tileman2

Hi

What is the best tool for cutting Granite, ie wet saw

Looks like ive got a fair few jobs comming up all granite tiles

Any info would be much appreciated

Regards

Kevin

Leatherface

Hiya
you need a half decent wet saw or at the worst a grinder.
In my view the key is which blade you use - phone david neave at trade tiler - he has good Marcrist blades. There are also blades avaliable by Beava and a few other suppliers.
These blades are not cheap but will do the business.
My wet saw has a 300mm blade - replacements are £200 upwards - ouch.

Concept PHT

The key is a good blade and plenty of water - if using a grinder, then make sure your labourer is ready with the hose pipe, spraying it down

Leatherface

Aye to that !!!!

tileman2

Any particular brands to stay clear of or any you use yourself

Concept PHT

Go for good branded blades - you can't go wrong. Try and tear clear of the 'silverline' stuff, and the ones you see at the car boot for '3 for a tenner'.

tileman2

So would a plasplug master tiler (top of the range) with a decent blade in do the job

Regards

Kevin

Leatherface

It may just about do the job, but not very efficiently. If you are seriously thinking about doing a lot of granite & natural stuff then you would be well advised to invest between £400 & £1000 in a good quality wet cutter - Rubi or similar.
I have a cuople of Rubi wet cutters. The largest has a 300mm blade & 2000 watt motor Cost me the best part of £800 with a good blade. Look for my earlier post on Wet Saws thread for pictures.
David Neave at Trade Tiler can do you a very good Rubi ND200 - HAS 850 watt motor & 200mm blade - for around £398.00 - I have one , they are very good.
It sound a lot of money to spend, but you are investing in your future. Your first few granite jobs should pay for it easily.

Concept PHT

Tileman, it depends how thick the tiles are. The thinner the better. But if you are going to do a lot of granite work, invest in a more powerful cutter with a big water well etc. As Leatherhead says, it will be worth it.

If its just the odd one or 2 large contract jobs you will be doing, go to the local hire shop and use one of them, instead of forking out wads of cash for something your not really going to be using that much in a domestic environment.

Leatherface

I agree that there is some truth in Concepts comments, but...
By the time you have forked out hire fees a couple of times & possibly burnt out a couple of cheaper cutters you would have been better off investing in a good one at the start. A good cutter will last you many years & not need replacing - Rubi sell spares for all their cutters in the unlikely event of a fault.
Regards

tileman2

Leatherface/ Concept

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated

Looks like im certainly going to be gettin a fair bit of granite work, An old pal of mine works in natural stone store with a massive selection of granite. Hes just put 3 jobs to me yesterday to go and quote.

Only told him i was tiling last week, so certainly looks like im going to have plenty to do.

I think the rubi that leatherface mentioned is a wise choice. Have you got address for trade tiler.

Regards

Kev

Leatherface

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