How to Pick a Rock Saw

Select a saw with a blade diameter that is three times larger than the biggest rock you plan on cutting. For example, if you want to cut a four-inch rock you will need a 12-inch blade. The reason for this is that you can only cut up to a diameter of a little less than half the size of the blade. If the diameter of the rock gets too close to half the size of the blade, it could bind up the saw.

Choose a variable speed or power feed (fixed-speed) saw. If you know that you want to make the same types of cuts repeatedly, then you may want to opt for a power feed saw, because you can set everything up and allow the saw to do the work as you wait. However, if you have multiple angles and different types of cuts that you want to make, across multiple types of rocks, then you will want a variable-speed saw.

Purchase the heaviest blade you can afford. The heavier the blade, the straighter the saw cut. Thin blades tend to flex as the saw puts pressure against the rock, causing the blade to wander off course slightly. Thinner blades also wear out faster when cutting harder rocks.

Ensure that the saw has safety devices installed. Most rock saws have automatic shutoffs if you are to open the lid while the saw is running. Check for a grounded outlet, and it is recommended that you purchase a saw that has an automatic shutoff is there is a problem with the feed platform, which could damage the saw if allowed to keep moving when the rock is stuck in the wrong position.