Any tips on breaking rocks?

[WIlliam_Butler_Yeets]

Hey folks, I've been thinking recently I'd like to try a root-over-rock ficus microcarpa, and picked this up from an aquarium supply store in town. My eyes might have been a little bigger than my proverbial stomach, but I really like the texture of it and think it will look fantastic with some future ficus roots slithering along it. The problem is that the rock is a bit big and doesn't have any flat surface to support the side I want to stick up out of the pot. Any advice on how to try and break it along a line and hopefully not cause too much collateral damage?

 

[August44]

They make saw blades for electric saws that do that. Also rock hounds usually have saws that will cut rock and will usually cut for you. $ might be involved.

 

[WIlliam_Butler_Yeets]

They make saw blades for electric saws that do that. Also rock hounds usually have saws that will cut rock and will usually cut for you. $ might be involved

oh, that's a good idea! I'll have to see if I can find a lapidary or somebody who can do the job, got so into my head about it I figured I'd have to end up doing it myself

 

[Shibui]

Diamond blade for the angle grinder slices through rock relatively easily.
Demolition saw with masonry blade. Available from hire shops.
Brick saw - hire or find a bricklayer to do it for you.
Even if you can only cut part way through from both sides it should then crack following the cut when you hit with a hammer and cold chisel or brick bolster.

 

[Attmos]

oh, that's a good idea! I'll have to see if I can find a lapidary or somebody who can do the job, got so into my head about it I figured I'd have to end up doing it myself

I cut and shape stone all the time.

The best way to do it (without fancy lapidary equipment) is to buy an inexpensive wet tile saw, and a diamond blade that will fit it.
If you're just gonna do this once, you can use a diamond blade on a regular table saw, or circular saw. I think that stone might be too big to use an angle grinder with a diamond blade, although you could just score it like Shibui said... and then crack the stone along the line.

It's a simple thing to do though, when you have the right equipment. Good luck and have fun.

 

[WIlliam_Butler_Yeets]

Ended up getting this cut by a pro with a lapidary shop about an hour away for a grand total of $4.00, although I made sure to spend about another $30 on roughs for my tumbler and a cool piece of crocodile jasper

 

[Wulfskaar]

Really cool rock(s)!

 

[WIlliam_Butler_Yeets]

Really cool rock(s)!

Yeah, I like it! Not exactly sure what it is, but I assume it must be some kind of igneous based on the texture

 

[Wulfskaar]

Yeah, I like it! Not exactly sure what it is, but I assume it must be some kind of igneous based on the texture

I think it's sedimentary (clay) that has been eroded to look like that.

I look forward to seeing what you do with it!