Cut large marble backplate

[homefromhell]

hi guys,

i'm about to get a nice looking marble fire surround, with back plate and hearth. The only problem is, the backplate does not have a cutout to put in the flue of a normal heater or an insert.

Is it possible to cut out a large piece of marble backplate or get it cut professionally without breaking the marble or is it just not worth the headache?

 

[expertgasman]

It is easy to cut, assuming it is marble. Use either a masonry disc in an angle grinder, or preferably a diamond blade. As it is a one off, normal discs would be more economic, and you won't use more than 2.

If it is granite it is worth buying a diamond blade. Normal discs will wear quickly and you will use a lot. With a normal disc, you will tend to skid and damge the panel.

If you don't have accesss to a grinder, pop into a local fireplace shop, and they may do it for you. I would charge about £30 - £40, but it would be at customers risk.

Some shops wouldn't be interested, and you would more than likely have to get the panel to them.

Good luck.

 

[homefromhell]

thanks gasman.

I have a cheapy tesco grinder (will this do the job?) :-

http://direct.tesco.com/product/images/?R=207-0283

someone said to me that to reduce the liklehood of cracking, whilst using a grinder with a diamond blade, i should get a second person to get a cheap plant spray bottle and spray a small amount water mist to help avoid too much friction (avoiding any electric parts of course ).

Does that sound like a good idea?

 

[expertgasman]

Sorry if this is too late:

thanks gasman.

I have a cheapy tesco grinder (will this do the job?) :-

Not on granite, but should be okay on marble, nut don't force it.

someone said to me that to reduce the liklehood of cracking, whilst using a grinder with a diamond blade, i should get a second person to get a cheap plant spray bottle and spray a small amount water mist to help avoid too much friction (avoiding any electric parts of course ).

Does that sound like a good idea?

No. Totally unnecessary.