How do u cut slate tile for a roof?
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Slate is cut with a "pinch off" tool that looks like a giant set of cut off pliers, a pinch sheer between to knife edges, and is about a foot wide. The tool can be rented in the East, places like Boston and Ct , but ive not seen this in the midwest. Probably due to the lack of slate roofs around he midwest.
So to cut if simply put the roof tile into the shear and draw down on the pinch handle. Why reinvent when this tool has been around for like a thousand years.
with a wet ban saw (i'ts not cheep to rent one).
Roofing slate typically comes cut into a standard shape with two holes drilled in it.You will need a slate hammer and a T Bar, to install it, it looks like a hammer with a flat V for a head. It has a square face and a pointed end. The shaft has a chisel for cutting the tiles. First you take a slate and tap it a couple of times. If it rings like a dinner plate then it has no cracks. if it has a dull "thunk" sound then it has cracks in it and you cant use it. You can use the pointed end for scribing a line for cutting a the width of a smaller tile. You use the edge on the shaft to chop. You stab the pointed end of the T Bar into a plank and set the slate on it upside down. Use the pointed end to pound a hole from the back side and then hang it as the other tiles. You have to use copper nails for hanging as well.
masonry carbide blade to fit on a circle saw or a 4" diamond blade to fit on a side grinder
I put a slate roof on a small house in Vermont. You can get a wet saw as the other guy answered or you can rent a tile cutter that is not electrical.
Another way is to get a fiber blade that will fir on your skill saw. I've done it that way too. Be sure to wear eye protection
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