Originally Posted by
MrScott
I am working my way towards building one:
1. Engine hoists are inexpensive for moving plates. Think ahead and allow for slings to slip and the occasional dropped item (don't be under it; jump AWAY if it starts to fall).
[An engine hoist is optimized for lifting engines out of cars; it's not a very good general material-handling solution. It's easy to overbalance, and won't lift anything very high.Rent a forklift with a boom arm to handle large pieces of granite; you'll be glad you did. Granite slabs are usually gripped by a pinch-release mechanism, which is a lot easier than cargo slings.
4. Surplus granite countertop material is inexpensive (Craigslist, remainders, cutouts free in dumpsters at places that sell granite countertops). If used for the bed would cost precision (won't be very flat).
[Polished granite slabs are plenty flat enough for a machine bed, but countertop cutoffs are going to be long and narrow - not the usual proportions you want in a machine bed.]
5. Hard to find economical 5cm granite countertop; 2cm and 3cm are widely available (where I live). Perhaps epoxy lamination or basing machine size on the available surface plates.
6. Wet cutting controls dust and extends blade life. Best to use a GFCI or wet saw. Diamond blades are available for skilsaws. The Evolution DISCCUT1 has a 4" cut depth; stories about injuries and deaths due to kickback so appropriate care and precautions! Planning to add water blade cooling and always use a GFCI.
[I haven't heard about injuries or deaths from kick-back of diamond-bladed stone saws; that's much more common with wood saws.]
7. Suggest goggles and a ($40) half-mask P95 or P100 respirator when grinding granite. Look up silicosis; sharp particles cause scarring of lung tissue. Scars don't breathe well.