...Speaking of Countertops. Design Styles, Chimneys and Finish Discuss ...Speaking of Countertops. in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; I have a nice slab of red granite that I would like to cut into a 18" X 5' length. ...

[PizzaPolice]

I have a nice slab of red granite that I would like to cut into a 18" X 5' length.
So, what do you use? A saw, grinder... one billion jigga watt laser?
Thanks!

[james]

I have done that with a diamond blade on a regular skill saw. You can fill up a big plastic soda bottle with water, and puncture a hole to line up with the height of the middle of the blade -- so that you can squeeze the bottle and shoot a thin stream of water to keep the blade from getting too hot. Home Depot carries a cheap blade.

Anybody know where to pick up a good, cheap laser? :-)

James

[dmun]

One of our members claimed to unbolt the head from his HF 10" wet saw and use it freehand to make such cuts. (This is not a recommendation...) Do not neglect your local stoneyard, for a few bucks they'll cut it to the size you want, and polish the edges too. If it saves you from getting injured, it's cheap at any price.

[james]

If you use a guide held in place with clamps, the skill saw method is safe and it does a pretty good job. I even cut 45º angles for indoor granite counters, and it came out nicely.

Just take your time and don't push the blade too hard or too fast.
James

[fdn1]

I have drilled small holes near the bottom of a tin can, filled it with water, and placed it on the surface to be cut. It provides a continuous stream of water to the surface to keep the skill saw blade cool provided both the saw and the tin can can both fit on the same surface.

[SCChris]

The Home Depot in my area rents several diamond blade concrete saws, from a hand held, gas powered, 14 inch to a bigger walk behind unit. I'd opt for the stone place to do the major long cuts, if they break it, you're not left holding the pieces.



Chris