If you know how frustrating it is to cut granite, you must’ve already tried a lot of tools and failed. We know that feeling, and we bet you’ve also asked yourself if you can cut granite with a tile saw. Our pro woodworkers have the answer in this guide!
Granite Tile Properties
Granite tiles are well-known for their exceptional strength, beauty, and versatility. They can be used in various areas of the home, including floors, walls, and countertops.
Polished and sealed granite is a popular choice for bathroom and kitchen upgrades because it has a timeless appeal, durability, and low maintenance that few other materials can’t match.
Can you Cut Granite Yourself?
Granite is a hard material that is difficult to cut, but you don’t have to be an artisan to do it yourself. You can make clean and precise cuts with any standard circular saw and a diamond-cut blade. Cutting granite can be a safe and enjoyable DIY project if you take the proper precautions.
Wet Tile Saw for Cutting Granite
While you can cut granite with a tile saw, a wet tile saw is best. This tool looks like a small stationary table saw, miter saw, or radial arm saw, but it uses water to keep a diamond-encrusted blade cool while cutting. It is an excellent tool for cutting ceramic and porcelain tile and stone tile safely and efficiently.
When it comes to cutting granite, the most common method is to use a wet tile saw and a specialized rail saw for cutting large slabs, but you can also use a circular saw or miter saw for cutting tiles as long as it has the proper blade.
Right Blade to Use
Our woodworking experts suggest using a diamond blade for granite since other wet saw blades, such as those designed to cut through marble or ceramic, will not be able to cut through granite[1].
A diamond blade will be able to cut through granite, both thick and thin. It is the type of blade that can cut through granite without overheating.
You will have several options when selecting a diamond blade. One thing to keep in mind is that the blade should be specifically for cutting granite. Otherwise, it will be unable to handle the workload.
You can also use diamond blades with other tools to help you cut angles and shapes.
Using Water
Another factor to consider is whether you will be cutting the granite dry or wet. A wet-cut saw, such as a circular saw or tile saw, is always advantageous.
The wet cut variety has several benefits. It will keep the blade cool, allowing it to last much longer before it begins to wear out, and since granite cutting will generate a significant amount of dust, you should use water.
What Other Saws Can Cut Granite: Top Alternatives
Circular Saw
You can cut granite with either a regular circular saw or a wet-cut circular saw. Both tools are adequate for the job, but a wet-cut circular saw produces far less dust due to a short tube that drips water onto the granite surface as you cut.
When you need to make quick cuts in granite, a circular saw will come in handy. You will be able to easily control the depth of the cuts while remaining as accurate as possible. With this unit, you can also make straight and bevel cuts.
Miter Saw
When cutting granite, some people prefer to use a miter saw rather than a table saw. These reliable miter saws are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for construction sites.
When used in conjunction with the appropriate diamond saw blade, you will be able to make precise cuts into granite surfaces. It will be ideal for cutting tiles or other granite items if you already have one.
Can Granite Countertops Be Recut?
You can still recut granite countertops after installation. When recutting your granite after installation, there will always be a risk of it becoming damaged or compromised.
No contractor can guarantee that your slab will not crack when they cut into it because a natural material like granite is prone to fissures, which can break under stress even if they are not visible.
Is it Possible to Cut Granite Tile Using a Ceramic Tile Cutter?
A ceramic tile cutter uses a process called score and snap, which involves making an incision across the tile’s surface and repositioning the tile to set the snapping nubs on top of it; snap the tile by pressing down the cutter.
This score and snap process is impossible to use on Granite tiles because it is too dense and heavy.
Conclusion
While a specialty rail saw and circular saw are the most common tools for cutting granite, you can also use a tile saw with the proper blade attachment. Granite is extremely dense and hard, so you must proceed with caution and use appropriate tools to complete the task.
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