Want to include the cutout of the corner pocket in case I decide to build a pocket....as realistic as possible with the shelf, facing angles, etc. Could probably get all 3 pieces needed out of one end of slate.
Slate Question
- Thread starter DTL
- Start date
Want to include the cutout of the corner pocket in case I decide to build a pocket....as realistic as possible with the shelf, facing angles, etc. Could probably get all 3 pieces needed out of one end of slate.
Maybe better to just cut new pocket cut-outs?
No doubt depends on time/cost vs multiple slates vs 1, factored by whether the original pockets on the angle slate are perfectly ideal anyway.
I've cut 1" slate and gabro shapes with a diamond edged jigsaw blade.
In the 80's at the slate quarry with the table builder, they just cut the pockets with hard steel blades in a heavy fretsaw frame, including the angle. Seems like one blade only lasted 2 or 3 pockets, though. They (& the table builder in his shop) dressed the cut-outs with a coarse float (rasp). Rough cuts can also be contoured with abrasive belts or cylinders. Powered abrasive is ridiculously dusty if done dry, though.
Sedimentary stones like slate are remarkably stable, but it is not a certainty that a cut section will be as flat as the piece it was cut from. For what you intend to build, it shouldn't matter as the section should be relatively easy to level with either a screw leveling system, or shims.
smt
No doubt depends on time/cost vs multiple slates vs 1, factored by whether the original pockets on the angle slate are perfectly ideal anyway.
I've cut 1" slate and gabro shapes with a diamond edged jigsaw blade.
In the 80's at the slate quarry with the table builder, they just cut the pockets with hard steel blades in a heavy fretsaw frame, including the angle. Seems like one blade only lasted 2 or 3 pockets, though. They (& the table builder in his shop) dressed the cut-outs with a coarse float (rasp). Rough cuts can also be contoured with abrasive belts or cylinders. Powered abrasive is ridiculously dusty if done dry, though.
Sedimentary stones like slate are remarkably stable, but it is not a certainty that a cut section will be as flat as the piece it was cut from. For what you intend to build, it shouldn't matter as the section should be relatively easy to level with either a screw leveling system, or shims.
smt