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I purchased a couple of bull nosed granite counter top slabs at an auction and would like to install them myself. Does anyone know of a way to cut round or oval sink openings in granite countertops? I have heard of diamond coated router bits, but don’t know if they would work or if they require a special router.
Does anyone have any experience or information on which router and bits would work for this application? Any additional information on cutting speeds and technique would be appreciated.
David Hirth
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Check out Vic Industrial
*Check out for diamond router bits.
*My local granite shop uses water under high pressure (60,000 psi) with an abrasive feed just before it hits the granite. This machine is computer controled and you dialin the shapes and sizes you need.try your local Granite shop and ask how much to cut a hole for you. If you looked at the price of the diamond router bits and you watched how long it takes to route stone edges and then polish...........All this needs special tools and bits. They all need water cooling and lube when cutting.
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I purchased a couple of bull nosed granite counter top slabs at an auction and would like to install them myself. Does anyone know of a way to cut round or oval sink openings in granite countertops? I have heard of diamond coated router bits, but don't know if they would work or if they require a special router.
Does anyone have any experience or information on which router and bits would work for this application? Any additional information on cutting speeds and technique would be appreciated.
David Hirth
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David,
Had you been wanting to cut a rectangular opening for a drop-in sink that would cover the cut edge, and assuming you're fairly handy, I'd recommend you have at it with a diamond blade in a grinder or circ saw.
Round or oval cuts? A bit tougher to do, especially as a one time shot. If the cut edge is to be visible with an undermount sink, that ups the ante a bit more since you need an attractive finiehd edge.
I'd suggest going to a local shop as Nigel recommended. Compare their cost and the assurance of a first-rate job with the cost to purchase or rent equipment to cut, grind, polish, etc, and add in the gambit of cutting a curves in granite...all in your first try.
An errant cutting edge, an uneven polish, a cracked slab?
I'm all for DIY. However, I'm also for weighing the options. In this case, give the local shop a ring. If their terms aren't attactive, check out the local rental for what equipment they have available and what advice they offer. Granite cutters are pricey, you'll pay a high premium over cutters for softer limestone, bluestone, slate etc. Stone dust can also wreak havok on your tools. Consider you'll need a straight bit for the initial cut, several passes taking it deeper each time. Then another bit for a decorative edge. Polishing isn't difficult, but takes time. Also, for the cutting you'll want to run the bit slow, around 10-11000 rpm. That'll required either a variable speed router or a box to slow the motor down. A wet cut? Now you're mixing water and electricity.
It can be done. There is risk. There is a big investment in equipment you'll most likely use once, with little value on the resale market. Do a bit more research, post again with your plans and results.
Good luck,
Mongo