A short presentation showing step-by-step guides for cutting checks and splays.

1. Stonemasonry Department 2012
Checks and Splays
Introduction for Stonemasons

2. Cutting a Check
Mark 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.
.

3. Cutting a Splay
Mark 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.