Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Cutting Marble

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Durham NC
    Posts
    32

    Default Cutting Marble

    I've got someone asking me about cutting marble slabs and/or cultured marble with a ShopBot -- I've done diamond etching on a granite surface before (I know marble is softer) but I haven't tried milling a stone before. I'm imagining that the cultured marble would be similar to G10 -- anyone with any experience?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Kennebunkport, Maine
    Posts
    4,438

    Default

    https://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic....=67&p=241#p241

    https://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?t=2477

    https://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?t=24528

    Watch out for Quartz streaks/ DC at full blast and vac dust carefully afterwards.

    DID cut Slate once as a test, but never got further. Slate dust stayed put pretty much.
    LIGHT cuts as I was playing.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by scottp55; 01-26-2025 at 05:13 PM. Reason: add slate pics
    scott P.
    2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 12.0*
    Maine

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Durham NC
    Posts
    32

    Default

    I gave it a try with just some old bits that I had lying around -- a 2-flute straight cut for the roughing and a ballnose 1/4" for finishing. The roughing bit was toast by the end of the cut, but the ballnose survived just fine. If I had a better bit for roughing I think I could do this in a cost effective way...but the dust created is not great. IMG_8284.jpgIMG_8287.jpg

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    2,399

    Default

    Could you use some water to keep the dust down

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Kennebunkport, Maine
    Posts
    4,438

    Default

    Yep,
    Dust is BAD for lungs and bearings!!!
    I wouldn't do this as a regular gig, that's what a wet CNC is for(and they are messy!)
    One thing Brady mentioned was not to use compressed air(use vacuum) as air pushes dust into shop air and bearings. WOULD use an N95 or better.

    Jerry,
    Wet cutting without a constant flow of water creates an almost cement.
    HAVE thought about carving some of my soapstone(Talc) with mineral oil, as mineral oil(or better using body oils like on my antique soapstone carvings0 is often used for finish.
    scott P.
    2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 12.0*
    Maine

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •