On the Mohs scale, which measures hardness, granite is assigned a value of 6 to 6.5. The scale ranges from 1 to 10 with the hardest known materials on earth offering a 10. Only a material that ranks higher than granite on the Mohs scale can be used to cut through granite. Granite is very heavy, which can make also make it difficult to work with. Slabs of granite can weigh as much as 18 pounds per square foot.
Diamond, the hardest material on Earth, offers a hardness value of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Saw blades, drill bits and grinder attachments can all be engineered with diamond tips, which makes them ideal to cut through granite. Synthetic diamonds are often employed in the construction of granite cutting blades and attachments. Man-made diamonds are designed just as hard as diamonds that are naturally occurring. Perhaps the only downfall linked with diamond-tipped blades and drill bits is their price. A decent diamond-tipped saw blade designed for cutting granite can cost upward of $400 as of 2011. A diamond-tipped drill bit set can also cost a few hundred dollars. Diamond-tipped attachments are engineered onto steel bases.
Consumers have access to silicon carbide as well as tungsten carbide granite cutting blades and drill bits. These attachments are slightly less expensive than diamond-tipped attachments for cutting granite but they can be just as effective and last for just as long if they are properly maintained. Carbide blades are also traditionally formed onto a steel base. Silicon carbide and tungsten carbide are both very hard materials, they are some of the hardest materials on Earth. Silicon carbide is rated at 9.4 on the Mohs scale while tungsten carbide offers a hardness value of 9.
Vibration may occur while cutting through granite. Vibrations greatly increase the likelihood of chipping. A collar can be fitted on a circular saw to reduce the likelihood of vibration while cutting through granite. A circular saw's blade guards prevent loose chips from injuring the operator while cutting granite. Respirators prevent individuals from inhaling the dust that is produced while cutting granite.