diamond chainsaws

["tracy powell" <powells@zzzzzzz>]

Hi Doug,

I have used one of these beasts, they can do incredible things.  I would
advise you to rent or borrow, to try one out before you invest, to find out
if it will do what you want.  The most efficient task they do is boring,
with the tip of the bar.  Then you work the bar up and down to widen the
cut.  They will not cut straight down on a flat surface with the long edge
of the bar.  At least my 220 lbs was insuficient.  I believe that this
could be done if you build some sort of frame that could provide a fulcrum.
You know these were invented for cutting windows and door openings into
concrete walls, and they use a guide frame that bolts to the wall with
notches to lever the saw against.  They also can wear unevenly, if you
enter the stone at any angle other than normal, causing the chain to drfit
to one side of the cut.  This can make it difficult to saw a straight line,
and produce a flat plane.  The chains are available in different grits and
matrix configurations, specific for different stones.  They also come in
different price ranges, but don't skimp, buy the best.  Wear earplugs and
be prepared to be soaked.  You need lots of water!

have fun,
tracy powell