Hoosir's Woodworking Diary

What amateur tools are used for cutting rocks?

Have a large collection of interesting rock samples out in the country, and thought I might like to get a few tools for my workbench to cut, shape, and polish a few pieces. What basic tools do people use for this sort of thing? Would like to make simple cuts into all sorts of material (petrified wood, quartz, etc.) and polish off cut pieces. Price ranges are appreciated.
The budget allows for two or three hundred dollars (as long as the results are satisfactory). What I’d like is to set up a workshop out at this farmhouse and work my collection into some simple ornaments. For example, in petrified wood, I would like to be able to cut slices along the grain and polish the sections off. I had thought about tile saws, but wasn’t sure if I could get one to handle a more solid material without a jagged cut.

The 4″ Rock Rascal saw isn’t bad. They are about $100 or so. Perfect for cutting small samples and specimens for your collection. I use one all the time to cut small slices from turquoise and meteorites, works great.

Kreg Jig® Workbench Part 2

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