Cutting a Chalkboard - Is It Feasible?

  • Thread starter IHateMayonnaise
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In summary, the dilemma is that a 4'x14' blackboard is too large to fit in the space of a standard living quarters. However, it is possible to cut it in half to create two 4'x7' blackboards.
  • #1
IHateMayonnaise
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Hello friends,

I am in the process of acquiring a 4'x14' blackboard for free. The problem: it's a 4'x14' blackboard. I want a one for my apartment, however something of this magnitude would challenge the dimensions of my living quarters (not to mention I would have to rent a uhaul to move it). My question: how feasible would it be to cut the board in two to make two 4'x7' blackboards?

I imagine that cutting ceramic would be an arduous task to say the least, seeing as how it is the same material used as brake pads for many supercars. Also I am not sure what the ceramic is mounted on (stainless?) and how that will affect the cutting. All I want to know is whether or not this is worth my trouble, basically. I will clearly seek the advice of professions in the near future, but I thought Id throw it out here first :)

Smooches,
IHateMayonnaise
 
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  • #2
Are you sure it is ceramic? Chalkboards I have dealt with were surprisingly, glass.
 
  • #3
Integral said:
Are you sure it is ceramic? Chalkboards I have dealt with were surprisingly, glass.

That's a good question..

it looked like what I think a ceramic board looks like. Then again, I am no expert. Seems to be made of the same material as what they used at all the schools I went to
 
  • #4
Aren't blackboards a bit like slate, surely you could just score and cut it like a tile (only an a larger scale.
 
  • #5
Or it might just be wood, painted in blackboard paint.

In any event, it's not made of anything you can't cut. If it's wood, use a saw. If it's glass, use a glass cutter. If it's ceramic, use a tile saw or tile cutter.
 
  • #6
brewnog said:
Or it might just be wood, painted in blackboard paint.

In any event, it's not made of anything you can't cut. If it's wood, use a saw. If it's glass, use a glass cutter. If it's ceramic, use a tile saw or tile cutter.


killer that's the answer i was looking for. thanks yall
 
  • #7
My new kitchen counter-top is slate from recycled blackboards recovered from an old school. You can rent a saw to cut slate. I borrowed one from a nice flooring guy in town. It looks like a miniature skill saw with a diamond blade and a long piece of Tygon tubing with a garden hose fitting and a valve to supply cooling water to the blade. If the board you have is not slate, but a ceramic material with a matte glaze, that water-cooled saw would cut that as well.
 
  • #8
Blackboards are rarely made of slate anymore. New single-purpose boards are usually wood clad with steel sheet, and coated with a rough paint. Dual-sided boards with a whiteboard are sometimes made of coated glass.
 
  • #9
Steel coated wood...that sounds like the most undesirable material to cut. Hopefully you don't have to resort to a hack saw!
 
  • #10
Scribe both sides and give it a swift kick. This won't work worth a crap if its laminar construction, but, will make you feel better.
 

1. Is it possible to cut a chalkboard?

Yes, it is possible to cut a chalkboard. Chalkboards are typically made of a thin layer of slate or porcelain attached to a backing material such as wood or metal. This backing material can be cut using tools such as a saw or a specialized chalkboard cutter.

2. Will cutting a chalkboard affect its functionality?

It depends on how the chalkboard is cut. If the cut is done properly and does not damage the surface of the chalkboard, it should not affect its functionality. However, if the cut is not precise or damages the surface, it could impact the ability to write or erase on the chalkboard.

3. What tools are needed to cut a chalkboard?

The tools needed to cut a chalkboard will depend on the type of backing material. For wood backing, a saw or chalkboard cutter can be used. For metal backing, a specialized metal cutter may be necessary. It is important to use tools that are appropriate for the material to avoid damaging the chalkboard.

4. Can a chalkboard be cut into any shape?

In theory, a chalkboard can be cut into any shape. However, the complexity of the shape and the precision required for the cut may impact the feasibility of cutting the chalkboard. It is best to consult with a professional or follow a detailed guide for cutting more intricate shapes.

5. Are there any safety precautions to take when cutting a chalkboard?

Yes, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when cutting a chalkboard. First, make sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves when using cutting tools. Also, be sure to secure the chalkboard and use proper techniques when cutting to avoid injury. Finally, it is important to properly dispose of any waste material to avoid potential hazards.

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