Tips on Cutting Granite Countertops
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Granites are heavy and expensive. Granite itself is often thought of as difficult to work with, requiring special tools, equipment and knowledge. Cuttings doesn't have to be left to the professionals, however. With the proper equipment, and a little knowledge, homeowners can cuts.
Cutting Granites
According to a number of Web sites maintained by granite countertop vendors, includingmaster.com, do-it-yourselfers can cut granite countertops.
A good-quality circular saw is required, along with a diamond blade. An addition to the saw and blade combination will help prevent chipping of the granite. A collar, available at hardware or home improvement stores, can be fastened to each side of the blade and will help prevent vibration. It is the vibration of the blade that causes chipping of the granite on the edges of the cuts.
Other tips will make cutting granite countertops less difficult, and safer., as you would expect, is heavy. Make sure sawhorses, or any supports used during the cutting process, are sturdy enough to support the weight safely. Make sure you have enough help and that the helpers are capable of handling the weight of the granite. Dropping the countertop, whether off the saw horses or in the process of moving the material, would likely break the granite and could injure the people working on the project.
Accurate cuts are vital in any countertop project. Take careful measurements and repeat them to make sure all cuts are accurate. Some do-it-yourselfers will make a template of light plywood and fit it to the counters to make sure they have the proper measurements to cut a properly fitting countertop.
Caution should also be taken while cutting granite. A dust mask and eye protection are always advisable when cutting any material, including granite. Keep family, friends and pets away from the area where the cutting is being done unless they also wear proper protective gear.
Once the granite countertop is cut to the proper size, it can be fastened to the counters using good-quality two-part epoxy as a glue. Pigments can be added to the epoxy to match the color of the granite, to produce less noticeable seams in the countertop.
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