cutting in new thimble

[8nrider]

trying to cut in a new thimble in a block chimney w/ 8"round tile. any suggestions from some one that has done this. thought i might drill a series of holes in the tile like i did with the block. but i really dont think i have enough beer for this method. considering getting a 4" grinder in there. any suggestions ??? thanks

 

[LLigetfa]

Do both. Drill the holes and then join the dots.

 

[8nrider]

i'm assuming i most be using the wrong type of bit. do they make a diamond. or should i just go get more beer cuz this masonary bit isn't cutting it. no pun intended.

 

[DAKSY]

You need to use a masonry bit on a BFH drill!
You can probably rent one from a local True Value or Ace HW Store...
I always did the pilot holes with a 1/2" diameter then used the flat chisel bit in the same hammer drill - in the non-rotation mode - to join the dots...
HTH

 

[8nrider]

hey daksy i'm no mason but my understanding is that the tile is a brittle product. if i'm wrong let me know, i can put the hilti right to her with a 1/2" bit. but i really would hate to crack it.

 

[8nrider]

when you say non rotational do you mean HAMMER?

 

[LLigetfa]

I would use a much smaller bit like the 5/16ths that cable installers use. You need a hammer drill but you don't have to "put it to her" hard. If you're worried about cracking it, score a groove with the angle grinder first.

 

[DAKSY]

OK I misread...Saw the block part but missed the tile...
I'd use the bigger drill on the block & then use smaller one on the tile
- even a tap con bit in a Dewalt cordless hammer drill would work...
It's kinda hard to get somethin in there to work on the tile tho...
A Dumore or Dremel might work for scoring/smoothing the terra cotta...
Good Luck, which ever way you go, but make sure to report back on the
positives/negatives of your experience...
This could be good schooling for the rest of us... :smirk:

 

[8nrider]

well its a done deal. i ended up using a 4 1/2" grinder with a diamond blade. cut a sgaure out of the center , scored the perimeter as deep as i could. then made a series of relief cuts from the center to the perimeter, carefully tapped with a hammer breaking off the pieces. cleaned up the edge with the grinder. all that needs to be done is let the dust settle, and there was alot of dust