Installing large rocks into walls, using them for landscaping, or as jewelry may entail cutting them down to the required shape or size.
As rocks are tough materials, there’s a need for special tools like a Dremel tool or a tile saw to cut them through.
While cutting, it is important to apply straight cuts since natural rocks tend to chip or break if they’re cut along multiple axes.
Let’s check out how to cut rocks in half for three different industries.
How To Cut Large Rocks in Half: For Jewelry
Jewelry made from rock can be modern, minimalist, exaggerated, and pretty. You can find a special stone and make some earrings, a necklace, or a pendant from it to use as jewelry.
Always remember that rocks are hard and susceptible to breaking and cracking. A large rock needs to be cut down to smaller sizes to make it easier to form jewelry.
Here’s the equipment you will need to cut your rock:
- A Dremel
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- A permanent marker
- A diamond-edged blade as an attachment for the Dremel
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- A clamp
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- A pair of gloves
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- Protective eyewear
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- A good quality air mask
Start by marking where you want to cut the rock with a permanent marker. Secure the stone in a clamp to keep it in place. Attach a diamond edge blade to your Dremel and plug it in.
Cut through the stone using the Dremel. Move at a slow pace so that you don’t chip the stone. The diamond blade will eventually get hot and produce sparks.
If the blade starts to turn, red take a breather and allow it to cool before you continue.
Cut your jewelry in the shape and sizes you have planned using the Dremel. Do this very carefully to avoid any accidents and injuries.
You can finish your cut jewelry using different methods like polishing them and drilling holes to insert hooks in them.
How To Cut Large Rocks in Half: For Landscaping
When it comes to landscaping with rocks, your selection of stones will set the tone for your entire garden. River stones and beach pebbles bring warmth; marble stones brighten the scenery, while flat terracotta rocks bring a tropical feel to the setting.
Black lava rocks are also used to decorate gardens and landscapes. Rocks are long-lasting; therefore, it’s wise to landscape your garden in a way that appeals to you.
You will obviously need to cut some of the large rocks down to the shape or size you desire as you do your landscaping.
There are different tools to use while cutting large rocks. In this article, we show you how to use a tile saw to cut a large rock.
Tools you will need for cutting your rocks:
- Protective eyewear
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- An air mask
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- Gloves for your hands
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- A wet tile saw
- A permanent marker
- A pair of earmuffs or earbuds
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Procedure for Cutting a Large Rock in Half Using a Tile Saw:
- Draw a line with a permanent marker to show where you want to cut the rock and wear protective clothing.
- Place the large stone on the table of the wet tile saw. Secure the rock firmly with the clasps of the tile saw.
Here we’re using a wet tile saw with a diamond-tipped blade; therefore, it’s good to check the water level and lower it if necessary, such that only the diamond grit is immersed in water. - Stand on the other side of the table and pull the rock towards the saw’s blade instead of pushing. Pushing will get you wet!
While using a wet tile saw, you are likely to get wet. To counter this, wear a plastic coat or simply stand on the other side of the table to minimize wetness.
Cut all the rocks for your landscaping using the diamond-tipped tile saw and creatively arrange them to make your garden authentic.
How To Cut Large Rocks in Half: For Walls
Whether you plan to build a patio deck or form a sculpture from rock, knowing how to cut through the rock helps you customize the length and thickness of your pieces.
It is hard work to cut through rocks, but rocks are durable. Ensure that you work at a slow pace while cutting rocks and take safety measures to avoid injuries.
Would you please think of the rock you want before selecting it to ensure that it’s the right type for your work?
Tools you’ll need while cutting stone for a wall:
- A wet tile saw
- Safety gear (protective eyewear, a complete face shield, and ear muffs to shield your ears against the loud sounds produced by the machine).
- A permanent marker
The Procedure for Cutting Stone Using a Tile Saw:
- Draw a line with a permanent marker to show where you want to cut the rock.
- Put on your safety gear.
- Place the large stone on the table of the wet tile saw. Secure the rock firmly with the clasps of the tile saw (here, we’re using a wet tile saw with a diamond-tipped blade.
Therefore, it’s good to check the water level and lower it if necessary, such that only the diamond grit is immersed in water). - Stand on the other side of the table and pull the rock towards the saw’s blade instead of pushing. Pushing will get you wet!
While using the wet tile saw, take a break and let it cool down before you continue if it starts to turn red. After you’ve cut your rocks, you can now start to build your wall!
Cutting a large rock in half with a Dremel or a tile saw requires diamond-edged blades since rocks are tough materials. The process should be done slowly and carefully. It takes patience, but cutting through rocks is quite enjoyable. It’s a great hobby to try.
Wrapping up
That’s all you have got for now. Let me know if you face any further queries regarding the topic, as I’m always eager to know your drills.
Who am I? A Montessori educator.
What a pleasure to recognize and interpret each child’s needs!
How exciting to help children become self-reliant and support them in their process of self-development.
I am also truly passionate about guiding adults in building their relationship with children.
i just cut some rocks with a wet tile saw and they look cloudy when dry how do i fix this
You need to polish them after. 🙂
Where do I find rock like this to cut? I am in Florida and we don’t have rock like this.
Hey I have one arm and want to cut pebbles and stone to fit my mosaics.
Some stones would only be 20 mm deep, others 50 mm or thereabouts.
I need some sort of clamp to hold the pebbles for safety and a wet bath
Which dremel would you recommend?
It sounds like you need to sand the cloudy areas. I can’t be sure without seeing a pic though. I use my rotary too for this. I hope this helps.
Okay, now that I know how to cut rocks in half, I will implement this idea in my next landscaping project. Let me know if I should try out any other ideas, as well. Cheers!