Looking to buy a rotary tool to cut large live rock, any recommendations?

[leonardomanzano]

I noticed that there’s a sale on rotary tools near me and I would like to buy one to mainly cut large rocks that I have in my tank.
many recommendations on which tool to buy as well as which blades to use?
I’m talking about 15 pound rocks that are wider than they are taller

 

[jmichaelh7]

I tried using Dremel that was pointless

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

This. But with a cutoff disc.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Battery operated 4 inch grinder with a masonry blade and a chisel and hammer...

 

[Gatorpa]

I noticed that there’s a sale on rotary tools near me and I would like to buy one to mainly cut large rocks that I have in my tank.
many recommendations on which tool to buy as well as which blades to use?
I’m talking about 15 pound rocks that are wider than they are taller

I assume youre removing the rocks for the tank before cutting?


If so get a grinder with a tile cutting blade. Score the part of the rock with the grinder and then a small chisel you can cleave the rock. Cut deeper to ensure a precise cleave.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

This. But with a cutoff disc. View attachment 2950249

Yes this! But I do not like Ridgid brand for battery tools. I have a bunch, but they do not hold a candle to my Milwaukee tools.

 

[leonardomanzano]

Yes this! But I do not like Ridgid brand for battery tools. I have a bunch, but they do not hold a candle to my Milwaukee tools.

How do you feel about the “CRAFTSMAN” brand? They have an angle grinder for $50.
Would this be a good budget option?

V20 4.5-in 20-Volt Max Trigger Switch Cordless Angle Grinder https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-V20-4-5-in-20-Volt-Max-Cordless-Angle-Grinder/1000578303

 

[leonardomanzano]

I assume youre removing the rocks for the tank before cutting?


If so get a grinder with a tile cutting blade. Score the part of the rock with the grinder and then a small chisel you can cleave the rock. Cut deeper to ensure a precise cleave.

Would this blade work for what I want to do?

Diamond Edge 2-Pack Diamond 4.5-in-Grit Cut-off Wheel https://www.lowes.com/pd/Spyder-4-1-2-in-Diamond-Blade-2-Ct-BOGO-Pk/1001310088

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

How do you feel about the “CRAFTSMAN” brand? They have an angle grinder for $50.
Would this be a good budget option?

V20 4.5-in 20-Volt Max Trigger Switch Cordless Angle Grinder https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-V20-4-5-in-20-Volt-Max-Cordless-Angle-Grinder/1000578303

That is the tool only. No battery or charger included. A good battery is what will get you. Which is my problem with the rigid brand. I have batteries that won’t take a charge after a year, So it’s kinda a waste of a tool. But if you’re not going to use it that much and you do not need to be super precise. Hammer, masonry chisel and goggles is the way to go.

 

[exnisstech]

I bought a diamond blade and put it on my table saw and use that. It actually works pretty well and both hands are free to rotate the rock as needed.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Yes this! But I do not like Ridgid brand for battery tools. I have a bunch, but they do not hold a candle to my Milwaukee tools.

Old Milwaukee is top of the line along with makita. I only posted this as reference for the type of tool needed. Dremels can't cut it. No pun intended.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

That is the tool only. No battery or charger included. A good battery is what will get you. Which is my problem with the rigid brand. I have batteries that won’t take a charge after a year, So it’s kinda a waste of a tool. But if you’re not going to use it that much and you do not need to be super precise. Hammer, masonry chisel and goggles is the way to go.

Ridgid is not my favorite. The absolute worst is Ryobi though. Fun fact, many of these brands are owned by the same company.

 

[exnisstech]

Old Milwaukee is top of the line along with makita. I only posted this as reference for the type of tool needed. Dremels can't cut it. No pun intended.

It toward the bottom shelf of beers but will do when funds are low.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

It toward the bottom shelf of beers but will do when funds are low.
View attachment 2950813

wow. three piece can. this was one of my favorite beers growing up in the midwest. along with meister brau and schlitz.

 

[Gatorpa]

Would this blade work for what I want to do?

Diamond Edge 2-Pack Diamond 4.5-in-Grit Cut-off Wheel https://www.lowes.com/pd/Spyder-4-1-2-in-Diamond-Blade-2-Ct-BOGO-Pk/1001310088

Yep

 

[Gatorpa]

That is the tool only. No battery or charger included. A good battery is what will get you. Which is my problem with the rigid brand. I have batteries that won’t take a charge after a year, So it’s kinda a waste of a tool. But if you’re not going to use it that much and you do not need to be super precise. Hammer, masonry chisel and goggles is the way to go.

Or just buy a $40 makita and be done with it. had one for like 12 years for cutting tile etc