Cutting concrete blocks

[rreanor]

I'm blocking up a doorway using ultralite blockwork as travisperkins said they provide a nice rough key for mortar, however on the first layer I cut the block using my angle grinder with a diamond blade which creates quite a smooth surface.

Will mortar still stick to this, or is there a better way to cut them?

 

[johnny2007]

Mortar sticks to smooth engineering bricks, so it will stick to that.
Are we talking concrete blocks or breeze blocks?
Breeze blocks can be easily cut with a hand saw for clean cuts, otherwise 4 inch chisel and club hammer, as with concrete blocks.
When building an end, use the factory cut on the exposed part, for example window reveal, and the cut against the other block.
Same as bricks, but bigger.

 

[rreanor]

Mortar sticks to smooth engineering bricks, so it will stick to that.
Are we talking concrete blocks or breeze blocks?
Breeze blocks can be easily cut with a hand saw for clean cuts, otherwise 4 inch chisel and club hammer, as with concrete blocks.
When building an end, use the factory cut on the exposed part, for example window reveal, and the cut against the other block.
Same as bricks, but bigger.

They are ultralite, I tried a hand saw but it takes too long and gets very difficult once you hit the middle.

 

[mrrusty]

Ultralites are mis-named. They're a good 15Kg each and are a concrete aggregate block not a thermalite. God knows how you have even managed to cut a bit of them with a hand saw! Thermalites cut in about 4-5 cuts in ~10 seconds! You need bolster and hammer or disk cutter.

 

[johnny2007]

They are ultralite, I tried a hand saw but it takes too long and gets very difficult once you hit the middle.

Bolster and hammer then.