Cut a 2″ thick marble slab theself

cuttingdiy-vs-promarblemasonry

I've picked up a 27"x27"x2" piece of marble countertop off the street. I'd like to clean it up and use it, but I'd also like to trim it down.

I don't mind doing it myself, but want to make sure I'm doing it right. I've seen posts saying a diamond blade for my circular saw will do the trick.

Am I correct that the following approaches are reasonable?

  1. Marble/masonry continuous rim diamond blade
  2. Multiple shallow passes
  3. A trickle of water from a hose (plus a GFCI outlet or extension cord)
  4. Protecting the surfaces of the slab from chip out with tape/foam board

Anything not right there? Anything I'm missing? Should I not attempt this?

Thanks!

Best Answer

I have cut one inch granite and it went very well with one exception to your list. Make the cut in a single pass or you will have lines on the cut face. You can use a good circular saw because the small water flow will stop essentially all dust; there will be some water spray that contains fine particles but no problem. I have cut cinder block dry and that needed a "sacrificial " circular saw. Breakout was not a problem when going slow at the end of cut. What I did for water was use a gallon bottle with a 1/4 vinyl (aquarium) hose with a clamp or valve for control; then you can make the mess anywhere.It requires little water and it will run down the cut groove to the blade.