Post #330529 by Paipo on Wed, Sep 5, 2007 6:00 PM

Bugger it, I'll just jump right in. Usually, a series of parallel fractures like the ones (that were) visible in this pic are a good indication of where your slabs are best cut.

The orientation of the stone is fairly clear in this pic....grain is vertical and clearly visible. Always cut with the grain (I sure hope this doesn't contradict the pic above...is this the opposite end?)

As for the Klingon, strike that part only against something very solid...another rock (preferable) or the edge of a vise, by holding the block and bringing the face (which now has a face :) ) downwards onto your opposing object. Always better to strike the stone in question against something else if practical, rather than the other way around. It should cleave off quite easily if you hit it sharply on the right spot.

But also do what I suggested first...play around with that little piece, cut it the 3 different ways that are possible (1 short, 2 long) and look at the difference in structure and translucency, as well as the cleanness of the cut surface.