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Print ArticleSTONE FABRICATION SHOP START UP
The following is a checklist of what the basic small shop will need to get started:
IN THE SHOP
- A portable rail saw
- Blade for saw
- Table to cut materials (saw horses can also be used)
- Portable router
- Router bits: Round over; full bull nose (2cm/3cm); and demi bullnose
- Electric or air polisher
- Backer pads: Flexible and hard back
- Electric or air grinder
- Saw blade for grinder
- Contour blade for sink cutouts
- Zero-tolerance bit
- Small electric hand saw with blade
- Set of diamond polishing pads for edge work.
- Set of Alpha turbo diamonds for face polishing with twist touch adapter
- Rounder over bits for polisher
- Clear flowing epoxy for laminations
- Cups to mix epoxy
- Razor blades
- Stirring sticks
- Clamps for laminations
- Plastic gloves
- White rags
- Rods for rodding
- Putty knife plastic
TEMPLATING SUPPLIES
- Tape measure; square; 6-ft. level; 3-ft. level
- Clamps for laminations
- Glues: Clear flowing epoxy for laminations; knife grade polyester for repairs; color kit
- Repair suppliers: Razor blades, acetone, pumice stones, mixing sticks and containers
- Rodding blade and rods
- Markers: Lumber crayon, white out markers
- Templating material: Luan strips or plastic; hot glue gun
SLAB HANDLING AND STORAGE
- Slab handling and storage
- A frame or racks
- Fork lift
- Fork lift boom
- Clamp for lifting slabs
- A frame for transportation
- Carry handles for stone pieces
- Suction cup bars for transporting
INSTALLATION SUPPLIES
- A Frame for transporting
- Carry Clamps, bars or similar devices
- Silicone 100 percent clear
- Polyester knife grade
- Razor blades
- Clean white rags
- Acetone, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol
- Electric saw and blade
- Electric polisher
- Set of diamond abrasives
- Seam setter
- Heat gun
- Tool kit: Hammer, screw drivers, wrenches, etc.
- Masking and duct tape
- Shims
- Sealers and cleaners
- Tape measure, levels
SHOP SET-UP
In addition to the above items you will also need to check the following:
Water Supply: Make sure you have enough spigots, locate them so they are easy to get to with shut off values. You will also need hoses and quick connects. You may want to suspend your hoses from reels on the ceiling.
Drainage: Where will the water go? Depending on the city, county or state you are in, you may have to install a recycling system or at the very least you will need to set up a settle ling tank so that your slurry does not go into the sewer or storm water system.
How will you route the water? You may need to install drainage channels or build a damn around your saw and router station to contain the water. A sump pit and pump may be required also.
If you intend on using air, you will need an air compressor, dryer and airlines. Remember you will need at least one HP for every four CFM required. Many air polishers use at least 16 CFM, so this means you will need at least a 5-HP to run one hand tool.
Make sure you have adequate electrical requirements. Most routers will be 220V single phase. If you plan to expand to a larger saw you will need three-phase power.
Door height: How do you intend to get your slabs inside your shop? You will need a door high enough to bring the slabs in. I would recommend at least and 16-ft. high door opening.
