Stonemasonry Department 2012
Checks and SplaysIntroduction for Stonemasons
Cutting a CheckMark check lines on joint of stone and scribe lines across the face and top bed to join the
check.
Set in both joints using a half inch chisel.
Ensure that the check is square before
progressing to the next step.
Using a teeth tool, cut a V about 5mm-10mm from the cutting line. Try
to get the V as deep as possible without going below the cutting line. On larger checks you may have to do
this in stages.
Pitch along the face side of the check. The pitch should join to the bottom of the V you cut in the last step.
Set in marginal drafts to form the
arrises of the check. .
Cut the rest of the check using the mel-point, teeth tool and
chisel. Ensure that the check is running straight across the joints and square from the top bed and
face.
.
Cutting a SplayMark splay lines on
the joints and scribe lines across the face and top bed to join the
splays.
Make the lines safe using a half inch chisel. Always work away from the line and toward the
centre of the splay.
Pitch the joints to the working lines. You may
wish to support your stone at an angle so that your
splay is sitting level.
Using marginal drafts, set in the joints, top and bottom of the
splay.
Rough out the centre section
using mel-point and teeth tool.
Chisel centre section to flat. Check for flat across
the length, width and diagonals of the splay.
If splay is to be seen, polish to fine
finish.