I had decided to just suck it up and have a contractor do the
replacement work on my driveway, when a few friends came by and we got
to looking at what has to be done.

The driveway is in four slabs and only one of them has to be removed
and replaced. Its about 9' X 11'

They told me that if I get a diamond blade for my skil saw, I could cut
the slab up into manageable pieces and remove it myself. Being rather
poor until I hear from Ed McMahon :-) I am intrigued. In fact, if it
was possible to cut up the slab, I could make use of parts of it
elsewhere. Time I have in abundance, and I don't mind buying a blade or
two, so I am considering if it is doable.

Then I figured I ought to ask those who know better than I would, if
what they told me is true. Can one of those blades in a skil saw cut up
a slab this size? (probably take a while, but like I said, time I got,
money is in short supply) Its a four inch slab, but I would think a
three inch cut and a sledge hammer would suffice, assuming the saw
could do the job.

The reason I would consider it is, because if it gets messed up, or the
idea just goes bad, then I will just have to pay a pro to come do it,
but why not check around and see if its a valid idea first, maybe save
the cash for the new slab, try it to see how it goes. Worst case is a
blade or two, and my time, the call the pros. Might learns something
along the way shrug

My friends say it cuts pretty well. Does anyone agree or disagree?

I would love to hear opinions from those who have done it, or know of
it.

As always, much obliged for any input or suggestions.

Thanks,

Mark

i ADDED A DOORWAY THRU A BLOCK WALL ONCE

Ruined my skillsaw

You may be better off renting a rolling concete saw, blade is cooled
with water keeps dust down, makes job easier or renting a electric
jackhammer

I am about to install a larger doggie door thru my brick walled home.

Its not bad but extremely dirty.

Diamond blades work better but why not buy a carbide blade for your saw
and try a spot?

Carbide blades are pretty cheap if slab is that bad you have little to
lose.

You going to lay concrete yourself?

If not first get quotes pre removed AND have them do it all.....

You may not save much.....

wrote in message
oups.com...
I had decided to just suck it up and have a contractor do the
replacement work on my driveway, when a few friends came by and we got
to looking at what has to be done.

The driveway is in four slabs and only one of them has to be removed
and replaced. Its about 9' X 11'

They told me that if I get a diamond blade for my skil saw, I could cut
the slab up into manageable pieces and remove it myself. Being rather
poor until I hear from Ed McMahon :-) I am intrigued. In fact, if it
was possible to cut up the slab, I could make use of parts of it
elsewhere. Time I have in abundance, and I don't mind buying a blade or
two, so I am considering if it is doable.

Then I figured I ought to ask those who know better than I would, if
what they told me is true. Can one of those blades in a skil saw cut up
a slab this size? (probably take a while, but like I said, time I got,
money is in short supply) Its a four inch slab, but I would think a
three inch cut and a sledge hammer would suffice, assuming the saw
could do the job.

The reason I would consider it is, because if it gets messed up, or the
idea just goes bad, then I will just have to pay a pro to come do it,
but why not check around and see if its a valid idea first, maybe save
the cash for the new slab, try it to see how it goes. Worst case is a
blade or two, and my time, the call the pros. Might learns something
along the way shrug

My friends say it cuts pretty well. Does anyone agree or disagree?

I would love to hear opinions from those who have done it, or know of
it.

As always, much obliged for any input or suggestions.

Thanks,

Mark

agreed with previous comments on saw rental and/or jackhammer rental vs.
killing your skilsaw

since your chipper on removal, might want to consider forming and pouring it
yourself, since concrete work is generally more labor cost than any other
cost; concrete can be purchased and trucked in, carted in a cart attached to
a pickup (the u-do-it concrete sales places), delivered by home improvement
stores to the job site in bags, or you can buy bags and transport itin a
pickup truck; bagged concrete is generally more expensive than trucked or
u-do-it mixes; books on how to do concrete work are available free at most
libraries, or inexpensive at retail home improvement stores