How do I make a Granite Live Edge?

I’ve cut granite before, as well as a lot of stained glass, but this time I want a Live Edge granite top. I own a 4” angle grinder with diamond blades, a full set of masonry drill bits and a Star chisel. Because granite is not a homogeneous crystallized structure, I am not going to just take my star chisel & start tapping on it.

I’m think masonry drill bits holes & play “connect the dots”, although I’d have to get some special belts for my belt sander, as my D.A. would take a month to soften the effect.

TIA.

Examples

  4 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 03, 2020

    I've never done it but I've seen it made with a chisel and tapped away. It appears to be a process that requires a lot of skill and practice. Once you get it done, you will have an amazing project to post.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 03, 2020

      They did very tiny drill holes with a diamond bit. I'm pretty sure it was top & bottom, alternating. It seemed like 3 or 4 different chisels and it was a slow process. It was quite a while back, when I was in the construction equipment business and we sold a lot of diamond tip blades and bits.

  • William William on Feb 03, 2020

    Drilling holes will leave half of the drilled areas visible when you" connect" the dots. Use your grinder and score a line where you want the live edge. The use a brick or cold chisel and gently tap along the line with several passes. You will hear the change in sound when the edge is about to break off. You can use the grinder or chisel to clean any sharp edges. If you want a cleaner edge...use the grinder and roughen the edge. Then use a cold chisel and randomly chip the sharp corners. Some sandpaper just to dull them.

    • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Feb 03, 2020

      Thanks, I was looking forward to your answer!

      This is more akin to cutting thick pieces of glass. Score & tap.

      Yes I can partially “dress” the edge with the “flat” of one of my diamond blades enough to make it look random, but not too sharp.


  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Feb 06, 2020

    no idea I just want to say good for you thats gonna be cool when you are done!

  • Darlyne Weese Darlyne Weese on Feb 06, 2020

    sweet i want know how to this nice