The only way to safely cut into a hard material is to employ a tool that is harder than the material that needs to be worked on. Diamond-tipped saw blades are ideal for cutting through hard materials like marble and granite. Diamond-tipped cutting blades can easily be found at most home improvement stores.
Safety should always be the foremost concern before taking on a marble or granite cutting project. Before operating marble or granite cutting tools, the operator should be familiar with the operating manual and safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of the tool.
There is certain safety equipment that marble or granite cutting tool operators should wear at all times while cutting marble or granite. Dust masks should be worn to prevent dust inhalation. Marble and granite can chip, which is why eye protection such as goggles should always be employed.
To decrease the likelihood of chipping, collars can be fitted onto saw blades. Collars help keep a saw level, allowing for a straighter, more accurate cut. "Wet" blades can be fitted onto marble or granite cutting saws to control dust.
A blade guard attached to a cutting saw is perhaps one of the best safety devices that can be used while cutting marble or granite. Not only do blade guards prevent a considerable amount of dust from becoming airborne, they also keep any marble or granite chips from becoming damaging projectiles. Blade guards create a protective layer between a moving blade and the operator. Operators are much less likely to cut themselves when a blade guard is present.