ATM Splitting thick blanks

[atmer@webtv.net]

Thick mirror blanks can be cut using a large diamond blade.  The blades
can be found at equipment rental yards that have concrete cutters.

Mount an arbor vertically so the blade spins horizontally above a table
that the blank rests on. Feed the blank into the blade a little at a
time, rotating the blank as you go.

Cooling water is necessary. 

Stops on the table hold the blank in position.

The 16" blanks I cut using this method split cleanly when the cut got
down to the last inch or less at the middle of the disks. The process
took a little over an hour.

The use of home made power saws is, of course, dangerous as are all
tools used improperly.  Don't try this without addressing all health and
safety issues, including but not limited to, guards, Shields, shock
hazards, eye and respiratory hazards, 

This method is mentioned only for those qualified to use it safely.

Jerry