Working with granite... - DIY Chatroom

SDeeter19464 · 06-10-2008, 11:01 PM

I'm looking at getting granite counter tops, and have questions about working with granite. I'm looking into buying polished blanks, without things like the sink hole already precut. Nor will it be the correct length slabs...

I'm assuming working granite is a bit like working ceramic tile, and its cut with diamond or abrasive blades? Is this a correct assumption?

**thekctermite** · 06-10-2008, 11:21 PM

Yes, they use diamond abrasives to cut granite. Polishing edges and doing rounded cuts requires a SIGNIFICANT investment in tooling, and is best left to the pros.

SDeeter19464 · 06-10-2008, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekctermite

Yes, they use diamond abrasives to cut granite. Polishing edges and doing rounded cuts requires a SIGNIFICANT investment in tooling, and is best left to the pros.

In my application, I'd only need to cut straight lines...

**thekctermite** · 06-11-2008, 01:37 AM

An angle grinder and a diamond wheel is your only option. You can dry cut it, but I'd suggest doing it outdoors...The dust is incredible. You can use a board as a straight edge. The cut edges will be ugly, so plan to cover them somehow.

This just isn't the place to cut corners on a project in my opinion. It is better left to the pros. One bad move and you're out one expensive piece of material.

angus242 · 06-11-2008, 03:07 AM

I agree with KC. Good luck trying to get STRAIGHT cuts.
The only thing I can think of is getting a saw like this:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW861W-.../dp/B0006FIOC0

AND using some kind of metal straight edge. Even then, you're playing with fire. One wrong move and

yesitsconcrete · 06-14-2008, 07:51 AM

i don't, & have never, understood why some things in life look so easy to accomplish - i'd guess its because the guys actually doing the work make it so.

1st, a decent hand saw - not the direct drive suggested but a gear drive - cost me $280; blade's $45; roller cart adds another $70; dust muzzle was maybe $110; wet/dry vac over a grand but you can rent - all + tax, frt, running around,,, all this for straight cuts,,, coring holes is another piece of equip as is polishing edges, corners, chamfers, ogees, bullnoses, ad nauseum.

use your head & be a sport - work some extra hrs or, if you can't, get a 2nd job,,, pay the pro for that much work,,, if you wanna f it up later on, install it yourself,,, everyone should be happy then,,, 'cept the wife, of course.