Granite and marble are often used to make counter tops. Large blocks of granite are mined from deposits and cut into 5- by 9-foot slabs, typically with diamond-tipped equipment. Marble is mined in the same way but traditionally cut into 4-by 8-foot slabs. Slabs are usually cut to either 1 1/4-inch or 3/4-inch thickness. Limestone is a popular type of stone that is widely used in construction as well as in counter top applications. Diamond-tipped attachments can easily modify limestone.
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material, which makes it ideal for cutting stone. The Moh's scale is used to reference the hardness of materials. This scale assigns values that range from 1 to 10. The softest known materials offer a value of 1 on this scale while the hardest material (diamond) offers the highest value (10). While many types of stone like granite (6 hardness) are very hard, they are not nearly as hard as diamond. Marble offers a hardness value of 5 while limestone, a softer stone, offers a hardness value of around 3.
Diamond-tipped attachments like blades for saws, grinding discs and drill bits are some of the most expensive attachments on the market. Diamond-tipped saw blades, grinding discs and drill bits are available for under $20 to several hundred dollars apiece. An extensive diamond-tipped drill bit, saw blade or grinding disk set can cost well over $1,000. Despite the steep initial purchase cost linked with these attachments, they are the most efficient types of attachments for most applications, including stone cutting. They perform well even under high speeds at high temperatures. Diamond-tipped attachments can be used regularly for long periods before they need replacing.
Cutting stone can be tricky. Most stone is very hard and produces a lot of dust and debris during fabrication. Employing a respirator or dust mask decreases the amount of dust that can get into the lungs while cutting, drilling or grinding stone with diamond-tipped attachments. Some circular saws can be fitted with a collar system that reduces vibration and the likelihood of chipping while cutting through hard stone materials.