How to cut a slate slab (and how difficult is it)?

[Oxbow16]

Hi 

 

An old slate slab has come up that I would like to use for a kitchen worktop.  It's from an old snooker table and is 30mm thick.  

 

I'll need to cut it roughly in the first instance so that I can move it and fit it into the car.  I can then cut it more precisely once the unit is made and I have exact details.  

 

I've never done it before...   For a rough cut and at that thickness, what would be best to use?  I have got:

 

- a large circular saw (are they all capable of cutting stone with the correct blade or are some machines for wood only)? 
- a mini circular saw (Worx)
- an angle grinder (but with no discs so would need to buy whatever would be suitable).

 

Hoping to collect tomorrow, so any advice would be fantastic.

 

Many thanks

[Russell griffiths]

Angle grinder with a segmented blade, and a dust mask. 

[SteamyTea]

Take it to a stone masons. Easy job for them, a few minutes.

[joe90]

3 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

Take it to a stone masons. Easy job for them, a few minutes.

But he needs to cut it to move it!,! Yes 9” angle grinder with stone blade, ear defenders goggles and mask.

[SteamyTea]

17 minutes ago, joe90 said:

But he needs to cut it to move it

Ah, missed that.

Yes, angle grinder and a big, cheap, diamond disk.

 

[JamesP]

This. 

25 minutes ago, joe90 said:

But he needs to cut it to move it!,! Yes 9” angle grinder with stone blade, ear defenders goggles and mask.

Used the disc below. Perfect.

 

[saveasteading]

Or if you like a challenge.

 

Place the slab on a bed of sand so that it is fully supported.

Gently/firmly chip a cut line with hammer and cold chisel.

Repeat, getting deeper.

Turn over and chisel the same line.

At some stage the stone should break on the line.....but sometimes it won't.

It worked for thousands of years before disc cutters.

[Oxbow16]

In the end, I wasn't able to get that particular piece but will have the need to cut slate in the future so all really helpful stuff that I'll refer back to  

 

Many thanks one and all

 

PS - I do like to do things manually where ever possible so I might well start with your suggestion @saveasteading  - especially if I've got a scrap piece or ten to practice on first!

[saveasteading]

4 hours ago, Oxbow16 said:

a scrap piece or ten to practice on first

Concrete paving slabs are cheaper for practice, but also concrete blocks if you have spare.