Machine Quartz Top With Router Bits?

[Derek Arita]

I have a tool that is mounted on a slab of what I think is quartz. That being the case, can I machine the quartz with my carbide router bits?

[Andrew More]

I don't think so, which is why this company is offering routers for stone material starting at $900 and up, along with custom diamond router bits.

https://www.diamondtoolstore.com/stone-routers/

[Derek Arita]

Andrew, I think you're right. Ill need diamond bits at least.

[Bruce Page]

Quartz is an odd material to be used in a machine tool. What type of machining/modification do you need to do? Holes? Slots?

[Derek Arita]

I have a Wicked Edge knife sharpener with a quartz base. I wanted to rout out some areas of the underside in order to allow me to clip some lites onto the base. Two 2"x2" sections, not all the way thru, but enough to thin the 1 1/4" base down to about 3/4" thick.

[Ted Reischl]

Why not just put a sub base under it? I use a piece of quartz for various things and all I did was double sided tape a bunch of "feet" under it so I could clip my lights to it directly.

[Derek Arita]

Ya...that might be my easiest solution.

[Bruce Page]

If it's nothing too precise would a Dremel/die grinder work?

[Steve Rozmiarek]

You can cut it with a wet saw, maybe a little creativity can get it done with a tile saw?

[Wayne Jolly]

I recently had quartz countertops installed in my kitchen. The hole for the sink was cut on-site using a die grinder with diamond wheel. I still have the cut-out piece and when I find a good project for it, I will probably square it up the same way. It would be nice, though, to have some sort of tools for profiles or holes etc.

[David Utterback]

A wet method is needed to lubricate and to control the respirable silica dust. I am a little nervous about creating water spray while I am using an electrified hand tool.

[Dave Sabo]

A wet method is needed to lubricate and to control the respirable silica dust. I am a little nervous about creating water spray while I am using an electrified hand tool.

Double insulated tools are your friends. So are GFCI circuits, plugs , and receptacles. Stone and concrete countertop guys use them all the time.