Anglesey Smallholder

Today I decided to make a simple slate plaque for my sheep’s house.  The process was very easy.  I will probably redo it at some point with a better picture!  I used an old broken roofing slate.

First, cut the slate to the size and shape you want.  I started off using a hacksaw, then remembered that I have a jigsaw and finished cutting it using that.  Mark the cuts using a ruler and pencile, then slowly cut along the lines.  Use a set-square to make sure that the corners are true right-angles.

If you’re using a jigsaw, make sure you choose a fine-toothed blade, set it on a medium speed, and go slowly and carefully.  When you are cutting wear goggles and a mask – the dust is quite fine and you don’t want to be breathing it in.

When you have finished cutting out your shape, draw your picture on it with a pencil.  Hopefully you have more artistic talent than I do!

When you’ve finished drawing, fit an engraving bit to your miniature drill, and start going over your lines.  An engraving bit looks like a small sphere.  Again, use a medium speed setting.

I found that the best way to use the engraving bit was to hold the drill at a 45 degree angle to the workpiece and drag the bit back towards the body of the drill, not to do sideways strokes like you would with a pencil.

Once you’ve finished engraving, wash it off with water and admire your work!  Make the cuts nice and deep so they stand out.  I might paint in them to make it stand out better.

Use a drill to make a hole for mounting it, and you’re done!