Cutting Granite Quick Tip.

If the incorrect blade is used when cutting granite, a relatively simple job can become much harder. The correct approach to a granite… and most other natural stones cutting project… is using a blade with a soft bond. A hard-bonded blade will not work or wear properly, and eventually, you will either lose the ability to cut completely, or you will spend far more time cutting than the project actually requires. In many cases, large diameter diamond saw blades are the most efficient tools to use when cutting granite. The surface area they cover, and the RPM they provide, can substantially reduce the amount of time spent on a job without sacrificing cutting quality or precision.

Tips For Granite Countertop Polishing.

Assuming your countertop is natural granite, and that you will be polishing it as one of the final steps in fabricating it, you should be aware that even the most perfectly designed and executed granite countertop project can be ruined during the polishing process. Too many fabricators, both pro and do-it-yourselfers alike, fail to realize and understand the variety and applications of granite and stone polishing tools available. Instead, they use a single tool or pad, and either fail to utilize all of the steps and subtleties that good granite polishing requires, or they invest far more time than is necessary in the project... while still failing to achieve the look and feel they wanted. Polishing granite is not rocket science, but it will pay to spend some time obtaining an understanding of the process and identifying its most appropriate tools. Polishing granite is a process that usually requires several stages, and each stage is accompanied by a unique tool which will help you to progress to the next stage. Like sanding wood to a smooth and fine finish, each step of polishing granite warrants a finer grit level for your polishing pad, and perhaps, a progessively lighter touch as well.

Other DIY Granite Fabricating Help.

The internet is, afterall, the information super highway. And obviously, this website is not the only place to find how-to information for DIY granite countertop fabricating. So, let's recommend a few other Net places where there's good DIY information to be had. Need more info on cutting and installing a self-rimming sink?... try Hole Cutting For A Self-Rimming Sink at DIYGraniteCountertop.Blogstream.com.

If you need help with an undermount sink cutout, try Fast, Efficient Undermount Sink Cutouts which is also at DIYGraniteCountertop.Blogstream.com.

Alright, now you've got hole-cutting for both self-rimming and undermount sinks figured out. But, how about the backsplash for your granite countertop... you need to protect the walls from splashes and stains and other accidents. So, a nice-looking backsplash is both decorative and functional. How do you make one? Here a good place to start: Measuring and Cutting Back Splashes.

OK, now you need to take a heavy-duty approach to stock removal of extra-hard granite or some other natural stone to prepare it for polishing. What's the best tool or tools for the job? Take a look at the "must haves" here: Hard Granite Grinding

Keep coming back for all you need to know about granite fabrication, and we'll keep providing the information.

Be Informed About The Proper Tools.

If you are searching for information on granite fabricating tools then you have come to the right place. Good granite fabrication, whether you're a pro or a do-it-yourselfer, is all about using the right tool for the right job. It's our goal to maintain the highest quality of information related to the granite, stone and tile fabricating tools on the internet.

We make it a point to present a great deal of information about all types of tools realted to the field. For instance, you can find out all about tile saws. Browse this website to find articles, purchase information, and much, much more.

We're confident that your experience on this granite fabrication site will bring you the information you're seeking. There's little reason to waste time with long, tedious searches when this site will bring you all the information you need.

As a convenience to you, this site refers you to the best sources of information for all aspects of granite and stone fabrication. Check out: Fabricating At The Proper Speed We have taken out all the nitty-gritty and done the research for you for specific tools like the tile saw. For the finer points of granite polishing, refer to Clean Water Equals Fine Granite Polishing. We're taking all the places where you can find information about granite, stone and tile fabrication online, and placing them here on this website.

Diamond Polishing Pads

These diamond polishing pads can be run dry on a variable speed grinder, so you can polish your granite countertop without it turning into a wet and messy job... a good situation whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or a pro. If you run a shop, the first time your crew uses them instead of going back to the shop to re-fabricate a piece of granite these diamond polishing pads will pay for themselves, just in time saved!

In the set shown above from Diamante Italia, there's one pad each of the 80 grit, 150 grit, 300 grit, 500 grit, 1000 grit, 2000 grit, 3000 grit, and a white buff and a black buff pad. Everything you need to take a tile or granite slab from the shaped rough edge to the final polish.

Dry diamond polishing pads are a tool addition that will both make your job easier and save you money.

* Max RPM - 4,500
* No need for a wet grinder
* No sloppy messes
* Standard pattern - looks like wet pads

Diamond Tile Saw Precision Cuts.

The water-cooled diamond blade on a tile saw makes quick work of square and diagonal cuts, notched corners, inside curves and miters cut in tile. In fact, there’s really no substitute for a diamond tile saw when you have to make fine corner cuts, curves, slivers... or cut stone or other hard tiles. If you've never used a tile saw they may look a little scary at first, however the blade is abrasive rather than toothed. And therefore, they're safer than wood-cutting saws. You’ll still want to take precautions, as you would with any other saw.

The basic technique for using a tile saw goes like this... wait for the stream of water to cover the blade before you start cutting. Watch the line as you cut, and slightly adjust the position of the tile to keep the blade on the line. Move the tile slowly through the blade for the best-quality cut. If you hear the saw slow down, you’re cutting too fast. Harder materials require slower feed rates. When you finish the cut, keep both hands on the tile, and slide the table back and clear of the blade before you reach to switch off the saw.

Basic Saw Safety
1. Plug the saw into a GFCI-protected outlet.
2. Don’t wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothes - tie back apron strings.
3. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
4. Use both hands to guide the tile through the blade.
5. Keep your fingers away from the blade.

With a little practice, cutting tile on a wet saw is almost trouble free. For more on the subject, and a simple photo tutorial, check out RDLiving DYI.

Sourcing Granite Slabs.

Before anything happens in the way of fabrication of your granite countertop, you start with choosing and buying a granite slab. Granite slabs for granite countertops are imported from Italy and South America. The granite is cut at the quarry into slabs that are about ten-feet long, six-feet wide and two-inches thick. They are then imported by granite wholesalers, and are sold to granite countertop fabricators, installers and do-it-yourselfers. Thousands of slabs in hundreds of colors are imported weekly... so if you know where to look, you can get a fabulous granite slab for a competitive price. Hundreds of colors and styles of granite slabs are available from which you can select. Ideally, make your selection for your countertop by choosing the actual slab from which it will be fabricated. Avoid relying on samples if you can. Since granite is a natural stone, no two pieces are exactly alike. While a sample may be similar to the slab it represents, the actual slab could be darker or lighter than the sample. And, the variation could be enough to throw a decorating scheme out of whack.

Chances are you will not find or see slabs... or even photos of slabs at your local home improvement store. But, you can find a great selection on the internet. And, if you're close to a wholesaler, you can go there to select the slab you want. If there are no granite wholesalers in your immediate area, the internet is the next best thing.

Chiseling An Edge On Granite.

If you've decided to finish your granite countertop with a chiseled edge, and you're doing a lamination on your granite, do that first. Then, using a china marker, make a grid on the edge of the stone by measuring and marking 1/4" squares. Next, use a thin diamond blade and cut the grid roughly 1/8" into the side edge of the stone.

Now, with a stone chisel and a hammer, you will very deliberately and very carefully chip each square away. Be sure to be extra careful around the corners of the slab as you can lose the corner if you chip off too much stone.

After you have finished putting the chiseled edge on the sides of the slab, you will use a wire wheel attached to a drill or grinder, and buff the chiseled edge to remove the chisel marks.

You should be aware that when granite is chiseled in this way, there may appear to be a color difference between the edges and the granite's surface. For example, when chiseling the granite color commonly known as Tan Brown, the chiseled edges can look a little lighter than the surface area. To even the color difference, Pectro black can be applied to darken it, and bring the edges closer to the surface color. You may also want to add some glow to it. Telux stone lacquer can be applied to give the chiseled edge a warm glow. Pectro and Telux are both Tenax products. Tenax is a company that manufactures a line of stone finishing products that can help you to enhance the beautiful chiseled edge added to your granite countertop.

Natural Colors of Granite.

One of granite's most popular and perhaps best qualities is the enormous variety of colors in which it can be found. Granite is made from molten rock, mixed with a variety of minerals and hardened over time. Its natural formation and age are the reasons for its wide array of colors and patterns... from basic blacks and whites to earthy browns, to greens, and on to elegant blues. The mineral traces embedded into the stone can virtually create hundreds, if not thousands of patterns and color variations. Whatever your kitchen, bathroom or home's decoration is, there's bound to be a granite countertop to complement your home's look and feel. Here are some of the more popular colors.

Earthtones...
Brown, beige, and earth shades are the most common granite countertop colors. Because of their neutral tones, they work in almost any type of kitchen or bathroom, from classic themes to modern ones, and mix well with just about any other colors or color scheme.

Black...
Black granite countertops are the hallmark of sleek class and sophisticated elegance. Black granite offers choices ranging from solid black (also called absolute black) to interesting patterns often comprised of various shades of grays. Black granite is less common than brown granite, and for this reason can be more expensive.

Red...
What is commonly classified as red granite is not exactly red... as say... a fire truck is red. Red granite ranges from light salmon to rusty red to deep maroon and burgundy. It's one of the most expensive granite colors. It's not usually available in a truly solid color, but there can be many beautiful patterns from which to choose... any one of which can make a remarkable addition to your home.

A few words on choosing color and patterns...
When choosing granite colors and patterns for your home, it's best to make your choice based on seeing the whole slab... small sample cuts and especially photographs may be misleading to some extent. The total effect of the granite may be missed by viewing anything less than the full slab.

Why a table saw?

Why use a table saw over a high-speed handheld saw? In a word, accuracy. Automatic accuracy is the benefit you have when large quantities of stone or tile need to be cut. If you do have a large quantity to cut, you want to use the table saw. And here, quantity means not only the number of pieces, but in hours per man per day. If you were going to cut for an hour on a table saw, it would take a couple hours or more with a high-speed handheld saw. On the other hand, if you were only going to cut 10 minutes in a day, you'd probably do it with a high-speed handheld saw.

In actual use, the table saw provides an easy to use cutting tool that can repeat accurate cuts over a large quantity of pieces. When you need to cut straight, it's easier to do so if you have a flat table, and you can slide the stone or tile or brick against the backstop. When you cut multiple pieces in a row, it's a lot easier to grab one, put it in, slide it through, and keep doing that one piece after another in an assembly line method. It's certainly easier than holding onto whatever it is your cutting, and trying to cut it straight with a high-speed handheld saw. It also means better quality and more uniformity in your cuts.

A great new table saw that's small in size but big on results is the Norton Mini Blockbuster. It's price tag is not all that big either. This 14" saw comes with a segmented 14" masonry diamond blade. It's a truly unique saw in that it can be run dry or wet (with optional wet kit of $100). This makes it extra versatile so it can be used for cutting brick, block, tiles (including porcelain and granite tiles) or even paving bricks.

Built with the quality you have come to expect from Norton Clipper, this powerful saw is built like a regular masonry saw with a plunging head and a sliding tray so that it can be used like a chop saw or a brick saw or a tile saw. This saw features all steel uni-body construction with a plastic water pan that drains out the back so you can run it wet you simply placing a 5-gallon bucket under it (included in wet kit).

Granite Countertop Installation And Seaming.

Basic installation of a granite countertop and backsplash along with seaming is a project that can be readily handled by most Do-It-Yourselfers. Starting with the very minimum basics, what follows is a list of the tools and supplies that are required to do the job assuming you are not fabricating anything or polishing any of the granite...
Tools and supplies that are needed for an install and a seam:
1. 100% silicone caulk and caulk gun
2. Level
3. Shims to get the tops of both pieces on a single plane
4. C-clamp(s... possibly needed when doing the seam
5. Polyester resin glue
6. Color for glue
7. A straight edge and razor blades
8. Denatured alcohol
9. Cleaning rags

Granite's Many Fine Properties.

Considering granite for a countertop and wondering if the work associated with granite fabrication is worth it? Granite should be a top choice for an addition to your home and it's a great investment in terms of both time and money... well worth the task and expense of fabricating it. Here's why... probably first and foremost, granite simply looks great. Granite comes in many incredible natural colors, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural stones in the world.
Durability: Granite will in all likelihood outlast you and certainly the lifetime of your home. It's highly-resistant to chipping and scratching, and is impervious to heat. Your granite's original, "day installed" beauty in terms of its color and polished surface will not fade over time.
Economics: With the new industry technologies available to those who quarry granite and fabricate it, the cost of granite has dropped substantially in the last few decades. Granite and natural stone prices are now competitive or actually lower than many man-made options, and granite lasts longer than any of these other surfaces.
Ecology: Although mining and quarrying can potentially be destructive to the environment if it's not handled responsibly, other countertop and flooring products can be far worse ecologically in several ways. Many of these synthetic products create potentially deadly and hazardous by-products which go straight to our neighboring landfills. It's highly unlikely granite would need to be replaced as often or as casually as some man-made countertop substrates are, but even if replacement was chosen, granite is an all-natural material that would actually end up being returned to the environment from which it came. Choosing granite is one way of "going green".

A Good Granite Sealer

It's generally regarded as the best all-around sealer for all natural stones. It can be used on granites, marbles, flagstones, brick pavers... even concrete. It will protect against oils and water penetrating your granite countertop. It's even a good sealer for porous stones. Protex by Tenax USA is great for indoor or outdoor use, and will stain-proof and water-proof your stone.

Protex also works very well for the treatment of smoothed stones like sandstone, flagstone, limestone, travertine and similar stones. Protex can also be recommended for use on sandy, amorphous material mixed with the presence of silicate and calcium carbonate. It works well on smooth, sandblasted or flamed surfaces.

After the application, a light, color-enhancement may be seen depending on the stone and where the product is applied. Protex does not create a superficial film.

* Good resistance to outside conditions.
* 1/4-liter covers 25-40 square feet
* Fluropolymer-resin based

How to apply Protex:
Clean the stone's surface of dust, grease and any kind of dirt. The presence of any substance on the surface can influence the final effect of the anti-stain process. Apply Protex to the stone's surface by using a brush, sponge or a clean cloth. Let the stone absorb the Protex. Wait a few minutes, and then wipe off the excess. Repeat this treatment at least 2 times. The effect of anti-stain will be achieved after 24 hours.

Granite Fabrication FAQs

When it comes to granite fabrication, whether you're a first-time do-it-yourselfer, a rookie pro just setting up shop, or a seasoned granite veteran, it's inevitable that you're going to encounter an issue, a challenge or a situation that's new to you, or that pop-ups unexpectedly right "out of the blue". Sometimes the answer is simple... really simple, but as the saying goes the toughest questions are the ones you don't have answers to... so it can come down to simply finding the answer to a question that's been asked a thousand times. Granite fabrication is amply covered by a myriad of websites that all offer useful information and advice. But, where do you go when you need a fast answer to a question or issue that's unique to your project and experience level? Try GraniteHelp.info. It's a forum or message board dedicated to the "ins and outs" of working with granite and other natural stones. It covers the "how-to's" of virtually every facet of working with granite... selecting it, buying it, fabricating it, its tools and the special challenges that can be a part of working with granite. It can also be a source for tips and advice on how to care and maintain granite or stone after it's been installed, or how to repair a countertop when it's been stained, cracked or chipped. At GraniteHelp.info, you can start and continue a dialog with granite and stone experts who really know their stuff. So, now you know where you can get all the answers to all your questions about granite and stone fabrication online.

Removing Tough Stains On Granite.

Here are some methods for removing stains on granite and other natural stones, basing the method on the type of stain.
General Stains
Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover the area with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. Next day, scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil, plastic or rubber spatula and rinse. If the stain is oil-based... such as grease or cooking oil... use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid.
Organic Stains
Stains that might develop from coffee, tea or fruit juices... try a mixture of 12-percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia. Work over the stain, then rinse and dry. Repeat if necessary.
Ink, Marker or Wine Stains
Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone or granite. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide for these stains. This can also work for wine stains. Wipe off and remove. Clean with a mild vegetable soap. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry. Repeat if necessary.
Alternative Methods
Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for no more than 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.

You can avoid most of the above stains by simply cleaning up spills and accidents right away... don't let any of the above set or stand on your granite countertop. Additionally, here are some other tips and things not to do or use on your granite or other natural stones...

Do use professionally-developed cleaning products for stone and granite such as Tenax Stone Coutertop Cleaner. Otherwise...
1. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that can etch or dull the granite or stone surface.
2. Do not place hot items directly on the granite or stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface... granite and most other natural stones are very hard and durable, but why take chances?
3. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on granite, marble or limestone. Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished surface of marble or granite and should not be used.
4. Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or 'soft' cleansers.
5. Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together - the result is toxic.

Tenax Countertop Cleaner For Stone.

This is an excellent daily care product for natural stone. It's a new product that's getting good reviews... Tenax's Countertop Cleaner For Stone. This new cleaner is a Ph balanced stone cleaner and rejuvenating spray that has no harmful solvents, and will not shorten the life of a stone sealant. It's very easy to use. All you have to do is spray it on, and wait 15-20 seconds then simply wipe it off. It will not only clean your granite and marble but it will rejuvenate the shine as well.

The most popular size is the 32-ounce bottle with a squeeze spray nozzle... very similar to Windex or other household cleaners. The big difference is that while those products will actually harm your stone... this product will not only NOT harm the stone, but it will help keep it looking like as it did on the day it was installed!

DIY Power with Bosch Tools.

As craftsmen or do-it-yourselfers, in order to achieve great results, the proper tools must be used. Of course, successfully fabricating and installing a granite countertop requires more than manpower and the use of hands. It calls for power tools to do the job. And by definition, power tools are motor driven.

Bosch power tools are state-of-the-art, true representations of all that a fine power tool should be. Not only are they tool manufacturers, but Bosch is also a leader in an industry that constantly invents and reinvents existing technologies and systems improving their product line. They were the creators of some of the earliest electric motors of hand power tools. They have a multitude of patents, like Brute-Tough hybrid drills and drivers to the well-known Constant-Response Circuitry idea for their line of electronic plunge routers that work to prevent machine overload. Bosch lays claim to building the world's most durable power hammers, like the Bosch 11247 Spline Combination Hammer, and has several patents for this machine under its work belt to prove it.

Just a few years ago, they came up with lithium-ion technology... which replaced nickel- metal hydride as the longest-lasting source of energy for rechargeable batteries... for all of their cordless power tools.

So, whether you're a DIY beginner, who wants to start out with some basic Bosch power tools like table saws, hand drills, routers, and band saws, or a serious enthusiast with a knack for fine craftsmanship, Bosch is the answer. Their outstanding reputation is a benchmark because of their quality, heavy-duty power tools, their illustrious pioneering history, and their consistent drive in branching out and developing patents and ways to improve upon current technologies.

Five Step Granite Countertop Care.

1. Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If left unattended, the spills can etch the polish and dull the finish of the stone. Beverages such as carbonated soft drinks and orange or grapefruit juice may contain acidic materials that when placed in contact with calcium-based stones (marble, limestone, and travertine) can deteriorate the stone. This doesn't burn a hole through your countertop, but it does lose its finish in the area of the spill's contact.
2. Use coasters, tablecloths or placemats on your natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for natural stones such as granite, marble, onyx, and travertine.
3. Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of streaks. Miracle cleaning cloths are very effective for drying your darker stone to a streak free finish.
4. Daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings.
5. Daily spot cleaning is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of liquid detergent, such as mild dishwashing detergent, and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.

Hole-Cutting for a Self-Rimming Sink.

Self rimming sinks are sinks that lay on top of the granite and typically have a rim that is one-half inch larger than the hole (cut-out) they fit into. Most newly purchased sinks either come with a paper template or describe the cut-out and give dimensions. In either case the template or dimensions must be transferred to the granite where the sink is to be placed. Try to leave at least 2.5 to 3 inches of granite on front and back Always double check your planned cut-out against the actual sink with a tape measure. Many manufacturers have more than one sink style on a template so make sure you have the right one. Before you do any cutting, support the entire length of the slab of countertop with 2x4’s so that its weight is evenly distributed. Make sure none of the blocks are under your cut-out. Or, alternatively, lay the granite on 3/4 inch styrofoam on a table. Cut the straight lines of your cut-out with a circular saw with a diamond blade. If you are dry-cutting make sure you use a segmented or good turbo-cut blade. Hold the front of the saw down and sink the saw into the granite. Next, cut an X into the middle of your cut-out and then cut another X like you are slicing a pizza. Most kitchen sink templates have 4 inch radius corners. The corners are cut using a 4 inch grinder with a diamond blade. Cut at an angle at least half way through the granite. If you can’t cut on the line then make the hole smaller (you can always fix the hole later with the grinder). Next, just drop out the triangles, knocking gently. A circular template, usually found in bathrooms, would be cut out mostly with the grinder. The center cuts could still be done with a circular saw.

Selecting Granite Countertop Tips.

One of the most popular surface materials used in kitchen countertops, granite is a great choice because it's timeless, durable and beautiful. It's a classic and traditional surface that's not going to go out-of-fashion or look dated like some other surface materials. Granite, in one-of-a-kind slabs of blue, brown, earthtones or silver, can make your kitchen a true showplace.

Now, if you want a classy and sleek matte look, consider absolute black granite in a honed finish. The darker the granite, the less porous and more stain resistant it is. And, to be resistant to stains, granite countertops need to be sealed twice a year. Maintenance is easy... just clean with warm water and liquid detergent.

Preparing Countertop Installation.

1. Be sure to have proper space set aside to store the slabs before installation. It's best to store them as upright and as rigid as possible. Don't allow them to stress in the middle where a break might occur.
2. Your walls are probably not perfectly square, so it's a good idea to create a template for your granite countertops. Use craft paper or thin poster board to make a template of the actual shape and size of the countertop by tracing it. If you need to scribe a slab with a saw to get the right cut and fit, apply duct tape to the base of the saw to protect the granite surface.
3. Use a circular saw with a dry-cut segmented diamond blade. Be sure to wear dust and hearing protection when cutting granite.
4. Test fit your pieces as you cut them. Be especially careful with long, thin pieces that might break or snap near their middle.
Cutting the Undermount for the Sink
For a helpful, detailed video demonstration refer to this DVD: Fabricating Stone for the Do-It_Yourselfer - The Undermount Sink
5. Place the granite in position for the sink counter, and trace the exact line around the opening of the sink.
6. Remove the granite slabs that you dry-fitted for positioning.
7. Use a spade bit to make a pilot hole, and then use a jigsaw to cut the sink hole. Make the sink hole cut at least 1/8" larger than your guideline.
8. Drop in the sink.
9. Caulk and seal the sink.

Durable DIY Wet Tile Saw

Here's a great saw for the DIY tile installer. The MK 100 tile saw is engineered for versatility, durability and precision cutting of tile and marble. This professional and DIY wet tile saw features a 1-1/2 hp motor for dependability and a shaft lock for safe and easy blade changes.

The length of travel is greater than most saws which enables it to cut 14-inch tile diagonally and 20-inch tile.

This proven saw is designed to give you years of service when properly maintained. It is actually designed to burn out 100 tile blades. Properly maintained this saw can be run every day for years... it's that durable.

Along with the saw you get the pump, stand, a 3-piece cutting kit which includes a rip guide, a protractor, and a 45-degree, flat-angle guide and an MK 200 diamond blade. It's a complete package, just put the blade on, add water to the pan, plug it in and you're ready to go!

* Comes with a FREE MK Stand!
* America's BEST Tile Saw Value
* Fully Guaranteed for 1 year
* Free 10" inch MK 200 diamond blade included
* Cutting kit included
* Comes with free water pump
* Will rip a 20" tile & diagonally cut a 14" tile
* Excellent quality
* Industrial rated

The MK 100 Tile Saw is here.

Preparing Cabinets for Granite Countertops.

Although it's not an absolute requirement, it is recommended that you apply 1/4-inch plywood or luan sub-counter to the top of your cabinets to support the granite. This will add strength to the cabinets in areas above appliances such as dishwashers, large drawers and compactors. Additional support might also be added for granite countertop features like small cantilevered ends and breakfast bars... plus extra support around sink holes and cooktops as well. The granite slabs can be glued to the plywood surface using thinset, subfloor adhesive or a two-part epoxy type adhesive. The other advantage to plywood or luan is that you can level the slabs by adding shims much more easily than moving them around once they are in place. In any event, if you are using European-style or frameless cabinets... or framed cabinets that have upper retractable cutting boards, you will probably need to raise the granite 1/4-inch to clear the double bullnose which hangs down approximately 1/4-inch. Bottomline, plywood is relatively inexpensive and offers an easy way to address all the issues that pertain to preparing your kitchen cabinets for a granite countertop.

Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Blades

A tool of great value and frequent use in granite fabrication is the Sawzall reciprocating saw. A reciprocating saw is a type of saw in which the cutting action is achieved through a push and pull reciprocating motion of the blade. This type of saw, also known as a recipro saw, Sabre Saw, or a Sawzall has a large blade resembling the blade of a jigsaw, and a handle designed to allow comfortable and controllable use of the saw on vertical surfaces.

Sawzall designs range widely in power, speed, and features, from less powerful portable, cordless, handheld models that are usually shaped like a cordless drill... to high-power, high-speed, models with power chords. Current or state-of-the-art Sawzalls almost always have variable speed control... either through trigger sensitivity or through a dial. Another feature that has become important is the inclusion of an orbital action feature. This action consists of oscillating the traversed reciprocation in an up and down fashion (perpendicular to the motion of cut) causing the tip of the blade to move in an oval pattern... so it moves up and down as well as back and forth giving it a more aggressive cutting action.

A Sawzall is a valuable addition to your granite fabricating toolbox. For more on the value and uses of this tool, and for a great selection of Sawzall blades click here.

Diamond Routers For Granite Fabrication.

For the best edge fabricating on granite, it's highly-advisable to buy a router bit with a 5/8"-11 threaded arbor. They fit right on your grinder, and because they have a top and a side bearing they're almost idiot-proof.

There's a wide selection of diamond grinder shaping bits here. They may be run wet or dry and at any speed as the diamonds are brazed in a vacuum for an extra strong bond. These granite/marble/stone router bits feature 100% diamond exposure to ensure you of the fastest removal rate without having to worry about the shape changing. They use a brazed diamond process for quick removal of material and consistent edge design, provided the top surface and the side surface are each only one plane with no ridges or saw marks on them.

Properly Sealing Your Granite Countertop.

To check if your granite countertop is properly sealed, try using the lemon test to determine how absorbent your stone is. Drip a few drops of lemon juice onto your granite. If you see that under the drops of lemon it quickly develops dark spots, it means it's a very absorbent stone. If it takes a minute or two to be absorbed, then you're dealing with a better degree of absorbency. Either one should be easily manageable with the application of a good-quality, impregnator-type granite sealer. If it doesn't absorb into the granite at all, then you have a winner right there! Go for it, and don't bother sealing it. This is a simple test that will help you put that professional-looking finishing touch to your granite countertop fabrication. For more DIY help, just click Tools and Tips for Successful Granite Fabrication.