In "home" construction or repair, a material such as slate is often used. But sometimes you do not need a single sheet, but only a part of it. Also you have to do some curly "cuttings".And here there are difficulties and questions: HOW and WHAT to do it? Let's try to understand.
It should be borne in mind that at present two types of slate are used. The first one is traditional, made of asbestos cement. The second one is called "euroshire", in which asbestos no longer exists. Sawing the slate can be various ways, with the use of different tools.
by Bulgarian
A circle with diamond dusting should be used. It should be taken into account that a lot of dust will form. The best way out is to work with a partner. One produces a slate of slate, and another pours this place with water. It is also good that water will also prevent contamination of the diamond disc. Hence - the quality of the resulting cut will increase. In addition, the Bulgarian then can easily process all the irregularities on the edges of the resulting fragments. In winter, it is better to carry out such work directly on the snow. Only the bulgarian will need to be pressed to the sheet from above.
Electric jig saw
A somewhat inconvenient process, since it takes more time. It is necessary to use the low-speed mode and not to press strongly.
Hand saw
Use a tool with small teeth. True, here you need extreme accuracy and slowness. The main thing is to go strictly along the line, do not split the material and do not break the file.
Cutter
The procedure is the same as for cutting thick glass. But it is possible to cut slate only if the line needs to be made longitudinally, and not across the "wave".On the planned line several times pass the cutter, and then on the line the sheet is broken off. To begin with, you still need to practice on some single piece.
Without a special tool
Along the line, you need to make several holes( drill a hole, pierce with a nail - only a special slate).It is desirable to make more holes along the line. After that, on the edge of the workbench, the sheet is broken like glass. You can put a rail under the slate and break it. It is better if the holes are of small diameter, but there will be a lot of them - then the edges of the fracture will be smoother.
General recommendation for sawing
It should be taken into account that when cutting traditional slate, asbestos dust is released in large quantities. Therefore, it is necessary to protect both the eyes and the respiratory tract from damage. When working with slate you need to use safety glasses, respirator. Hands should be protected with gloves, as dust penetrates into the pores of the skin. Work should be carried out either on the street or on a good draft. If the premises are closed, then a good hood should be arranged.
I recommend - a video on how to keep a slate roof for many years and significantly extend its service life:
