How to Cut Limestone by Hand

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Things You'll Need

  • Scribe or marker

  • Ruler

  • Vice

  • Hacksaw

  • Tungsten carbide hacksaw blade

An electric stone cutting saw is the most practical tool for cutting limestone. However, if you want to take an old-world approach to cutting stone, or you do not have access to electricity when working, the next best item to use is a hacksaw equipped with a tungsten carbide hacksaw blade. This is the best tool for cutting limestone by hand.

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Step 1

Place a ruler on your limestone where you want to make the cut. Scribe a line on the tile with a metal scribe or a marker. Place the ruler off to the side.

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Step 2

Place the sand stone in a vice or clamp it to a table with the scribed line off the edge of the table by approximately 1/2 inch.

Step 3

Install the carbide blade onto your hacksaw. Take note of the teeth direction. The blade will cut on the forward stroke. The process for installing the blade onto the hacksaw depends on the brand of hacksaw you own; refer to your specific owner's manual. In most cases, though, loosen the butterfly screw below the handle of the saw to loosen the old blade. Remove the old blade from the attachment pins located on each end of the blade and then place the carbide blade onto the attachment pins. Tighten the blade in place with the butterfly nut.

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Step 4

Place the blade against the far edge of the limestone directly in front of the line you scribed.

Step 5

Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle to the stone surface and cut as you move the blade towards you. This gives you a better view of the line as you make the cut.

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