Cutting is the most dusty of all processes. The stone is first sliced into slabs using an electric saw. Then shapes are marked with a pencil and cut out according to the size of the product required. These are stuck to metal grips with araldite (a type of epoxy adhesive) and then put onto the machine where they are shaped using chisels and filing tools. Finally the piece is rubbed with sandpaper. Once ready, it is removed from the machine by cutting with a saw. For simpler and smaller products, all the slicing is done with the hand held saw. These pieces are then sent to the carving experts.
