Working with stone tile

[Shane]

I'm interested in getting a stone tile to work into an nice, curved
organic shape.

Apparently some grinding wheels will cut stone, but I'm wondering if
anyone has any experience working with stone tile and could maybe
offer up some tips or advice.

Thanks in advance.

[Have Blue]

I have zero experience, but I'd really like to try one of these
endmills at some point to CNC some stone pieces:
http://www.2linc.com/pr102408.htm (naturally, I'd set the work up in
a tub or something - don't want the 'chips' getting anywhere near the
ways...)

[Shane]

It may be possible to etch stone tile with the laser cutter. I'm
going to run some tests on Wednesday....

[ma...@neesley.com]

I did some thinking about this.  I worked for a stone countertop shop a few years ago and whenever they cut stone, (natural or man-made) they always had the surface flooded with water, whether they were cutting it on a big beam saw or with hand tools.  Before anyone tries cutting stone we should check with a professional to be sure we aren't releasing a lot of harmful particles into the air that could jeopardize equipment or people.

-MattN

[kode...@yahoo.com]

Indeed. Fine dust from stone will build up in your lungs over time, as
your body can't get rid of it, which leads to a variety of symptoms
associated with "black lung". If you're working in stone, you always
want a good stream of water running over your cutter to keep the dust
down.
-Steve

[Shane]

Well, I do know that malachite is poisonous as a fine powder...they
need to wear masks to work the stuff.

I think I'll contact a company that does this and see what they do.
I've seen several companies brag about how you can use their cutters
for stone etching, but I've yet to see one that has a water pump/
sprayer attached, so I wonder if people just modify theirs or what....