How to Cut Exotic Countertops & Slabs

|

Exotic stones, offer unmatched beauty and elegance for countertops. These stones can be found in various shades, including vibrant reds, blues, greens, and purples, often with striking veining or patterns that make each slab one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re crafting a countertop or backsplash, using the right tools is critical to achieving the desired result.

This article covers the essential requirements for cutting exotic stones and how Park Industries® can optimize your fabrication process.

Exotic Countertop cut on the SABERjet CNC Sawjet Rockfab Kitchen & Bath

Essential Requirements for Cutting Exotics

Exotic stones vary in density, with many having a high density. This makes using a high-quality, diamond-embedded blade critical to achieve clean, accurate cuts while preventing potential damage to the stone.

Finished Mitered Countertop | Sierra Bridge Saw | Manual Saw Cutting Machine for Stone Fabricators

A water-cooled system is equally important for managing the heat generated during the cutting process and controlling silica dust to meet OSHA guidelines.

To enhance accuracy and protect the equipment, a CNC saw or sawjet is recommended for cutting exotic countertops. These machines provide the precision required for intricate cuts while minimizing material waste, ensuring a smooth and consistent production process in high-demand environments.

How to Cut Exotics with a handheld saw

If you’re cutting exotic countertops manually, precision and patience are key. Begin by marking your cut line on the slab using a grease pencil or chalk. This ensures that you stay on track throughout the cutting process.

Next, securely clamp the stone in place to prevent any movement. Use a handheld saw fitted with a diamond blade designed for cutting hard stones, and make slow, deliberate passes along the marked line. Start by scoring the surface lightly, creating a guide to prevent the blade from veering off during deeper cuts.

Exotic stones are typically dense and generate substantial heat, so be sure to use water during the cutting process to cool the blade and control dust. With careful attention to technique and the right tools, you can achieve clean, precise cuts that showcase the stunning natural patterns and colors of exotic stones.

Mitering exotic stones can be a challenging task due to their often dense composition and intricate patterns. For clean and smooth mitered edges, it is essential to use a specialized diamond blade and ensure that the stone is securely positioned throughout the process. A slow, controlled cutting approach will help you achieve the best results.

Exotic Countertop Cutting Solutions

When precision, speed, and efficiency are critical, Park Industries® offers industry-leading equipment designed specifically for fabricators working with gemstones. Here’s how our machines can elevate your shop’s capabilities:

The JAVELIN™ CNC Sawjet delivers the perfect balance of power and precision. Utilizing a diamond blade and integrated waterjet, the JAVELIN is built for high-accuracy cutting, whether you’re executing straight cuts or intricate designs in gemstone countertops. The JAVELIN’s waterjet minimizes material waste and reduces the need for secondary finishing, maximizing efficiency.

What truly sets the JAVELIN apart is its impressive speed and accuracy, making it ideal for both high-production and custom work. Its compact footprint and configurable design allow it to integrate seamlessly into any shop layout. Additionally, the JAVELIN’s accessible table design, with access on all three sides, further boosts efficiency by simplifying material handling. With optimized waterjet technology, fabricators can tackle exotic countertop projects with precision, speed, and maximized slab yield.

Power up your production with the SABERjet™ XP CNC Sawjet, which boasts an industry-leading 27 hp arbor motor and versatile 5-axis waterjet capabilities. Combining the efficiency of a diamond blade with advanced cutting technology, the SABERjet XP excels at delivering precise straight cuts and detailed mitering with ease.

Material Yield with Waterjet | SABERjet XP CNC Sawjet for Countertop Fabricators | Stone Machinery

Whether you’re handling simple or complex designs, this machine adapts to your shop’s needs, improving both productivity and precision.

Voyage into digital fabrication with the VOYAGER™ XP CNC Saw. The VOYAGER XP CNC Saw offers full automation for large-for a variety of cuts, including straight, miter, tightcut, and even profiles. With the flexibility to run in both manual and automatic modes, it adapts to any cutting task with ease. The VOYAGER XP also features an auxiliary spindle, expanding its capabilities to include tasks like drilling faucet holes, cutting sinks, using a leatherhead, or even engraving, making it an incredibly flexible tool for diverse fabrication needs.

VOYAGER XP at Rino's Tile & Stone | Fabricator Spotlight
VOYAGER XP 5-Axis CNC Saw from Park Industries

Its advanced controls ensure high-precision cuts, reducing the need for post-processing, which results in increased production efficiency and minimized material waste.

Rely on the YUKON® II Bridge Saw to boost your output with speed, reliability, and accuracy. Built for straightforward operation and unmatched dependability, this bridge saw is ideal for meeting high production demands without compromising precision.

YUKON II Bridge Saw | Semi-Auto or Manual Stone Cutting Machine
Large Blade Size | YUKON II Bridge Saw | Semi-Auto or Manual Stone Cutting Machine

With the YUKON II, fabricators can achieve precise cuts on large slabs, optimizing both speed and consistency. Its robust design and user-friendly controls make it a solution for fabricators seeking efficiency and durability in their stone-cutting process.

Why Choose Park?

Park Industries® has served the stone industry since 1953. With our focus on precision, performance, and peace of mind, you can know that each piece of equipment we sell will meet your needs. We believe that the best equipment should come with unparalleled support, so you can focus on what you do best — fabricating high-quality stone products.

Contact us today and equip your shop with proven and profitable solutions, backed by the industry’s best customer support.

Park Industries Saberjet XP CNC Sawjet cutting stone

Ready to learn more?

Explore additional resources on cutting other materials with the right tools and techniques: