Joe Reed
Well-known member
What size drywall in on that end wall? If it's 1/2" how about ripping it off and installing 1/4"? If it's 3/8", remove drywall on both ends and replace with 1/4"....
Anyone ever cut a granite counter top?
- Thread starter i4ni
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/me...are-dying-of-an-incurable-disease/ar-AA1haOLx
doesn't sound like you can
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
My granite guy uses a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a dry cut diamond wheel. His helper holds the shop vac hose about an inch away and follows the cut; catches 90 % of the dust.
He can split a grease pencil line, uses a disc to clean up the cut edge if necessary. If it's against a wall you probably won't have to.
15 minute job....just make sure the counter top is well supported. He usually uses carpeted sawhorses.
No way you're going to get a decent cut on a table saw or stationary tile saw, too difficult to move a heavy granite countertop and keep it square to a stationary blade.
Good luck.
He can split a grease pencil line, uses a disc to clean up the cut edge if necessary. If it's against a wall you probably won't have to.
15 minute job....just make sure the counter top is well supported. He usually uses carpeted sawhorses.
No way you're going to get a decent cut on a table saw or stationary tile saw, too difficult to move a heavy granite countertop and keep it square to a stationary blade.
Good luck.
AffableCurmudgeon
Well-known member
Not sure where you live, but I had to cut a 30-inch section of the granite back 2 inches so we can push the range back further towards the wall. Called the local countertop shop and their tech came to the house, cut the granite onsite for about $160. He polished the edge as well.
Ask your local countertop shop and see what they may charge.
Exactly how I’ve done it. Works great.
red94chev
Well-known member
When I had my countertops installed, the guy used a regular old grinder with a diamond blade on it. Super clean cut.
I've been wet cutting with the same Skill 77 for the last 25 years, it looks a little rough too. If the Ridgid runs, it's perfect for the job. Verify the saw's base is parallel to the blade, bend it back if it isn't!
Make a 3/8 or 1/2 plywood saw guide similar to a track saw. I start with a base that's 10 or 11 inches wide and staple a 5" wide "fence" on one side. The edge that the saws base plate rides against needs to be straight. Once it's assembled, use the saw (with the diamond blade you will be using) to cut the guides base parallel to the straight fence.
Mark the front and back edges of the counter and clamp the guide on your marks. The base of the guide protects the counter from scratches and the fence will not let you over-cut. You can even run the saw over it again if you happen to fade away from the fence and still get a perfect cut. No lines to follow or tape to roll up under the saw!
Grinders work great for trimming edges but there is a learning curve. Stop by a stone shop and ask for a drop or two off of the free pile behind the shop. Practice cutting before you cut the real thing!
juddspaintballs
Well-known member
This is what I did, outside, on a windy day. The edge I cut was going against a wall so I wasn't concerned about "perfect," but the cut turned out nicely regardless.
They have specific blade design for granite / marbles / tiles etc like butter, but a bit pricey. last I check It was about $40 each.
something like this but it will specific spell out granite, I don't remember the exact brand I have but those are not name brand from box stores, just what those people uses.
bladesdirect.net
something like this but it will specific spell out granite, I don't remember the exact brand I have but those are not name brand from box stores, just what those people uses.
ROC Abrasives: Pro Stone Flush Cut Turbo Blade
ROC Abrasives Pro Stone Flush Cut Turbo Blade: Perfect for precision scribing! Available in premium 4.5” to 7” sizes, crafted for high-quality stone, granite, engineered stone, and hard materials. These turbo blades offer a flush mount adapter option, with versatile arbor sizes, making granite...
bladesdirect.net
dave*99
Well-known member
I used this blade with water. Worked great.
7 inch Diamond Blade Super Thin Diamond Cutting Blade for Tile Granite Marble (7“-1pc) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JPS9PH5?tag=atomicindus08-20
7 inch Diamond Blade Super Thin Diamond Cutting Blade for Tile Granite Marble (7“-1pc) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JPS9PH5?tag=atomicindus08-20
Boogerman
Well-known member
I have a small diamond saw made just for that, I've done a number of them over the years. I bought it probably 20 years or so ago, before tools became as inexpensive as they are now, and it was pretty cheap then. It has maybe a 5 inch blade, a gfi cord, and an adjustable valve with a quick attach hose fitting. The hose attaches to a garden hose. Put some blue tape on the cut line, clamp a straight edge, and cut over a softwood board, with the blade adjusted to depth just kissing the wood. Will do a near perfect edge, you can usually run along the corner with a diamond stone and do a tiny bevel and have it ready to install.
Here's a Dewalt one, you can get cheap ones for roughly half that cost:
dewalt wet saw
No reason to do a redneck ghetto process to get there, just buy the right tool, if it's one time use, sell it on craigslist or facebook when you're done for most of the cost back, and have some assurance the job will turn out good.
It's a lot more convenient having a saw like that than having to redneck it or take it down to the counter guys and having them do the job. These are the kind of tools that really pay off in time savings and effort saved over the years. Almost every good construction super has a trailer full, just waiting to save his **** when he runs into a problem on a job. And, he buys more if the tool isn't there when he runs into the problem.
Here's a Dewalt one, you can get cheap ones for roughly half that cost:
dewalt wet saw
No reason to do a redneck ghetto process to get there, just buy the right tool, if it's one time use, sell it on craigslist or facebook when you're done for most of the cost back, and have some assurance the job will turn out good.
It's a lot more convenient having a saw like that than having to redneck it or take it down to the counter guys and having them do the job. These are the kind of tools that really pay off in time savings and effort saved over the years. Almost every good construction super has a trailer full, just waiting to save his **** when he runs into a problem on a job. And, he buys more if the tool isn't there when he runs into the problem.
I bought one of these to do the same thing with.
www.harborfreight.com
7 Amp 4 in. Handheld Dry-Cut Tile Saw
Amazing deals on this 7A 4In Handheld Dry Cut Tile Saw at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
BillK
Well-known member
I don't know where you are located but in my area there are at least 3 granite shops within ten miles. By the time you find and buy the tools needed to cut this thing you could take it to one of them and they would probably have it done in 30 minutes for you at a reasonable price.
I am all for doing as much as possible by myself but sometimes it does not make sense.
I am all for doing as much as possible by myself but sometimes it does not make sense.
dave*99
Well-known member
The GJ DIY spirit seems to be slipping away from this thread..
The OP wants to make an end cut on a vanity top. The cut will be pushed up against a wall and never to be seen. He will probably caulk the top of it further hiding any slight imperfections. He has an old saw and a diamond blade he can use.
Buy new tools?
Call in a specialist?
Take the granite to a shop?
Hold my beer. Gimme that saw.
The OP wants to make an end cut on a vanity top. The cut will be pushed up against a wall and never to be seen. He will probably caulk the top of it further hiding any slight imperfections. He has an old saw and a diamond blade he can use.
Buy new tools?
Call in a specialist?
Take the granite to a shop?
Hold my beer. Gimme that saw.
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
End thread..lol
Boogerman
Well-known member
And that's how you end up with buyers going through a house for sale, deciding how much to offer, and saying things like "Okay, this bath, look at how this is put together, that's $1500 to put in something decent".
You're putting in a granite top, put some effort, and money if needed into doing it to a granite counter standard, not a redneck hold my beer standard. You'll appreciate it every time you see it, and if you sell, it won't be yet another item to discount the offer for.
Save the GJ DIY spirit for putting OSB on your shed walls or working on your beater car.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ummm.. OK.
jar944
Well-known member
Which suggestion was yankee cowboy redneck in your superior opinion?
I've yet to have granite installed where they didn't at some point during the install the break out the 7" grinder and a shop vac.
It's a chunk of stone being cut to length. Its not quite the same as trying to grind a camshaft lobe with a makita 4.5"
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
It’s not the grinding that would be the issue, it’s the hardening process of the lob surface that gets you hung up.
.
jar944
Well-known member
It’s not the grinding that would be the issue, it’s the hardening process of the lob surface that gets you hung up.
.
Obviously you weld it up with the best harbor freight 120v Flux core mig, then water quench at a cherry red before grinding..
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
Work hardened.
johnre
Well-known member
Quite a while ago, I used this method to increase the size of the cutout opening for a new cooktop about 1/4" all around (hint: not all 36" cooktop openings are the same!). It was done in situ on a marble kitchen island, so I set up a temporary tent made of plastic and masking tape around the island, with my shop vac attached pulling the air out, and I wore a mask and of course safety goggles. Because I had to have a way to get in, I would lift a tent flap and try to close it as best I could so I was blocking the leakage. Needless to say, leakage was still an issue, and I heard about it for about a month afterward whenever wife was dusting. It was also hard to see, and I had to constantly clear the goggles.
I wouldn't do it this way again for the dust management. Your way sounds better.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
My granite guy probably does a dozen kitchen countertops, islands, showers, etc. a week ( and has been for 20 years), so I would think he's figured out the best way to trim a countertop onsite. I recommend him to everyone, his work is top notch and his pricing is fair. No complaints.
Lot of misguided commentary in this thread...
jar944
Well-known member
Like and subscribe for more redneck tips. In the next episode I'll show you how to build you own slab transport rack.
rd65
Well-known member
It'll never work, we're doomed...
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Following for updates!Like and subscribe for more redneck tips. In the next episode I'll show you how to build you own slab transport rack.
I'm going to be putting a bullnose edge on a bunch of 2" thick travertine tiles for my pool remodel. I could probably take them to a licensed, bonded and insured professional, but I would rather do it myself. so I can post the results here on the GJ for comments and critiques. If I elect to use a diamond router bit in an old Harbor Freight angle grinder how much will the results devalue my home?
What redneck hoosier cowboy shitkicker knuckledragging yokel hayseed bodger method would you recommend for this?
dave*99
Well-known member
Start every cut with hold my beer pull the trigger and letter rip.
Thanks for all the tips Guys. Haven't got around to cutting the Granite yet. I've been taking it real easy rehabing an old Moto Cross injury to my hip that feels like it wants to pop out when I go from sitting to standing. Out of necessity I spent a few hours today moving the 10 inches of snow we just got and we're supposed to go out of town for a weekend at Wolf Lodge in K.C. with all the Grand kids although their talking another 8 or 10 inches of snow Friday into Saturday then highs of -4 for a couple days. Hopefully I can get it cut early next week. I'll let you's know how it turns out.
Boogerman
Well-known member
Pugetdude, although I know I'm being baited, I'll give you a serious answer.
I just recently bullnosed a bunch of granite. Just like cutting granite, there's no need to do a redneck method, as a very good and appropriate way to do it costs about the same, has a better product, doesn't generate nearly the silica/dust inhalation risk, and is easier.
I use my wet granite polishing grinder (look these up yourself, they're not expensive or hard to get). I bought mine at an estate sale for under $50; I sold the one I owned before that for about the same when I thought I was done with doing stone work forever. Add a correctly shaped bullnose cutter (I paid about $65 for mine last summer). Full face respirator and do it on a hot day because you're going to be soaked by the spray. About an hour of running the cutter and my arms are done for and need a 15 minute rest.
If you have access to a reasonable priced and available granite guy, it might be worth it to pay to have them ground on an automatic machine. I don't have that luxury, so have to do them myself.
Jar944, I see nothing wrong with your granite rack, most I see transported pretty similarly, although the guys that do it a lot generally add an angle iron support for longer life. Is there even another way to do it?
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That's how I intend to do it. Bullnose diamond grinder bit on order from Amazon. Variable speed grinder in the cart from Amazon Warehouse Deals; around $100
Thanks.
Thanks.
Has anybody redneck cut and finished for an under-mount sink? I have a piece of granite I purchased several years ago for a laundry room remodel. It was almost the perfect size but needs a few inches cut off one end, no big deal. The plan is to install a sink on one end. At the time my plan was to cut a hole and not worry to much about the finish as I would use a drop in sink. Then I got to thinking about an under-mount sink to make it a little classier. Research seemed to show that they use a machine to cut the hole and not free hand it. Probably not worth the trouble for a laundry room.
You can cut a hole with rounded corners using a 4 1/2" grinder and a diamond blade. You tip the grinder and roll thru the cut. They also make domed blades for inside corners but $$.
Wet polishers and pads have gotten cheap enough for DIY and I find polishing cathartic!
75gmck25
Well-known member
How about going back to the option of notching the drywall to make it fit? You have at least 1/2" to play with before you hit the stud behind it, and fixing and finishing drywall is an easy job. Much simpler than cutting a fancy piece of countertop.
rd65
Well-known member
Well, this one time at band camp....
shoot summ
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2010
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- 2,970
I've used the edging cutters, but felt an angle grinder was too fast. I used my VS full size grinder/buffer. It is slow going dry on travertine. I would go ahead and get a grinder with a water feed, way faster and less dust. You aren't going to get a finished edge out of the cutter, will need some diamond pads to smooth it, and bring it to the finish you want.
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I did this on two vanity sinks. It wasn't that difficult.
Drill the corners with a 1-3/8" diamond hole saw Get one with 5/8-11 thread for your 4-1/2" angle grinder. (You can also use it to drill your faucet holes. ) Pause to dip the tip in a cup of water a couple of times while drilling.
Straight cuts with a 4-1/2" diamond blade in the angle grinder. Then polish with diamond pads.
Variable speed grinder makes polishing a lot easier.
Good luck.
Coasterbuilder
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2014
- Messages
- 75
Had to do the same on a narrow granite window sill in the kitchen after installing new windows. Same anxiety about it. In the end I used a cheap diamond blade from Home Depot in an old circular saw. Put it on a stable surface in the yard, had the wife safely dribble a stream of water in front of the blade from a cup. A 30 inch cut took about 15 minutes total. No huge mess, no lung cancer, no electric shocks. I was then able to channel my OCD onto other issues.
dave*99
Well-known member
I had a similar experience in making my first granite cut. After it was done I lamented, what the heck was I worried about.