How to Cut Granite Countertops & Slabs

|

Granite is a cornerstone in stone fabrication, prized for its durability and timeless beauty. Whether you’re shaping granite slabs for countertops, backsplash, or architectural features, using the right tools and techniques is key to achieving the precision your customers demand.

This article explores the essential requirements for cutting granite and how Park Industries® can streamline your fabrication process.

Granite design cut on the VOYAGER™ XP CNC Saw at Premier Stone Design

Essential Requirements for Cutting Granite

Cutting granite begins with a diamond blade, the most important tool for the job. Diamond blades, embedded with synthetic diamonds, are designed to handle the hardness of granite, delivering clean and efficient cuts.

0-47 Degree Servo Mitering

But a diamond blade is just the starting point. A water-cooled system is essential when paired with a diamond blade, as it helps manage the heat generated during cutting, prevents the stone from overheating or cracking, and, crucially, controls silica dust to maintain a safe work environment in line with OSHA guidelines. An adequate water supply is especially important when cutting materials, as it also helps protect the blade from glazing and extends its life.

For fabricators looking to elevate their granite cutting, CNC saws and sawjets make intricate cuts easier, faster, and more precise, while reducing material waste and boosting overall shop productivity.

How to Cut Granite with a handheld saw

If you’re cutting granite manually without the use of CNC saws, the process requires patience and skill. Start by marking your cut line on the granite slab using a grease pencil or chalk. This will ensure accuracy throughout the process.

Next, securely clamp the slab to prevent movement while cutting. Use a handheld saw fitted with a diamond blade and make slow, steady passes. Begin by lightly scoring along the marked line to create a guide, which will help prevent the blade from wandering during the deeper cuts.

Granite generates a lot of heat, so always use water to cool the blade and control dust. Make shallow initial passes with the saw to guide the blade and prevent chipping or mistakes. Gradually increase the depth of each pass until you cut through the slab completely. With time, the right tools, and proper technique, you can achieve smooth, accurate cuts.

Granite generally miters well, though certain varieties can be prone to minor chipping due to its natural composition. To achieve the best results and minimize chipping, using a machine with optimized settings — such as a Park Industries® CNC — is ideal. This setup allows precise control over speed and blade alignment, ensuring clean, accurate mitered edges.

Granite Cutting Solutions with Park

When precision, speed, and efficiency are critical, Park Industries® offers industry-leading equipment designed specifically for fabricators working with granite. Here are the machines, listed from most efficient to least efficient for cutting granite, to 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 granite. 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 granite 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: