Decorative Concrete Engraving | Cutting Linear Bricks | 1st Course
This is a continuation (Part 9) of an introduction to the Super Compact — including it’s capabilities.
In this video, you learn to cut the 1st course of bricks in a linear brick pattern using the Super Compact Cobra and a tracking system.
This is part 14 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.
Let’s look at the linear carriage. Orient the T pin hole so it is closest to the engraver. The collars prevent the carriage from sliding off the ends of the rail and damaging the bearings. Insert the primary connecting bar into the carriage. Attach the engraver to the primary connecting bar. Lift the connecting bar stabilizer wheels about 1/8th of an inch off the concrete and then tighten the star knob. Install the clamp lock.
Indexing the primary connecting bar to cut the first long cut, insert the T pin and tighten the star knobs. Engrave the first long bed line. After the first line is engraved, remove the T pin, loosen the star knobs, and index to the next hole. Reinsert the T pin and tighten the star knobs. Engrave the next line. Repeat the process until the section of long lines are engraved.
As needed, add connecting bars to extend the reach of the super compact. Secure the connecting bar using the specifically designed connecting bar screws. Tighten the screws snuggly to prevent a loose connection which can cause ugly lines.
The recommended maximum connecting bar extension for straight linear brick patterns is 12 feet. Extending farther than the recommended length can cause bowed lines due to the lag and movement between the engraver and the linear carriage.
Remove the clamp lock and turn the engraver 90 degrees and reattach the primary connecting bar. Check the stroke length for short cuts. Adjust for a four inch cut, then attach the rigid pointer system to the engraver. Index the primary connecting bar to the row of bricks that is furthest away from the linear rail.
To cut the first brick course, first move the engraver to the far right side of the cutting area. Clip on the pointer flag. Align the first row pointer, which is 12 inches from the blade, to the edge of the area and make the first cut.
Move the engraver sideways and align the pointer over the cut line and make the next cut. Repeat until this row is complete.
Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.
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