There are a variety of tools that can be used to cut stone, depending on the type of stone and the desired finish. Each tool has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job at hand.
Here are 15 of the most common tools used in cutting stone:
1. Hammer And chisel:
This is the most basic method of cutting stone and is typically used for rough cuts or shaping. A hammer and chisel can be used to chip away at the stone, create grooves or indentations, or even split it along a natural fissure.
Chisels are perhaps the most basic and essential tool for cutting stones. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used to create both clean cuts and more organic, sculptural shapes.
2. Stone Saw:
A stone saw uses a rotating blade to make precise cuts through the stone. It can be used to cut slabs or blocks into smaller pieces or to make intricate shapes and designs.
3. Diamond Wire Saw:
This tool uses a thin, diamond-tipped wire to cut through stone. It is often used for making curved or irregular cuts, as well as for cutting thick slabs of stone.
4. Angle Grinder:
An angle grinder is a handheld power tool that can be fitted with a variety of different blades or discs. It can be used to cut, grind, or polish stone surfaces and is especially useful for finishing work.
5. Stone Drill:
A stone drill is designed specifically for drilling holes into hard stone surfaces. It can be used to create drainage holes or to install fixtures such as doorknobs or towel racks.
6. Diamond Wet Saw:
A diamond wet saw uses a water-cooled, diamond-tipped blade to make clean, precise cuts through stone. It is often used for cutting tile or other thin, brittle materials.
7. Stone Router:
A stone router is a handheld power tool that uses a rotating bit to carve or cut away at stone surfaces. It can be used to create detailed designs, profiles, or textures on stone.
8. Air Hammer:
An air hammer is a pneumatic tool that uses compressed air to power a hammering action. It can be used to chisel away at stone or to break it into smaller pieces.
9. Stone Chipper:
A stone chipper is a machine that is used to reduce larger pieces of stone into smaller, more manageable pieces. Chippers can be used to create gravel or other aggregate materials.
10. Stone Polisher:
A stone polisher is a powerful tool that uses abrasive pads to buff and shines stone surfaces. Polishers can be used to create a high-gloss finish on stone countertops or floors.
11. Diamond Blades:
Diamond blades are specially designed to cut through hard materials like stone and concrete. They are often used in conjunction with power tools like angle grinders or saws.
12. Dremel Tools:
Dremel tools are small, handheld rotary tools that can be fitted with a variety of different attachments. They can be used for tasks like engraving, carving, and polishing stones.
13. Hydraulic Splitters:
Hydraulic splitters use high-pressure fluid to force a wedge into the stone, causing it to split apart. They are often used for larger projects where precision is not as important.
14. Masonry Grinders:
Masonry grinders are specialized power tools that are designed to grind sandstone surfaces. They can be fitted with a variety of different attachments, depending on the desired result.
15. Tumblers:
Tumblers are machines that rotate a barrel filled with stones and abrasive material. This helps to smooth and polish the stone surfaces.