Tools For Working With Soapstone
A circular saw with at least 13 amps and a 7"or 8" Turbo Diamond
Blade this will work very well for making dry cuts. Put masking tape or duct tape(always rember when in doubt use duct
tape) on the metal foot of the saw to prevent scratching the stone as you cut.
Always wear protective eyewear and a respirator,
cutting the stone generates dust, so it is always better to cut it outside or use equipment that collects the dust like a
vacuum cleaner which is available at Home Depot or Lowes. They also have rental equipment if this is all you need, rather
than purchase.
Do not force the saw, let the diamond blade do the work. Forcing
the saw will only make the blade heat up and make the saw walk away from the straight edge. Trust me I have made all the mistakes
for you.
Practice on your first cut with a piece of stone to see and
feel how it works.
Finishing Edges Of Soapstone
To finish the edges the most popular is to sand the face until
the saw marks are removed and the sand the top and bottom corners down. this can be done by using 80 grit sandpaper. Round
the sharp corners to a 1/8" radius then finishing by using 120 grit and 220 grit to match the top surface.
Power sanders can be used, but test a sample piece to insure
that the sander does not remove to much material.
Cutting Soapstone Slabs
When cutting a Soapstone slab make sure it is flat and well
supported to prevent breakage ar the end of the cut. Support the slab by using 2"X4" or 4"X4" on the driveway. Use a straight
edge clamped to the slab to get a straight cut and even edges.
Let Soapstone East Cut Your Slabs
Soapstone East can assist you by letting us cut the stone
for you. You provide a template or mearurements and we will cut it to your specifications or do it yourself and save money.
