Big lumps (often around 5-10tonnes) are brought down from the quarry face to the sheds where they are reduced to more manageable sizes.
These smaller lumps, perhaps 2-5 tons are then 'squared' off.
The squared off lumps will vary in size depending on the shape of the original block. The production manager will determine what sizes slates will be produced from these.
Where it is possible to produce 500 24x12s it will normally be possible to produce 1,500 16x12s out of the same piece. So 500 24x12s will cost you about the same amount as 1500 16x12s for this reason - therefore the demand for 16x12s is much higher as they cost around £42 per m2 laid as opposed to £70+ Per m2 for the 24's - the quarry make around the same amount of profit either way. But due to the obvious demand for the most economic choice, they only tend to produce the 24s on special order rather than as a stock item.
Apologies to Blissbaby!
These smaller lumps, perhaps 2-5 tons are then 'squared' off.
The squared off lumps will vary in size depending on the shape of the original block. The production manager will determine what sizes slates will be produced from these.
Where it is possible to produce 500 24x12s it will normally be possible to produce 1,500 16x12s out of the same piece. So 500 24x12s will cost you about the same amount as 1500 16x12s for this reason - therefore the demand for 16x12s is much higher as they cost around £42 per m2 laid as opposed to £70+ Per m2 for the 24's - the quarry make around the same amount of profit either way. But due to the obvious demand for the most economic choice, they only tend to produce the 24s on special order rather than as a stock item.
Apologies to Blissbaby!
