The below list of tools shows some of the power tools that are available to stone sculptors. Many are manufactured with center water feeds, GFCI protection, and are designed for wet use. If available, I use wet tools that are designed for wet use. Skill saws, and die grinders have yet to be made with water feeds. On these tools I use controlled application of water to the abrasive blades and wheels to both control dust and prolong the life of the abrasive tool. The number of tools that are now being manufactured for wet use demonstrates the demand for water supplied tools that use diamond blades and other abrasives. 

I.            Grinders

A.      Right Angle Grinder. 7,000 to 10,000 RPM  

1.       Comes two general sizes. 4 to 5”, and 6 to 9”.

2.       Has 5/8’-11 threaded shaft.

a) Allows use of grinding wheels.

b) Allows use of diamond circular saw blades.

c) Care must be taken to not exceed the  RPM requirements of the wheels and blades.

d) These grinders are too fast to use diamond velcro polishing pads. The high speed will throw the pads off the backer pad.

3.       Right Angle Electric Grinders

a) Uses standard electrical power.

b) Quieter than air grinders.

c) Danger of electrical shock.

(1)Always use GFCI circuits.

(2) Most factory wet grinders have GFCI protection.

d) Motor windings can be damaged by stone debris.

e) Come in both dry and water supplied models.

    (1)  Dry models are very common.

    (2) Wet models are expensive Come with center water feed.

f) Constant speed or variable speed.

4.Right Angle Air Grinders

a) No danger from electrical shock.

b) Small and light weight when compared to electrical.

c) Requires a large compressor.

d) Loud. You must always use hearing protection.

e) Come both wet and dry. Dry is most common.

f) Easy to add water to these tools.

B.            Die grinders.

1.   They use a large variety of tools. For grinding, sanding and polishing.

2.   They are available with 1/4”, 6mm, and 1/8” collets.

3.   Electric die grinders

a)Usually are straight grinders.

b) Variable speed.

c) Uses standard electrical power.

d) Must be protected by GFCI protection if used wet.

e) Motor windings can be damaged by stone debris.

f) Expensive.

4.   Air die grinders.

a) Require a large compressor

b) Come in both straight and right angle.

c) Speed easily controlled with a regulator.

d) Easy to install wet sprayers to tools.

e)  Loud. Must use hearing protection.

C.    Right Angle Grinder / Polishers, have speeds less than 5000 RPM.

1. Both electric and air.

2. Available with center water feed.

3. Electric grinder / polishers.

a)  Must use GFCI protection if used wet.

b)  Uses standard electrical power.

c)  Most are variable speed.

d)  Most have center water feed.

e)  Most have splash guards.

4. Air grinder / polisher.

a)  Requires a large compressor.

b)  Loud requires hearing protection.

c)  Most have center water feed.

d)  Lighter and smaller than electric units. Fits into tighter places.

e)  No shock hazard.

f)  Speed controlled by regulator.

II.  Saws

A.  “Skil” type saws. Electric saw.

1.  Worm drive or direct drive.

a)  Worm drive saws  usually have the blade on the left of the saw.

b)  Direct drive saws have the blade on the right of the saw.

2.  A dry tool used in wood working and construction.

3.  Motor windings can be damaged by stone debris.

4.  Electrical shock. Always use GFCI protection.

5.  Water can be applied to the blade to cool and flush debris.

6.  7-1/4” is the most common size.

7.  These saws are very good for cutting frets on large surfaces.

B.  Hand held tile saws

1.  Small blade size. 4”

2.  Wet

3.  Electric

C.  Diamond cut off saws.

1.  Hydraulic, electric and gasoline powered. Gas powered is the most common.

2.  Uses 12” to 16” diamond blades.

3.  Most units have water fixtures for the blade or kits to apply water.

4.  Can be used dry with a dry cutting diamond blade.

5.  Must be used outside because of exhaust fumes.

6.  Very loud.

D.  Diamond chainsaw.

1.  Hydraulic and Gasoline powered.

2.  Expensive.

3.  Comes with water fixture. Must be used wet to prevent chain and bar damage.

E.  Diamond ring saw.

1.  Hydraulic and gasoline powered.

2.  Expensive

3.  Comes with water fixture. Must be used wet.

III. Core drilling machines

A.  Uses standard electrical power.

1.  Must be GFCI protected

2.  Loud, use ear protection.

B.  Hand held.

1.  Water fed through center of bit.

2.  Requires lots of pressure to feed drill. Very tiring.

3.  Must be guided carefully and in line.

4.  Largest bit that can be used is 6”. Really 4”.

5.  Expensive. Both bits and drill.

6.  Very useful.

C.  Drill press type stand mounted.

1.  Can use bits up to 10”, larger with spacers.

2.  Both the drill rig and the stone must be held securely.

3.  Water fed through center of bit.

4.  Pressure is easy to apply with drill press.

5.  Drill press mast guides  bit and cut correctly if secured.

6.  Expensive.

7.  Very useful

D.  Wet right angle grinder with diamond core bit.

1.  Variable speed grinders work best for core drilling.

2.  Many core bits have recessed threads that won’t allow for a  proper connection to the grinder.

3. Works well for small core holes for pins.