[MR] Cutting soapstone into slabs

[H L. Falls]

> Unto those assembled does Gorm of Berra, frustrated caster, send greetings...
> 
> I am in possession of two large bricks of soapstone (3"x3"x6" each) which I 
> wish to subdivide down into 20ish 3"x3"x1/2" slabs for carving and casting.
> 
> The problem is that I do not seem to posses the right tools for this job.
> 
> This can be solved with a simple application of money, obviously, but the 
> question is...what *is* the right tool for the job?
> 
> I have a coping saw...but I couldn't cope with it (dulled blades way fast, 
> and tough to cut a straight line).
> 
> I'm not opposed to power tools...in fact I rather like them.  The question 
> is, what power tool to use?
> 
> Alternatively, what manual tool will assist me in cutting a reasonably 
> accurately square slab without an overabundance of effort?
> 
> Gorm
 
Hey Gorm!

I'm sure you'll get other, more helpful answers, but I'll take a shot
at this...

I haven't done a *lot* of soapstone cutting, but what I have, I've
had pretty good luck with an ordinary hacksaw.  Shouldn't be too 
hard to rig a "straight-across miter box" type thing to guide your 
cut (actually, I think most miter boxes do have a square cut guide, 
but the opening may be too wide for the thin hacksaw blade...)

'Course if you have access to a band saw with a metal-cutting blade,
you're set!  :)
 
--Landi (SCA, Inc. member #8978, opposed to the NMS, for those who
  aren't already tearing their hair out over *that* arguement! <:-)