cutting slate - Aquarium Advice

bussardnr · 03-10-2005, 05:40 PM

would i beable to cut a pice of slate so theres arches, what would i use to do it?

Toirtis · 03-10-2005, 07:34 PM

Lapidary saw, or possibly a masonry saw.

jsoong · 03-10-2005, 10:44 PM

Diamond coated tile/stone blade (expensive - $50-100, but worth it when I have to cut stone pavers for my walk - you can rent the saw but will be charged for wear) - cuts only straight lines tho... for curves, you cut a series of straight lines up to your curve (like a feather board), break off the small pieces & smooth the edge with grinder. Or may be you can find a 2" diamond coated drill & cut the circles in a drill press.

For a cheap & tedious way - try using a diamond bit in a dremel. It will cut stone, but depending on thickness may take forever!

RandyStacyE · 04-24-2005, 12:00 PM

I would go to a local equipment rental and rent their "wet diamond blade saw". As jsoong mentioned, it will only cut straight lines, so make as many straight cuts as you can to make your basic shape. After that just take an angle grinder to shape the radius.

03-10-2005, 05:40 PM	#1
bussardnr Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Thurmont MD Posts: 157	cutting slate would i beable to cut a pice of slate so theres arches, what would i use to do it?

03-10-2005, 07:34 PM	#2
Toirtis Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,768	Lapidary saw, or possibly a masonry saw. __________________ G. A. Christian Bilou, Zoologist/Writer Founder/Director, Reptile Rescue Alberta Vice-President, Calgary Aquarium Society www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com Polypterid/Primitive Fish/Ctenopoma/Catfish Fanatic 62 Aquariums, 2200+ total gallons, Aquarist since 1971.

03-10-2005, 10:44 PM	#3
jsoong Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 1,796	Diamond coated tile/stone blade (expensive - $50-100, but worth it when I have to cut stone pavers for my walk - you can rent the saw but will be charged for wear) - cuts only straight lines tho... for curves, you cut a series of straight lines up to your curve (like a feather board), break off the small pieces & smooth the edge with grinder. Or may be you can find a 2" diamond coated drill & cut the circles in a drill press. For a cheap & tedious way - try using a diamond bit in a dremel. It will cut stone, but depending on thickness may take forever! __________________ 75 gal FW with 30 gal DIY wet/dry/sump. 9 fancy golds, 1 hillstream loaches, 1 rubber-lip pleco (C. thomasi), 3 SAEs, planted.

04-24-2005, 12:00 PM	#4
RandyStacyE Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 107	I would go to a local equipment rental and rent their "wet diamond blade saw". As jsoong mentioned, it will only cut straight lines, so make as many straight cuts as you can to make your basic shape. After that just take an angle grinder to shape the radius. __________________ Randy

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