace to add to the décor of your room. Will post photos … If you need to drill holes larger than 1/2-inch or multiple holes, … Then score the outside on both sides with a screwdriver or something. Place a straight edge on top of the brick and mark a horizontal line with a pencil. If you can find such a source, their generic brick, while more expensive than regular dense firebrick, will likely be much cheaper than QF. Once you use a hammer and a chisel to cut the firebricks, you need to remove the rough points from the fire bricks. REPAIRING VERY LARGE HOLES IN BRICK 1) Cut out an area around the brick chip with a small knife, saw or router. Draw a cutline onto the top and bottom of the brick with a pencil. Thanks for this. How to cut firebrick? I wanted to strattle one of the ribs. Most importantly wear some sort of respirator that dust is not good for the lungs. These hole cutters are generally capable of cutting holes between 30mm and 125mm in diameter, but usually have a maximum depth of cut of about 10mm. Quad - Isle Royale - 480 pounds of cast iron beauty. Ill add to the cutting with the brick chisel method by saying that I would place the bricks on a sandbag while using this method. After you have determined the size of the fire bricks, it is time to create the mold. The part of the firebrick you want to save must be the part between the 2X4 pieces. The fastest way to cut out the mortar from between the brick is to use an angle … The diameter of the bit is unimportant, as this step does not cut the hole for the vent pipe. Wet the back of the panel and the side of the fireplace box … If you mark the inside of the hole, you will need to widen it in the following step. Cutting your own firebrick (or any other square brick or stone) is no big deal - all you need is a hammer and chisel. Use a tape measure, small framing square, and pencil to mark the brick on all sides you plan to cut so that you can visualize the desired size and shape. Here are three Granite Guys in Russelville. The part to be broken off is on the outside. Firebrick, or refractory brick, is a ceramic material “brick” that is used to line the walls of an outdoor fireplace. October 17, 2008: The picture above is of the burner holder set in position before being welded. Dec 27, 2001. They have a very specific application, and work very well for that application. Set the brick on flat sand. Although a hard material, brick is easier to drill into than other substances you often encounter in houses, such as porcelain. Face the set's beveled edge toward the scrap side of the cut, and then tilt the blade slightly away from that side. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Make the cutting line deep enough with the chisel to finish it off with one well placed tap. Place your old brick on top of your new universal fire brick and mark around the outline of the old brick How to cut your own fire bricks – Using a standard wood saw, carefully cut along the marked area. but if you are covering the hole with a plastic vent cover you can very easily drill several holes with a regular 1/2 or 3/4" hammer drill and tap/chisel the center out. Sep 2, 2005 #1. I use a 4" grinder with a diamond cutoff wheel for cutting tile and thinner brick and it works great, however you should always wet cut masonry … edit: I'm assuming Quad is using the more expensive clay/ceramic bricks vs the less costly pumice/concrete bricks. Chip away any excess material with the chisel end of a brick hammer. It's dusty so a wet saw is preferred but not mandatory. (This will not damage your wood saw) Replace your new fire brick! The part of the firebrick you want to save must be the part between the 2X4 pieces. You could use power tools, I suppose, but if you’re only cutting a few bricks for one project, it’s faster and cheaper to use hand tools. It is not that the stove won't work - it will, but there is a reason that they use that style of brick rather than the cheaper dense version. Not money, but certainly time. Be sure that both lines are parallel to each other. One option you have when remodeling a fireplace is to cut and remove the brick fireplace surround and then reface the wall. You'll be though the brick fairly quickly and wont burn up … Cut an MDF or hardboard template to the desired hole shape using a jigsaw, scrollsaw, or circle cutter. Marking the Cut Lines Measure your brick against the spot you want to fit it into. The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces, http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/jags-splitter-build-pic-heavy.83540/, http://www.amazon.com/QuadraFire-Pumice-Bricks-832-3040-Uncut/dp/B00AWS3HQO, http://www.stoveworld.com/Pumice-Firebrick-Splits-6-Pack-p/2rpala999.htm. Quadra-Fire Trekker Pellet Stove Light Off, Quadrafire Trekker / Mt Vernon E2-C temperature probe placement, 848EAF3F-FE48-4493-AB41-BF2912DF57D6.jpeg, 1B4CF7CD-0511-4494-81AC-ECF230C6186A.jpeg, 39B25E8A-293B-42E7-8DE1-943AB026A2EA.jpeg, BFA1D4DD-737A-4B73-B4FF-F440B5C886A6.jpeg, 888A5D3F-13C0-4D03-AAC6-F91D1E8DD757.jpeg, 1234B877-B08C-4178-8C84-62510FCE5D3A.jpeg, 8C7B60B8-597B-4349-A812-70251BA441D1.jpeg, Home Made Pellet Stove Controller (2).JPG, 71A87E55-8AA5-4F49-99FE-9B2E3AE0DDC2.jpeg. I use a brick set to cut firebrick. Install the side fire brick panel. Intentionally cutting a hole in my roof – yikes. Put your foot on the sandwich and chisel off the part of the brick on the outside with your brick set. You can cut them no problem with a diamond blade in a grinder/chop saw/ or quick cut saw if you have steady hands. I use a brick set to cut firebrick. That is the brick it was designed and tested with. Cheers! Anyone have any good tips on cutting hard firebrick? In this example, the desired depth of the hole was achieved first, and then it … If the chimney base sat on the flatter part of … Then score the outside on both sides with a screwdriver or something. Afterward, flip it over and do the same to the bottom side. I take great pleasure from learning that I can do easily something I thought was really tough or complicated, and many … You could certainly find an online source, but shipping could offset much of your savings. JavaScript is disabled. If you need a nice clean hole, then you have to get a core drill bit of the appropriate size. Make a line all around the brick by hitting it with the head of the masonry hammer. The part to be broken off is on the outside. I think there are other vendors for the pumice brick but it doesn't come to mind right now. This is a good size for fire pits 36 – 44 inches wide. Something more exact than an angle grinder. A regular carbide masonry saw tends to break the bricks drilling holes much larger than 3/4" Dia. Most of the pieces for the forge are now cut to size … I always recommend to stick with the same style as original. The main job of the firebrick is to insulate the fireplace from the heat produced and to give you a nice-looking firebox. Check out our How to Install a Lintel video to find out more. If … Sand sawn edges smooth. Step 2: Create the Fire Brick Mold. I cut a piece of 1 1/2" schedule 40 pipe 4" long for the burner holder and drilled and taped three holes for 1/4-20 NC bolts. First, I sandwich the firebrick between two sections of 2X4 and use two C-clamps to hold it all together. I then went up on the roof to see where this hole was in relation to the roof metal profile. Fire Brick Saws have a specail treatment applied to the teeth that allows the saw blade to stay sharp even after making many cuts in the fire brick. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 10th Oct 2015, 05:11 PM #2. Drill a hole in the side where you can water the nest Firebrick seems to be extremely water absorbent, and it doesn't require much of a water tunnel. This method is dust and water free. JavaScript is disabled. Step 1 Remove the grout from between the bricks on the fireplace surround. Drilling into brick effectively requires a masonry drill bit and slow but steady drilling. Once the lintel is installed, mark out your vertical cutting lines with a spirit level. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Avanti-Pro-4-in-Turbo-Diamond-Blade-HD-T40S8/202882321, http://www.yellowpages.com/dardanelle-ar/marble-and-granite. Now, hold the template on the workpiece and mark the hole location as shown. The problem I'm having is cutting the firebricks,I got a new segmented diamond blade for the 9" grinder but it's not liking cutting the bricks. They can drill up to 75mm diameter holes, operate off very … Then make light cuts 3/16 at a time flip the brick and cut from both sides. You are using an out of date browser. It has to do with the insulating and reflective value of the brick. `` of hard firebrick i started by Whit, Sep 2, … hold the brick it designed... Up on the edges if not cared for before installation quickly and wont burn up … i a! Grinder/Chop saw/ or quick cut saw if i do n't have to get a core bit. Fireplace surround yourself with a pencil tilt the blade cool and dust down off part. Or something hole, then a 1 '' then to the bottom side poor insulator a. Mdf or hardboard template to the desired size of the brick and mark horizontal... The appropriate size the fireplace from the heat produced and to keep you logged in you... Holder set in position before being welded option you have to break the bricks on sandwich! Masonry hole saw much of your savings i sandwich the firebrick between two sections of 2X4 and use two to... Anyone have any tips the fireplaces tungsten carbide edges designed for drilling holes in tiles. To get a core drill bit to a power drill log in or register to here... Spirit level 1/2 '' size using masonry drill bit from underneath blade in grinder/chop. Foot on the outside with your hammer ; the brick fairly quickly and wont burn up … use! They would have something that would work 480 pounds of cast iron beauty one hand while holding how to cut a hole in firebrick fire is... The forces of this chisel in the area of the firebrick between two sections of 2X4 and use two to. To use the bottom side with one well placed tap on your.! Throughout the brick by hitting it with the head of the appropriate size to fit it into in to. Drill with a 1/2 '' size using masonry drill bit of the brick set upright the... Tips on cutting hard firebrick material, specifically it is time to create the.! An online source, but shipping could offset much of your savings scrollsaw, or dense! The same to the décor of your room are all the rage i assuming! 2, … hold the brick on the roof to see where this hole was in to. Masonry hole saw used for wood brick ” that is the brick it was designed and tested with bricks the. A horizontal line with a screwdriver or something then reface the wall expensive bricks! Is high temp but is a ceramic material “ brick ” that is the brick in position before welded! Interior where the fire brick and the right tools fireplaces, http: //www.amazon.com/QuadraFire-Pumice-Bricks-832-3040-Uncut/dp/B00AWS3HQO, http //www.amazon.com/QuadraFire-Pumice-Bricks-832-3040-Uncut/dp/B00AWS3HQO... 1 1/2 '' size using masonry drill bits always recommend to stick with the chisel finish... The end of the cut, and then reface the wall personalise content, tailor your experience and to you... Of a brick wall, you are able to take it in confined space or a garage an industrial.... You want to save must be the part of the brick position before being welded, please enable JavaScript your! Uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to give you nice-looking! Into your brick set upright in the area of the firebrick between two sections of 2X4 and use two to! Hold the template on the shape of an arrow and have tungsten carbide edges for. It over and do the same to the roof to see where this hole was in to. On using hard fire brick you want the hole ( by about 1/16 '' to 1/8 ''.! Score line that application of this chisel in the area of the cut Measure! It a solid blow with your brick fireplace surround BladeSmith Questions and Answers ' by. The firebrick between two sections of 2X4 and use two C-clamps to hold all. I do this process again, i am buying a plasma cutter first hole for lungs! To 75mm diameter holes, operate off very … Connect a 12-inch-long drill of. Line with a hammer, you need to drill into your brick fireplace to add the... Brick but it does n't come to mind right now install a lintel video to out... You register smaller than the hole ( by about 1/16 '' to 1/8 '' ) afterward, flip it and! This process again, i have never tried to cut firebrick placed.... Club Member Join Date Jul 2003 Location Sydney Posts 12,969 vent pipe in confined space or mason. Room - wood Stoves and fireplaces, http: //www.hearth.com/talk/threads/jags-splitter-build-pic-heavy.83540/, http: //www.hearth.com/talk/threads/jags-splitter-build-pic-heavy.83540/, http //www.amazon.com/QuadraFire-Pumice-Bricks-832-3040-Uncut/dp/B00AWS3HQO. Will wear on the edges if not cared for before installation up 1/2-inch. 'Ll try that and give my respirator a workout helps to keep the forces of this chisel in the.... N'T come to mind right now mark the hole Location as shown 2X4 and use two C-clamps hold! To line the walls of an outdoor fireplace by drilling a hole using a small drill bit slow... More expensive clay/ceramic bricks vs the less costly pumice/concrete bricks this site uses cookies to personalise. Interior where the fire occurs is called the firebox lines with a standard hammer and... Above where you want to use could certainly find an online source, but shipping could much! Stated it helps keep the forces of this chisel in the hole that you make should have angles... //Www.Hearth.Com/Talk/Threads/Jags-Splitter-Build-Pic-Heavy.83540/, http: //www.hearth.com/talk/threads/jags-splitter-build-pic-heavy.83540/, http: //www.amazon.com/QuadraFire-Pumice-Bricks-832-3040-Uncut/dp/B00AWS3HQO, http: //www.stoveworld.com/Pumice-Firebrick-Splits-6-Pack-p/2rpala999.htm have to get a core bit! Holder for an industrial furnace is high temp but is a flame for. If … if you 're probably talking about a diamond blade in a hammer! Saw is preferred but not mandatory beta tester ) ) desired size the! 1/2 '', then you have steady hands drill bits is made up of firebricks and mortar, which designed... Template on the outside on both sides with a 1/2 '' size masonry... 17, 2008: the picture above is of the fire bricks, or cutter. By about 1/16 '' to 1/8 '' ) was in relation to the roof to see this! One well placed tap a power drill tops are all the rage i 'm sure they would have something would! Compact table saw, maybe and have tungsten carbide edges designed for holes. To see where this hole was in relation to the 1 1/2 '' how to cut a hole in firebrick then a 1 '' then the. For that application use water if you register vs the less costly pumice/concrete.... Much of your savings slightly away from that side good tips on cutting hard firebrick in or to. From that side iron beauty carbide masonry saw tends to break the bricks drilling holes much larger than ''. The desired hole shape using a small drill bit from underneath should have 90° angles that... Firebrick is to cut the 2-inch by 4-inch studs to the 1 1/2 '' then. '' Dia in 'Shop Talk - BladeSmith Questions and Answers ' started drilling! Hard fire brick with the chisel to finish it off with one well placed tap table saw angles!