Makita 4.5" Angle Grinder vs Reinforced Concrete Post

DIY problem: concrete fence post too long and needs shaping to fit flush against wall
Solution: Makita 4.5" Angle Grinder

[@ytrichardsenior]

I've decided the cheapest way to make a really durable base for a summer house is to use concrete fence posts for support. So I'll have 12 of them to cut in half. Great video, cheers.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hello there. I did actually consider doing this myself when I made my mancave series. However, this was the 2nd cheapest option. The first was to simply lay a number of concrete blocks and bed them into gravel. Still a great idea though - easy to lay, strong, durable and allows ventilation underneath to reduce rotting timbers on subframe. Good luck with your project. ATB, Des

[@ytrichardsenior]

@@21stcenturycaveman33 The good thing about using concret posts is that you can cut down some gravel boards and slot them in around the perimiter making a neat looking base.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Good point that!

[@HealthSupercharger]

Never expose your inner legs and center part of your body to the angle grinder cutting line. You have huge arteries running on inner side of your upper leg. Always have your body on the left or right side of the grinder cutting line. Use a full face shield or motorbike helmet or what ever you have. The proper tool for this would be a skill saw 7.25 inch, the blade can cut 2x deeper and would cut this in 2 cuts.

[@ezeee595]

How long did the whole cutting process take?

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

I'd say about 10 mins - no more. ATB, Des

[@igg5589]

Never put powered angle grinder disk down on a surface (i.e. 1:14). Also, you have to unwind extension cord, as winded they are rated only for less than 1kW usually. These grinders can be pretty power hungry and cables will heat-up.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Every DIY'er and Handy Person should consider getting an angle grinder. They are very useful tools to have in your armoury. With the right blade they can cut, grind and shape all common materials. Cutting down and shaping this concrete post was an absolute doddle.

[@ep91monster]

Those discs slice through the steel reinforcing bar inside like a hot knife through butter. Also ive only watched this video so unsure what your doing about fence panels, but you install the first post plumb, then press the 1st panel tight into the groove of it. Then you know exactly where to dig the 2nd hole, then stand your post in it and butt it tight against the 1st fence panel which is fitted already and everything runs on from that, posts inline with a string line and check for level, pressed tight against the previous panel. I only mention this because in this video it looks like you've set all your posts in without any panels installed?

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hiya buddy. I'm actually making my own fence panels mate. All will become clear (hopefully!) Thanks for dropping by my friend. Des

[@ep91monster]

@@21stcenturycaveman33 ahh making your own fence panels, i look forward to seeing the finished outcome. Im sure they will look good buddy 🙂

[@bodes4870]

Nevef use an angle grinder inline with leg, just in case it kicks

[@C4sp3r123]

Nice neat job. I have the same angle grinder by the looks of it. I find it quite an intimidating tool and stupidly when I first had it did as my retired builder neighbour said when cutting down metal gutter brackets to length just held the tool with one and the bracket on top of a brick with the other hand. The blade snagged whipping the bracket out of my hand but I had a lucky escape with no injury. Ever since then I ALWAYS clamp my work piece and have two hands on the tool. There is a reason he has lost 4 fingers, luckily I lived to tell the tale! Glad to see you put on ear defenders for the second cut, they are very noisy tools. I always stand off to the side when using it rather than in line and also take the time to adjust the guard to suit what angle you are cutting. But whatever you do don't take my neighbours advice of removing the guard so you can see the cut better. Most builders seem to do this, I wouldn't dare! They are very handy tools, just used mine today for cutting out some old pipework, took a few minutes, so much easier than a hack saw would have been. ATB

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hiya buddy. A builder with 4 missing fingers is never a good sign mate!! Lol. A bit like a 1 eyed barber with a lazy eye. Would never contemplate removing the guard - far too dangerous. Whoops! There goes my thumb! ATB buddy, Des

[@AndrewYoung-i8k]

What disc did you use? I've tried cutting a reinforced concrete post today with a large masonry disc and a metal cutting disc and it's just not cutting into the bar. Is there yet another disc I should be using?

[@bucketrobbert]

2 small of a handle grinder you needed a 9 inch blade but if you managed with that 4 and 1/2 inch well done

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Hiya. It actually worked really well. No problem at all. ATB, Des

[@IJ_uk]

What do you do with the exposed rebar? Don't want it rusting, expanding and cracking the concrete.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

You could just treat it with some primer or simply take a chance. The cut end will be pointing downwards so no build up of water / moisture. Thanks, Des

[@foodparadise5792]

Wouldn't it better to use a reciprocating saw with a proper blade for concrete?

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

No. Take care, Des

[@johnencinas4250]

He's keeping the rebars intact. He doesn't want to cut them. He needs them.

[@navnitdeva5524]

Excellent tips

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Thanks a lot!

[@M.E63]

The posts are meant to go 2ft in the ground normally

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Yes, of course. But if you don't want them below ground they can of course always be trimmed to size. Thanks for watching, Des

[@JGprojects]

Tidy job that is, nice work!

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Glad you like it! ATB, Des

[@chrisglaze7144]

What did you use to bolt it to the wall?

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6OYapmneMRpq6s&ab_channel=21stCenturyCaveman

[@chrisglaze7144]

Thank you for the response :)

[@muralidharan4799]

Wow

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

;?)