Cutting stone for a tabletop?

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:21 pm

I want to make the sectional tables featured in Wood Magazine March 2008. Instead of a glass inset, I have an abundance of Jeruselem Stone (I think it is Jeruselem Stone, thats what I was told when it was given to me) 24" square 3/4"thick. Rather than expanding the table I think I would like to cut the stone, I can deal with the 3/4" variation on the plan, and I will use stone for both the 13" square top and the 15" square base shelf.
I have never cut stone tile before. Do you think I can use my Skill saw with a mason blade? Could I use the SS with a mason blade? I also have an air powered cutoff wheel. Can I do this as a dry cut?

On the positive side I have a whole bunch of these 24x24 tiles, so if I break one or two it is no great lose. But I would hate to burn out a good motor on my learning curve.
Your thoughts on this project will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:58 pm

I think I'd use the skill saw and SAVE the SS. Do you have a shop vac for the collection of dust?

derekdarling · Post by **derekdarling** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:42 am

Definitely use a separate cut-off saw, or even buy an angle grinder/cut-off saw, they're cheap enough. Get a diamond-grit blade for it.

And as for the dust, do the job outside with the garden hose running. 1. cuts down on dust. AND 2. keeps the cutting tool cool.

Derek

ss50th · Post by **ss50th** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:33 am

Gary,
Over the last couple of years I've had quite a bit of tile work done. One thing in common with all the setters is that they have one of those wet tile saws.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:06 am

I'm with SS50th regarding a wet tile saw. You can rent one at the rent-a-tool center and they work great and without chipping, something you might encounter with a dry saw. If you want to buy one, Harbor Freight has an inexpensive one that comes with a diamond blade.

bffulgham · Post by **bffulgham** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:22 am

You might also check with one of the granite/quartz counter top places to see what they would charge to cut a couple of tiles for you. Don't know about your part of the world, but there has been a proliferation of those places around here. Finding a cheap wet saw to cut a 24 x 24 tile might be hard to find. My wet saw will handle a max of 16", and I don't think I would try anything 3/4" thick on it.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:44 am

I agree with bffulgham. The cost for a fabricator to cut the tiles would be minimal compared to a burned out tool. They would probably beat the cost of a cheap cutter at HF.
Bill V

dlbristol · Post by **dlbristol** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:47 am

As stated, get a wet saw. Just thinking about cutting stone with a circular saw makes my teeth hurt!:eek:

dforeman · Post by **dforeman** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:40 am

I've tried cutting stone and slate before using a circular saw and a masonry blade. I was experimenting with making my own custom turkey calls. I can tell you that it doesn't work very well. I would recommend, like others, using a wet saw. For one thing a circular saw spins to fast and generates too much heat which causes the stone to crack and chip. I never tried a diamond tiped blade, so I can't comment on that. But, my experiment with a circular saw just didn't give me very good results. Plus with the cost of the Shopsmith and replacement parts, I wouldn't chance that either.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:30 am

Thanks guys. I will heed your advise and keep my tools in their place. I do see that HarborFreight has a 7" saw for less than $40. Makes it almost disposable. I will look around for a tile installer to cut the tile while I start building the frame. I have a few other chores on my list so this will be accomplished in the inbetween play time. Hopefully I will post the completed project around June. Otherwise it will be added to the marshmellow roasting pile.
Again, thanks.
Gary