silestone?

[Kyle Stapleton]

We have been asked to make a small name plate out of silestone, my question in can we or should we do it?

Thanks,

[steve_g]

Silestone is composed of 94% natural quartz. Plan on getting highly abrasive dust on your machine… It Has a Mhos hardness of 7, I’ve etched glass with a carbide v-bit which has a hardness rating of 6. You’re not likely to be happy with the results.
SG

[Kyle Stapleton]

Thanks for the input, I will be saying no to this request.

[bleeth]

You can etch it with a diamond drag bit. Don't even think about trying to v-carve without stonecutters bits and water wash (not mist).
Frankly-it's really a job for a good stone shop. The epoxy binder actually makes it cut easier then granite.