how short can I cut slates?

[Dunc]

Probably a daft question but...Can I cut slates short? (rather than narrow - I know I need ~150mm width minimum).

Using 400x250mm spanish slate, pre-holed, nailed direct to sarking board.

Unfortunately the first full course with a decent hang in to the gutter will line it's nail holes directly on the gap between two rows of sarking boards. Obviously there's an eaves course underneath this. Just wondering if it's reasonable to shorten the tails of the first course 25-30mm to move everything down and get the nail holes on to the boards. I can't set them higher as there won't be enough hang into the gutter.

If I don't shorten them, then with the head lap and guage I'll end up on the edge of the sarking boards for several rows of slates before it all sorts itself out. I'd rather cut one row of slates than re-hole 7 rows.

[Mr Punter]

Could you add an extra batten?

[nod]

I alway start with the first row on its side Covering the first baton Then another baton 10 mil higher to catch the nail holes of the first vertical slate 

[Dunc]

No battens - this is nailed direct to sarking, as appears to be normal practice in Scotland.

[makie]

Just put some new holes in the slate either above or below the nail holes you have. This won't be the only course that has the issue.

[SteeVeeDee]

As long as the guage and overlap work out then cut them to suit. Ideally you'd re-hole but that can be frustrating and you lose a few due to inexperience.