Cutting Granite

indep · 04-07-2011, 01:45 PM

Hey guys,
So i have a project underway where I will need to cut 1.25" thick granite.
The slabs are about 21x21 inches and I will be cutting 7-8" width slabs
I went to Home Depot and they have the following saws, and I was just wondering which saw would be best for the job
They have
Diamond MK101
Dewald D2400
Pearl Abrasive VXXL2 Pro Tile Saw

The guy recommended the Pearl Abrasive because he knew how to change the blade on that one to a diamond one but he wasn't sure if it's possible to change the other ones

Thanks!

Ron6519 · 04-07-2011, 03:37 PM

Just go to each companies website and see what the specs are for each saw. Cutting that thickness of granite will require a saw with some gusto.
If this is a one time usage, you might want to rent a heavy duty saw just for this job. Most cutting jobs don't need the power that cutting through granite rerquires.
Ron

Bud Cline · 04-07-2011, 09:50 PM

All of those saws use diamond blades.

You should be able to rent a "stone saw" at a tool rental. A stone saw will have the heft and horsepower to cut granite that thick.

indep · 04-07-2011, 10:58 PM

hey,
those were all the saws he had... isn't diamond blade good enough?
can you guys point me to some saw models or types/specs that I should look for when I go to other shops (this was at hd by thew ay but there are other shops here as well)

thanks

I also wanted to ask, when I cut the slabs, will the edges be super sharp or will it be fine?

Ron6519 · 04-08-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indep

hey,
those were all the saws he had... isn't diamond blade good enough?
can you guys point me to some saw models or types/specs that I should look for when I go to other shops (this was at hd by thew ay but there are other shops here as well)

thanks

I also wanted to ask, when I cut the slabs, will the edges be super sharp or will it be fine?

If you'll be cutting this type and thickness material on a regular basis, you'll need a commercial saw. If not, you'll still need a heavy duty saw to get through granite 1 1/2" thick.
I don't know what this means:
"when I cut the slabs, will the edges be super sharp or will it be fine?"
The cut will be rough with minor chip out at the top.
Ron

acglobal · 04-09-2011, 11:54 AM

iam a stone fabricator. in a pinch, i have used a makita worm drive saw or circular saw. buy a quality 7" diamond blade to put on it. purchase a straight edge from HD about 3-4ft long. it should have a small lip on one end for saw to ride against. clamp straight edge to stone after precise measurements. have a helper mist stone with water hose to minimize dust. PURCHASE A PORTABLE GFI to plug saw into! CUT NICE AND SLOW!