cutting granite

[Baby Grand]

Most commercial grade granite has a fairly uniform, fine grain. Traditionally, it was cut similar to the way glass is cut - by scribing and breaking along the scribe line. In the case of granite, the scribe line was made with a flat chisel and hammer. This works for thick sections, but may also work with your 1" thick slabs. Try using a 1/2" chisel and see if you can make a line about 1/16" deep. If you can do this without breaking the stone, then support the larger side on a flat, straight edge and give the overhanging side a good wallop and see what you get. Breaking the stone this way will give you a different, hand made look that you may prefer over the machine cut appearance you get with a saw. Depends on what effect you're trying to achieve.

 

[jaotguy]

Thanks guys I had a local tell me it had to be cut with a water jet or by a pro with a saw. A friend that owns a granite shop gave me a pile of this stuff. He's been shoving off in a ravine.

then ask him if he will cut the pieces for you ... he probably has a big gantry saw ....


or get a small tile saw ($50) in sale ... make multiple passes to cut your stone , ( and flip if needed ) ... when finished , put it in a garage sale for $30 ....


"abrasive jet" makes nice clean cuts and sharp corners , but they have cut granite with diamond blades and grinders for decades ....

if the pieces are big enough , flip them upside down and use them as pavers .... the smooth sides are too slippery when wet ....

stack 'em and make an outdoor fireplace ....

 

[Egon]

Pictures of beach rocks cut on a wet seven inch tile saw. A one inch cut is easily done in one pass.