cutting cultured marble vanity tops

[Pinecrest]

I am a trim carpenter in southern WI. The GC I sub-contract from buys stock size marble tops we have to cut to fit between walls. Has any one used a saw blade or router bit to cut this material with, and have good results? Tops are usually 72 3/4" long vanities 72" with small filler. I have tried to talk him into just making openings bigger but havn't had any luck. Thanks for any info. Pinecrest

[TCoggins]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

I have successfully cut them with a masonry blade in a circular saw, as well as a smaller abrasive blade in an angle grinder. Tried using a diamond wheel in the angle grinder, but it didn't cut very well. Keep in mind, the cut edge was not pretty, but it was covered up with a side splash.

Good luck.

[Mike S.]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

Pinecrest- I usually just use whatever blade is in my circular saw to cut them, (from underneath when possible), and clean the cut up with a belt sander. I never use the side splashes.

Mike.

[Dancing Dan]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

We've belt-sanded edges for minor scribing - 36 or 50 grit.

[hdrider_chgo]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

You can make a real nice cut with a masonry blade in a skil saw. It's no big deal at all.

Whatever you do, cut outdoors and do not breath the dust. Any type of fine masonry dust has the long-term effect of causing silicosis, a serious lung condition.

[iwoodknot]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

I used a masonry blade in a circular saw for years, which really does work fine for most applications. But 4 or 5 years back, I tried using a 4 1/2" grinder with a diamond blade and never looked back. Now, I can make a cleaner cut with a grinder than I ever could with a saw. It is great for cutting the inevitable crooked scribe line. And with a grinding wheel installed, I can grind off any high spots on the bottom side of the top that hold the top off the cabinet. I also use the grinder for cutting off and/or splitting pre-cast columns. It's a great little tool. Very versatile.

Paul

[Paul Las.]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

Cirular saw and a belt sander.

[flippinfool]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

4 1/2 grinder works great.I clamp a striaght pc of wood to the top and let the grinder sheild ride up against it. A good diamond wheel will make a nice cut Make a few practice cuts and get a feel of how the tool reacts to the material. First cut your just trying to follow a line. Make a few passes not just one cut. Let us know how you make out. Hope this helps

Neil DeStefano

[ShaneG]

Re: cutting cultured marble vanity tops

A tip shared with me from a cultured marble installer. Pull the saw backwards through the cut. It will push the dust underneath the piece and cut down on the amount of air borne dust. I tried it and it does help. As others said, cut outside, preferably with some wind pushing the dust away from you.