Cutting Fireslate

[j44ke]

I repaired the door on our Bosch oven today so it closes now, and we can heat the oven beyond 350F. Before I put the door back on, I did some cleaning and the next thing I knew I had the stove out and was cleaning in around and under our kitchen island. I found all sorts of things, including an extra live electrical connection (safely wirenutted and captured in a junction box) that we can use for a counter surface outlet - something we've wanted since moving in.

The counter is Fireslate. The old stuff had asbestos in it, but this was part of a kitchen renovation done by the previous owners in 2008 so I think we are safe in that regard. However, masks, vacuum on the saw cut, etc. will be used during any cutting.

Cutting! Can I just put a carbide blade in my jigsaw, drill corner holes and cut out a rectangle? Or is this a wet cut situation? Or am I better off letting someone else break it? I would like to put one of these Lew popup outlets in the top. Pretty straightforward wiring.

[rwsaunders]

Jorn...the newer Fireslate used silica sand as one of the components of the mix so be careful when cutting in terms of breathing in the dust. Other than that, you are essentially cutting concrete which might demand a wet blade or just patience and time with a strong blade mounted to a hole saw handle. It certainly shouldn't be as hard as cutting marble or granite.