The Best Way to Cut Rocks

Whether for use as landscaping, building materials or jewelry, the best way for shaping and trimming rock is generally saw cutting. While hammers are good for smaller stones and more delicate work, as well as finishing large cuts, saws provide the power and speed needed to cut through larger and a greater amount of rocks. Whether done by hand or by saw, precautions should always be taken when cutting rocks. Not only are the cutting materials extremely dangerous, but the amount of dust kicked up by the cutting process can also be hazardous.

Dust mask respirator
Safety goggles
Circular saw with masonry blade
Masonry hammer
Palling hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare your safety equipment before cutting rocks. You respirator and goggles should fit properly to keep out as much dust as possible.
- 2
  Determine the direction of the lines running throughout the rock; this is the grain.
- 3
  Make two test cuts on the rock, one with grain and one against. Take note of any sparks kicked up by the saw, which means that too much pressure is being applied to the blade, or too much vibration, which may cause the rock to break apart prematurely. Also determine which direction is easier to cut.
- 4
  Make the cut through the rock using the saw. Stop cutting before the blade goes all the way through.
- 5
  Tap along the back of the rock, opposite the saw cut, with a hammer. This should finish the cut without potentially crumbling the back side. If the hammer doesn't break to the saw cut, deepen the cut with the saw, then return to the hammer.
- 6
  Even out jagged portion of the rock with a hammer.

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