What Tools do I need to go from slabs to round & oval shaped Granite Pieces?

[TrentWichman]

I work at a monument company and we get tons of scrap from a local granite countertop fabricator.  I was wondering what kind of tools I could use to shape slabs (other than a wet tilesaw).  I was wondering what I could use to get rounds and oval shaped pieces.  I've heard a diamond blade and grinder but I was unsure if the intention was to grind down to the desired shape.  Please let me know any input is GREATLY APPRECIATED. I am going to buy a we tilesaw from Home Depot in the next few days (if anyone can recommend any particular brand even if it's a special order) as well as order a drill I can use core diamond bits with and a wet grinder/polisher.  Please let me know what other tools and what wheels and polishing pads I will need.  Going from layout work at a monument company to fabrication on 1.25" slabs.  Thanks all.

[Mark D.]

Lots to talk about!
What are the dimensions on the stone you will cut? If you want to cut shapes this is a great saw for it but you will have to beef up the stand if you are putting 200lbs or more on it:
http://www.defusco.com/Saws-&-Accessories-Tile-Saws-&-Accessories-Tile-Saws/c40_655_42/p2376/Revolution-XT-Tile-Ring-Saw-Package/product_info.html

If you want to put on edge details look at these tools which fit on an electric grinder:
http://www.defusco.com/Diamond-Products-Grinder-Shaping-Bits/c25_621/index.html

for a core drill you can use these on a dry grinder or a wet grinder:
http://www.defusco.com/Diamond-Products-Drilling-Solutions-for-Stone,-Ti-Dry-Segmented-Hi-Speed-Stone-Cor/c25_497_680/index.html

for wet grinders check this out:
http://www.defusco.com/Power-&-Pneumatic-Tools-Wet-Stone-Grinders-&-Polishers/c78_31/index.html
some of them even come withthe polishing pads!

You may want to check out our DVD set on fabricating stone:
http://www.defusco.com/How-To-DVDs-&-Tool-Packages/c654/p2478/Buy-Fabricating-Stone-DVDs-1,2-&-3.--Save-10/product_info.html

Glad to be of service,
Mark