We have wanted to replace a couple of the bathroom countertops for some time. I saw some nice pieces for very reasonable prices at a Habitat ReStore. So I did some research on Youtube and was convinced I could do it myself. I needed a couple more tools:
- Diamond wet saw: DEWALT DWC860W 4-3/8-Inch Wet/Dry Masonry Saw
- Wet grinder / polisher: Stadea SWP103K Variable Speed Wet Polisher Grinder Electric Wet Sander – Granite Countertop Polishing Kit
- A few 4.5″ Turbo Diamond blades were needed for the saw and my angle grinder.
- A 1 3/8″ diameter diamond core drill was needed for the faucet holes.
Now I purchased a couple of pieces of granite and one of quartz . IT was on 2 trips to the Restore as once I started and saw how easy it actually is, we accelerated the timing of the master bath upgrade. These are all 3cm thick.
Aside from unloading from the truck and final placement, I was able to move the slaps by myself, walking them into place and laying them on the 2x4s that were the work surface.
When doing the cutting and polishing a good dusk mask, glasses and hearing protection are required. There can be a LOT of dust and little chips are constantly flying off.
A metal straight edge is used to guide the saw. Given that I am working on the floor without enough height for clamps, I used double stick carpet tape on the bottom of the guide and spring clamps
For each cut, start by back cutting a bit at the end. This is to prevent uneven chip out. You just need to go back a few inches. Then start with the main cut. Here you can also see one mistake. I used a Sharpie on the quartz for my marks. This did not come off even with Xylol and the marks had to be polished out (800-3000 grit)!
Even angle cuts are easily made.
The corner radius is done with the polisher. A 50 grit pad works quickly. You just need to always keep moving. Then work yup through the grits and don’t skip any . To polish the entire end took <20 minutes to sequence through all of the grits up to 3000. I had a Workmate to hold the end of the piece so it stayed vertical.
The sink cut outs were a bit daunting as there are no straight lines for the 2 we chose. Position the template, tape down one edge then lift it to put some contrasting vinyl or duct tape under the cut lines. Check for overlap and then cut through the template and the tape with a razor knife.
Remove the template and peel the inner pieces of the tape off and this is ready to cut.
Start with diagonal slices for the corners You can also cut across the center. However that is not really necessary
Next do the sides. At this point the piece will not drop out as there are still arcs on the bottom that are not cut through.
Make a few more angled cuts . Break out the narrow wedges with a large screwdriver and then it just drops out.
Make a few more nibbling cuts with the wet saw and switch to the angle grinder.
Ready to test fit.
It does fit – first try. I did put green masking tape on the back to avoid scratching the blue paint.
Same in granite.
The diamond blade for the saw took a bit of beating but is still cutting reasonably well. The polishing pads have hardly any wear. I had bought a spare set but I am really impressed with these Stadea D series grinding / polishing pads. I also really like the grinder. Nice soft start /stop and rugged construction.