Cutting a piece of old chalkboard slate

[josephdamien]

I have a piece of an old schoolhouse chalkboard slate about 3' x 4'. I want to cut this slate into smaller pieces to use in my house and my workshop but have no idea how to do this. Can anyone help? I could not determine if this would fit in another category so am posting it here. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

 

[wotan]

you could use an angle grinder with suitable stone cutting disc, or for more accurate cutting take it to someone with a tile cutting machine.

Wotan

 

[josephdamien]

Thanks Wotan for your reply. I think I have an angle grinder and will have to get a carbide or diamond blade and give this a try. I also found a Youtube video regarding this and the guy also used an angle grinder. Hope it works. If anyone else has a suggestion, I am open to all! Thanks!

 

[ntb]

I'd use a grinder too. Sounds like you don't use it often so have a practice on something else first!

 

[Burnerman]

I guess it depends on how thick the slab is, but I'd be looking at water cooling too....helps with the dust at the same time.
John

 

[josephdamien]

Thanks ntb and Burnerman for your responses. And no, I haven't used my grinder very much and so may practice on a small corner of the piece of slate. I may, as Burnerman indicates, need to use some water for the dust and perhaps the heat. I know in cutting tile you need to have water running on the cutting area. This piece is from an old school and is not very thick. I think between 1/4" and 1/2". Again, thanks for the replies.

 

[ntb]

If it's not very thick, supporting the piece properly becomes important because stresses from the cutting could cause it to fracture. Something with even support and a bit of give - a thick sheet of polystyrene either side of the cut line would be ideal. Or a tile cutter as has been mentioned.

I was thinking practice on some old concrete, bricks or paving slabs rather than your nice bit of slate btw.

 

[josephdamien]

Thanks ntb. I'll be sure to give it good support. I know that it is very easy to shatter. I have some bricks and other items I can practice on. I'll post at some point with my results. Have to get to town and look for a proper blade for the angle grinder. Thanks for your comment.