How to Cut Marble Slabs
You can cut a slab of marble using a power saw equipped with a diamond-tip blade, but doing so can be a complicated process due to the need to keep the blade cool. To properly cut a marble slab requires specialized machinery that can cut the slab smoothly and cleanly. Using the proper machine along with the proper technique help ensure a perfect cut every time, without the dangers that come with an overheated saw blade. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Masking tape
- Marble slab
- Gloves
- Wet saw
- Water feed kit
- Bucket
- Sandpaper, 80-, 120- and 400-grit
Instructions
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Mark the slab precisely where you wish to cut by placing strips of masking tape on the marble as a cutting guide.
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2
Place the slab on a stable, flat surface with the piece to be cut overhanging the edge freely.
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3
Attach the hose from the water feed kit to your water source and attach it to the wet saw equipped with marble blades.
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Place the rail for the saw securely over the marble slab, with the edge for the blade carefully aligned with the mark on your marble slab.
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Place the wet saw onto the rail and turn on the water, allowing it to saturate the marble's surface. (The water cools your saw blade by supplying water to both the blade and the surface of the marble, preventing overheating.)
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Run the wet saw slowly along the rail, cutting the marble at the mark.
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Remove the masking tape and sand the cut edges of the slab with 80-grit sandpaper using an up and down motion. When the rough edge has been leveled, sand again with 120-grit sandpaper to further smooth the edge, and finishing off with 400-grit sandpaper. This process should result in an edge indistinguishable from the uncut marble surface.
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Tips & Warnings
The water feed kit is a pumping mechanism that supplies the water needed to cool your wet saw. You can use a large bucket for your water source, but keep an eye on it to keep it filled with water.
Wet saws can be rented from an equipment rental shop or a home improvement store.
Wear safety goggles and gloves when using power saws--small chips and splinters can become airborne during the cutting process.
