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.