Egyptian slaves

Quoted text begins.Sample technique question (I'm sure you know an answer): You have a 3
tonne altar stone to place directly onto a polished marble floor; what
solution (clue: not a solution at first) do you use to remove slings & lower
it without a scratch or any effort?
End of quote.

I would mark the floor with the outline of the alter, exactly where its to
go. Then I would go with one of 2 options.
1. set the altar on spacers that are tall enough to let you pull the straps
out by hand. 1\4 to 3\8 of an inch is usually enough. Then caulk around the
altar.
2. Outline drawn on floor, then put 1\8 spacers all around inside the
drawing. Ten put 1 inch hard ice cubes in the outline. Set the altar down
(gently) and remove your straps. Then you and all your friends keep the
stone in place as the ice melts. It will easily drift around on the ice so
you have to have everybody watching the corners and lines on the floor.

I've got to go back to the start and say that I would set the stone in place
on equal size spacers and make sure it sets flat and level. I'd look for any
low or high spots on the floor, and make adjustments with the final spacers.

I don't like to put one stone on top of another with out some kind of spacer
between them. You may not be able to see if one corner or side is getting
major pressure that could pop off a corner or flake. The flatter the
surfaces the more likely pressure could focus on one place. Finally, the
heavier the stone the more danger of pressure flaking.

I can't help thinking that Ian is setting us up with a trick question!

George Graham