In the Workshop
In the Workshop focuses on the designs and projects currently in progress at Welsh Slate Water Features. This will include some behind the scenes content around the tooling used and what’s being cut or core drilled and transformed into stunning water feature designs. Quarry trips and exciting adventures to source and procure stone will also be included. This will give clients early visibility of what’s in the workshop and will becoming available on the website soon.
October 07th 2024. With a number of Window Stones being sold recently, we picked out a number of slate monoliths on a recent trip to the quarry to source some suitable new stock. Selecting the slate for this is very difficult as there are a number of attributes to consider. All of these are drilled with a 250mm diameter core for the Window and the hights vary between 600mm and 800mm. These can all be modifed into working water features at additional cost. These will be photographed, measured and ulpoaded to the website and available for purchase very soon. If you are a garden designer or landscaper or looking to transform your garden then please get in touch.
September 23rd 2024. Work has started on another Tsukubai Wash Basin in the workshop. Very similar style to the previous one from Purbeck Stone but with some added natural features, including ledges and overhangs. All adds to the interest to follow the journey of the water from bamboo spout, to bowl, to ledge to recirculation. Whilst creating a mesmerising, soothing and relaxing experience. The depth of the large 300mm diameter bowl is slightly deeper than last time enabling a greater mass of water to be stored before the overspill begins. The process for carving and removing the stone from the bowl has also been refined and some nice efficiencies gained. Also reducing the grinding time and creating a nicer, cleaner, smoother finish. A short polish with a 50 grit removes any blade marks and exposes the natural fossils and shells formed in this beautiful stone. Slight adjustments were required to ensure the bamboo spout sat in the smaller recessed hole nicely. The hose will disappear through a thinner hole in the stone and out throught he bottom to be plumbed into the pump in the reservoir at the base. As soon as we have a chance this will be photographed, measured and uploaded to the wesbite and available for purchase.
September 07th 2024. Having completed the drilling of some larger 1metre plus monoliths in the workshop, I was able to focus on a number of smaller pieces which have been sat on pallets for too long. A couple of hours drilling these before the rain stopped progress. These are a range of small to medium slate features cored from Welsh Slate. Most are easily a one man lift with some of the heavier bulky pieces being easier with two people to share the load. As soon as we have some more sunshine these will be photographed and listed up on the website.
Boulders are continuing to be popular so we’ve been busy in the workhsop trying to restock on a range of sizes and materials. With care being taken to set up and photographe these nicely for the website, we’re keen to give you early visbility of what’s coming soon. These photos have been taken towards the end of the day when the stones have dried out after drilling. These will darken and glisten when wet.
The first boulder with cream and light blue tones is slightly sloping and the decision was taken to drill at the highest point to keep an even flow of water. Measures 530mm x 450mm x 200mm high.
Boulder two almost looks like it has been cut open, so one edge is naturally rounded and smooth, with the other side sloping off and giving an insight into the middle of the stone. Measures 500mm x 450mm x 250mm high.
Boulder three is larger again and has a mottled finish to it. Rounded smooth edges with multiple drop points will give a nice even flow across the surface. Measures 700mm x 550mm x 250mm high. Keep an eye out for the exact listings to be made available on the product page soon.
A number of Purbeck Stone boulders have sold recently so we’ve been busy working our way through our stock of big boulders. To maintain a range of materials, we’ve also been drilling up some medium size granite boulders which takes considerably more effort due to the hardness of the stone.
The light grey granite boulder is approx 300mm high and the core has come out in one single piece. This is due to the material being so hard and tough to drill through, taking a lot longer than drilling slate. Light tones are mixed with beautiful markings and striking quartz streaks running randomly throughout the stone.
The trinagular shaped purbeck boulder is approx 500mm and stood out from the other boulders in the quarry as it had two levels to it. The lower half is slightly wider which will slow down the flow of water as it cascades down the extra width and will create more interest.
Another triangular shape but slightly lower in height and much wider. Undulating surface on the top will look like the water is bouncing as it flows over the ridges and dips. The core was extracted in one, which highlights the strength of this stone.
A more common standard rounded boulder shape completes these four. Light creamy tones randomly mixed with darker brown colours all exagerated when water starts flowing. These will all be added to the boulders category on the shop soon.
We hope you enjoy this behind the scenes and little insight in the workshop to see the progress on beautiful stones being transformed into stunning garden features. Please contact us with any questions or queries or if there’s any other content you would like us to share.