INFOSANTIER

The main equipment and tools are:

1. Water-cooled natural stone cutting machine

This electrically powered machine needs water to cool the cutting blades, since stone is a very hard material that wears down blades quickly. There are professional and commercial versions offering different features. Complex professional machines have motors over 2 kW (sometimes three-phase), cut lengths up to 2.5 m and thicknesses up to 15 cm, use diamond blades 30-40 cm in diameter, offer precise cutting including at angles between 0 and 45° (with a graduated scale), and are designed for working on slabs. Smaller machines, which cut tiles, have lower performance but are light enough to transport easily. There are also portable diamond-blade cutting machines; their functions are limited, but they have the advantage of processing tiles on site.

The machine is chosen based on the type of work and the features the manufacturer offers. Machines designed only for cutting ceramic tile should be avoided, as they have lower performance and don’t help with processing stone (e.g. motor power). Diamond blades, used especially for cutting stone, reinforced concrete, or asphalt, have their edge coated with a layer of fine-grit diamond powder. They’re used for dry cutting or with a water jet. Blade thickness matters a great deal for cutting quality. The thinner the blade, the faster and higher-quality the cut. For many years the standard thickness was 3 mm, but advances in abrasive technology have brought it down to 2.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.5 mm, 1 mm, and 0.8 mm. The advantages of thinner blades include faster cutting with higher productivity, less vibration and heat, and easier control over the cut. Blade lifespan is set by the manufacturer and typically ranges from 1 to 3 years. Major diamond blade manufacturers include: DeWalt (115 mm diameter), Integra Tools (115 mm), Dremel (77 mm), Concord, Hitachi, Makita.

2. Old adhesive/grout removal tool

This tool is used when preparing a substrate, usually in renovations, when old cladding needs to be removed and leaves behind hardened adhesive and grout residue. A steam device that heats the surface and softens the residue can be used to remove it.

TIP: An iron or a hair dryer with a nozzle attachment can also be used. Very hardened residue is removed with a chisel.

3. Multi-function single-disc machine

The single-disc machine performs grinding, brushing, cleaning, or polishing on natural stone-clad surfaces. It comes in several versions, from machines designed for large floor areas to portable machines for small or tight spaces (steps, countertops, window sills, corners). Professional machines have 15-20 kW motors (sometimes three-phase), and can grind 10-15 m² of granite and 20-30 m² of marble, even more, per hour. Single-disc machines work with brushes and pads, both available in several types depending on the application. Professional grinding machines (e.g. Klindex) can have between one and six heads, with some even offering radio control of their functions. They have a base that rotates 90 degrees to make swapping brushes easier.

Pressure is adjustable within the 500-1250 kg range. The machines are quiet. They also include a manual operating mode. Machines for grinding small surfaces have a single brush, an adjustable head, and are portable. Some versions have dust and water protection. They come with local LED lighting for the surface being ground and variable speed. By swapping pads, the same machine can be used for other operations (brushing, polishing, etc.).

4. Wet vacuum

This is needed for cleaning surfaces, both before and after using the single-disc machine.

5. Drill/driver (possibly with a hammer function)

Besides its regular uses, a drill/driver is used to mix various types of mortar (adhesive, waterproofing, plaster) and to remove old ceramic tiles by vibration.

6. Circular saw

Used for processing stone tiles on site. A professional model with variable speed is needed. It offers adjustable cutting depth and angle, as well as an overload-protected start system. It can be attached to a dust-extraction system. Some versions have a table, others are portable.

It’s recommended to have two saw models for processing tiles, one larger and one smaller, for hard-to-reach areas.

7. Angle grinder

This grinder is used for finishing the edges of countertops and window sills on site. A professional tool is needed.

8. Diamond blades, abrasive discs

Blades and discs are consumables used for cutting, grinding, or finishing stone surfaces. They come in several types depending on needs, and it’s recommended to buy professional-grade versions.

9. Core bits

Core bits are used for drilling holes in countertops, tiles, etc. Diamond models are needed, since countertops are 2-3 cm thick, and cooling must be done with water.

10. Chisel and hammer, rubber mallet

The chisel and hammer are used to prepare surfaces. Removing old ceramic tile that’s hardened into adhesive is done with a chisel and hammer. A rubber mallet is used to seat large tiles into adhesive.

11. Laser level, spirit level

These tools are used to check and ensure levelness. Professional models are recommended, including a laser level with several features (tripod, wall mount), with two laser lines at a 90° angle, an accuracy of 0.2-0.5 mm/m, bubble levels for wall alignment, a range of about 30 m (possibly with a receiver to extend the range). A professional spirit level is wide (4 cm), has good measuring accuracy (0.5 mm/m), and is 60-90 cm long, resistant to mechanical impact, non-slip, and easy to handle.

12. Straightedge, square

The straightedge is used to level mortar layers. A square (fixed or adjustable) is used to measure angles.

13. Trowel, float, grout spatula

The trowel and float are used in masonry work (plastering), for carrying small amounts of plaster and for scraping and smoothing it. The grout spatula is used for grouting.

14. Notched trowels, small teeth (2-3 mm) and large teeth (1 cm)

Notched trowels are used to apply adhesive (using the combing technique). Small-tooth ones are used for mosaics.

15. Tape measure, folding ruler, string, pencil

The tape measure (5m) and folding ruler are used for measuring, while string and a pencil are used for marking and drawing lines.

16. Sprayer, cloths, sponge, specific applicators

These are used for natural stone treatment work.

17. Laser distance meter

Used for precisely measuring distances, areas, and volumes (e.g. Trotec – Germany). Measuring accuracy is +/- 3 mm/m, with a measuring range of up to 40 m.

18. Joint-filling/grouting tool

Used for joints of at least 10 mm. Attaches to the drill. The nozzle is plastic or rubber. It uses the drill’s variable-speed feature to fill joints quickly.

19. Adhesive gun

Designed for cladding using tube adhesive. Similar to a silicone gun.

Depending on the type of job, other specific tools are also used (e.g. a carpenter’s hammer and copper nails for fixing slate tiles to a roof, an adhesive gun for flexible slate); these tools will be specified in the relevant installation chapters.

Note: the technical data provided is for guidance only.