How to Cut Slate for a Wall

Find the water reservoir on a tile saw. The water reservoir is a small plastic container that attaches to the saw and evenly distributes water as you cut the stone. Add water to the container until it reaches the fill line.

Lay the slate on a flat surface, such as a counter or table. Mark the location of the cut mark on the slate with a piece of chalk. The chalk wipes off quickly, but shows you where to cut the slate.

Place earplugs in your ears, cover your eyes with goggles and wear a dust mask. The dust mask stops you from inhaling or swallowing slate particles while using the saw.

Hold the tile saw a few inches above the slate and turn on the saw. Once the blade starts spinning, slowly lower the blade toward the stone. Move the blade across the stone, making an initial cut across the chalk line.

Move the tile saw back to the beginning of your chalk line and go across the line again. Keep moving the saw across the slate, cutting a little deeper each time until the end comes loose and you are left with the cut slate. Repeat the process for each piece of slate required for the wall project.