Granite is one of the hardest known types of rock on the planet. The Moh's scale can be used as reference to determine the hardness of materials. This scale uses a numbering system that ranges from 1 to 10, and the higher the number, the harder the material. Granite for example, is assigned a value between 6 and 6.5 on the Moh's scale of hardness. Granite is also a very heavy material. The sheer weight of granite can make cutting or otherwise modifying granite a difficult endeavor. A granite slab can weigh as much as 18 pounds per square foot.
Saw blades and drill bits that have been engineered with diamond tips are ideal for granite fabricating applications. Diamond is the hardest material on earth; it is rated a 10 on the Moh's scale of hardness. A diamond can scratch any material. Saw blades or drill bits that feature diamond tips can easily cut through granite. Synthetic diamond is just as durable and hard as naturally occurring diamond. The high price of diamonds contributes to the high price associated with diamond-tipped drill bits and saw blades. Saw blades with diamond tips can cost between $20 and $400. A complete set of diamond-tipped drill bits can run several hundred dollars.
Tungsten carbide and silicon carbide saw blades and drill bits are also ideal for granite fabricating applications. While tungsten carbide and silicon carbide blades and bits are much more expensive than traditional steel blades and bits, they are not more expensive than diamond-tipped blades and bits. A complete set of tungsten carbide drill bits can cost from as little as $40 to several hundred dollars. Tungsten carbide and silicon carbide saw blades and drill bits are traditionally engineered on a steel base. On the Moh's scale of hardness, tungsten carbide is rated a 9 while silicon carbide is rated a 9.4.
Cutting through granite with a circular saw may create vibrations, which can lead to chipping. Equipping a circular saw with a collar decreases the risk of chipping by curbing vibrations. Blade guards prevent chips of granite from becoming airborne. Since cutting and drilling through granite creates dust, it is recommended that operators wear respirators or dust masks while fabricating granite.