working with slate

[Paul <pnuttall@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Slate is actually quite soft, though tends to flake.
Shallow reliefs seem to be the usual outcome, though I
prefer to produce sculpture in the round so haven't
tried this. I haven't had the opportunity to work on any
blocks, but have tried various constructions made from
pieces sold as tiles. These can be easily cut with
coping saws, jig saws (handtools) etc into quite
intricate shapes, though with the risk of layers
splitting away.

I cut pieces, then join them together like a
three-dimensional puzzle using slots and ciment fondu.
The planning can be tricky. I've seen a large piece
which was more or less stitched together with copper
wire, and was very effective. I've thought of joining
multiple layers in order to get a solid piece to work
on, but haven't quite got there yet despite lots of
preparation. Edges look quite different to the face,
which I'd like to know how to get around. I've tried
waxing with mixed results.