Granite countertop - can cut with grinder?

[Jenny1975]

I want to install this countertop (from Home Depot) in my bathroom.

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=938782&Ntt=938782&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=112351&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

Problem is, it's 37" wide, but I only have 35" of space since there are walls on either side of the vanity. Would I be able to shave off the excess from either side using a grinder with a diamond blade? I can undercut the drywall a bit to fit the rough edges underneath and if it REALLY gets botched, side splashes are available. Just want to ensure the countertop doesn't get destroyed and that the grinder will actually be able to handle the material. Anyone have any experience with this?

[Anonymouse]

I don't think you're going to get a good result with a grinder. You want to take it to a shop with a water cooled diamond blade bandsaw, or possibly rent one if you can track one down. There are also granite/stone blades you can get for your circular saw, but you'll need to rig a water cooling system.

[patrob]

Most of the time granite installers do a dry cut with a grinder to trim granite.

You need a steady hand, good blade & when cutting, sink your blade all the way through so the grinder rests on the granite. It will give you more stability. You will more likely silicone the sides anyways or add a 3" backsplash.

[Jenny1975]

Should I score the surface first with a light pass and do successive deeper passes or try to go full depth at once? I'd be worried about chunks flying off if attempting to cut it in a single pass.

[frankeng2003]

you can cut it yourself, but the dust is very harmful to the lungs. silicosis. i'd get someone else to do it. or work on the drywall first. 5/8 for the drywall. plus notch a couple of studs.(not load bearing) would be easier. watch out for electrical as well.

[Tjalfe]

This saw from home depot was $79.99 when I bought it, possibly more now 2 years later, but it will easily cut through granite, which I have used it for countless times. Cut it outside, as the water is messy, and wear hearing protection, as it is one noisy bugger.

http://www.pilested.com/gallery/d/3766-2/P4210096.JPG

[CSK'sMom]

Passes aren't necessary unless you have a really unsteady hand. Hubby cuts granite (and some marbles) tile all the time with a grinder with a diamond granite blade. Granite doesn't chunk, unlike marble.

[Anonymouse]

That's very similar to the method I used, which was a diamond masonry blade on my adjustable-depth circular saw and loyal wife with the spray bottle. It worked okay; 1 unsightly chip. I clamped a straight edge to the surface as a guide.

Corian is a lot more DIY-friendly.

[Jenny1975]

This saw from home depot was $79.99 when I bought it, possibly more now 2 years later, but it will easily cut through granite, which I have used it for countless times. Cut it outside, as the water is messy, and wear hearing protection, as it is one noisy bugger.


What type of saw is that and what type of blade? I'll look into rentals. The other suggestion about notching the studs was good, too. Hard to say which is the bigger PITA... >:(

[Anonymouse]

That's a portable masonry saw, like Lowe's Item #: 60127 Hitachi Model: CM4SB2

But you'll likely pay more to buy this tool than you would taking the piece to a shop. Of course, that never stopped me from buying a shiny new tool. :-)

[l69norm]

I think Princess Auto sells this saw as well. Same idea, it has a hose connected to a water supply and a diamond blade.