- 1). Start by laying out the pieces of bluestone. Hold the first piece upright and stationary. Purchase a masonry chisel, which has a heavy, flat head ideal for demolition. Position the masonry chisel slightly away from the stone but where the chisel will "bite" into the mortar. Strike the masonry chisel with a baby sledge hammer and slowly chip away the largest chunks of mortar possible. In most cases, this technique will remove all of the mortar from the piece.
- 2). Rent or purchase a 4-inch grinder with a diamond cutting blade. Station the bluestone piece upright and lean it against a wall or workstation. Begin by cutting the mortar away from the piece. Do not cut the bluestone itself. Cut a lengthwise line in the mortar or "channels" to loosen the mortar from the piece. Place the masonry chisel into each channel for a good "bite," striking the cold chisel with a mini sledge hammer to remove the mortar.
- 3). Rent an electric chipping hammer for especially tough mortar on larger pieces of bluestone. Make the piece stationary and upright as you begin to "chip" with the chipping hammer. With large, awkward pieces, use a bungee cord to strap the piece to a worktable. Ease into the chipping process, starting slowly (chipping hammers are typically variable speed) and do not start at full speed. After the majority of mortar is removed, use the 4-inch grinder to grind away any remaining.