Members Artificial Intelligence Posted July 28, 2015 Members Report Posted July 28, 2015 I've found a granite slab for sale that's made for making chocolates which is maybe half the thickness of the other slab I'm looking at buying and half the price. I would go for the cheaper one if the thickness was sufficient. The chocolate slab is maybe an inch thick judging from the photo but can you guys tell me how thick is thick enough? Should I go for the slab that's perhaps twice the thickness? I hope you guys are able to help Quote
Moderator Art Posted July 28, 2015 Moderator Report Posted July 28, 2015 The real question is what you are going to put the slap onto? An old government wooden or steel desk that was there after the building collapsed (mine), 1" ok, 2 1/2" way better. But if it is going to sit on a flimsy table, then the table wouldn't hold the thickness you need. Bounce is the problem, not the slab thickness. The basement slab is a better base than the floor of a third floor loft. Art Quote
Members Toney Posted July 28, 2015 Members Report Posted July 28, 2015 I got a sink cutout for free!!! Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted July 28, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted July 28, 2015 1" will work if you have something solid under it. Quote
Members Artificial Intelligence Posted July 28, 2015 Author Members Report Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) The real question is what you are going to put the slap onto? An old government wooden or steel desk that was there after the building collapsed (mine), 1" ok, 2 1/2" way better. But if it is going to sit on a flimsy table, then the table wouldn't hold the thickness you need. Bounce is the problem, not the slab thickness. The basement slab is a better base than the floor of a third floor loft. Art The table is a Hartleys 4ft folding table and has a stated '150kg max loading capacity'. Going by what you say JSLeather, the chocolate slab will be fine especially considering what Art said about thickness not being an issue in the first place, since bounce is primarily what you're looking for. Thank you for your input guys. Edited July 28, 2015 by Artificial Intelligence Quote
Members JRDill Posted July 28, 2015 Members Report Posted July 28, 2015 This is a great question I was about to ask! I have an old military style metal desk with a wooden top. My working area is the first floor of my two story home with a basement under me. What thickness of granite should I get, and where should I look for an inexpensive option? Quote
Members terrypen Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 Before you buy your granite slab, do yourself a favor and lookup kitchen counter top installation stores and see if you can get a scrap piece or a sink cutout. If you tell them what you are using it for, they will more than likely give you a piece or sell it cheap! Quote
Members JRDill Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 Already found 5 to call tomorrow! Quote
Members Jwalker Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 (edited) sounds thin to me...the slab i bought is 2"....the slab i was given by a custom granite guy is lil thicker...you could probly use this piece as long as its used on a SOLID surface...should make a nice 'thud' when used...heh..Peter M. tools on a piece of steel...students tool on the rock he started with- isn't even 1 sq ft..lol lotta headstone makers have great scraps free or cheap Edited July 30, 2015 by Jwalker Quote
Members LumpenDoodle2 Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 I sourced my lump of granite from a reclamation yard about 10 minutes from my house. £5 for a bit of finished granite that fits the corner of my desk perfectly. Quote
Members humperdingle Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 I used a 3/4" thick slab of marble and sat it on top of one of those lap trays (hard tray on top with a big bag of polystyrene beads underneath). It probably sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does. Also means I can sit sown with the tray on my lap if I feel laaaazy :D Quote
Members BondoBobCustomSaddles Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 That's funny, I use a piece of boiler plate too. I started out with what I had sitting there, always intending to get a granite to replace it, still am one off these days! Bob Quote
Members oltoot Posted July 30, 2015 Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 Reject headstone from a monument company. Quote
Members Artificial Intelligence Posted July 30, 2015 Author Members Report Posted July 30, 2015 Because I currently don't have a car weight is also a consideration too, so if the thinner granite will work that will probably be more practical for me in getting the damn thing home. Quote
Northmount Posted July 30, 2015 Report Posted July 30, 2015 Thin slabs need to be adequately supported. If for example, the ends are resting on the support, but the middle is slightly above the support, it will crack with repeated hammering. Other than that, a good solid sturdy bench under most any thickness of slab will work. Portable is nice, which goes against using 3 or 4 inch thick slabs. But it depends on your work area and what you have at hand to work with. Eventually, people move towards a good solid bench under a 1" or thicker slab. Steel plate certainly does the job too. Maybe it needs to be waxed or sealed to ensure the leather doesn't pick up any iron, or will turn blue/black due to the reaction with tannin in the leather. I definitely wouldn't leave a damp piece of vegtan on bare steel. Tom Quote
Members club49 Posted September 24, 2015 Members Report Posted September 24, 2015 I JUST HAD A 2" PIECE OF GRANET CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE, IT COAST ME $50.00 . JIM Quote
Members Colt W Knight Posted September 25, 2015 Members Report Posted September 25, 2015 (edited) I am going to get an tombstone next. The more I tool, the more I want something thats more solid and deadens more sound. I have a big anvil that works great, but its doesnt have a big enough surface area and it rusts Edited September 25, 2015 by Colt W Knight Quote
Members victorl Posted September 25, 2015 Members Report Posted September 25, 2015 I picked up a 10-inch thick piece of unwanted granite for 10 bucks from a local tombstone maker and it was a bugger to carry home, but it's super smooth and works like a charm. Haven't got a bench yet so I just put it on the floor and no matter how hard I hit, the only sound I hear is the maul hitting the stamps. Quote
Reegesc Posted September 26, 2015 Report Posted September 26, 2015 I use a 3" thick tombstone which is perfect because try as you might, you can't beat it to death. Get it...death...beat.... The other thing to consider is: Free = Good Tombstone = Good Free + Tombstone = Nirvana Quote
Members TheCyberwolfe Posted September 26, 2015 Members Report Posted September 26, 2015 If you can't find something for dirt cheap in your area, the next-best bet is to dig through Amazon for a "surface plate", which is a 18"x24"x3" granite slab machined to be as near to perfectly flat as you can get. I got one for $80 including freight, but I have seen them cheaper. Just make sure you have a sturdy table, damn thing weighs over 50 lbs. Quote
Members DrmCa Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 One can always get a thinner slab and put it over poured concrete. Quote
Members Wild Bill46 Posted October 1, 2015 Members Report Posted October 1, 2015 My Granite counter top slab was roughly 18"x 24" I got it for next to nothing, at one of those Granite/Marble establishments. its 1-1/4" thick (standard counter top thickness, I beleive) ? even got to pick the color I liked best ! I brought it home on the back of my Harley ! I have a 3/4" plywood/w/-laminated masonite top on my desk, and I've had Zero troubles with it there. I'm of the opinion thicker is better ! Good luck with your choice. Wild Bill46 Quote
mlapaglia Posted October 1, 2015 Report Posted October 1, 2015 I use a 3" thick tombstone which is perfect because try as you might, you can't beat it to death. Get it...death...beat.... The other thing to consider is: Free = Good Tombstone = Good Free + Tombstone = Nirvana Nirvana? Isn't that where Pat Sajak stands? Get it? Near Vanna? Sorry but you started it. Quote
Members Wild Bill46 Posted October 3, 2015 Members Report Posted October 3, 2015 Have you seen the wrinkles in both Pat and Vanna ? were all gettin older folks ! lol Quote
Members Colt W Knight Posted October 3, 2015 Members Report Posted October 3, 2015 Have you seen the wrinkles in both Pat and Vanna ? were all gettin older folks ! lol I seem to be getting rounder as I age. Not wrinkly. Quote
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