Slate roofing is a learned craft. As opposed to using electric tools to mindlessly attach mass produced roofing shingles, there is very little in the way of gas or electric power need for slate roofing. Cranes, trains and saws maybe, but angle grinders? Really? Once the big slabs of slate come out of the ground, individual slates are hand split from a larger block. They are then typically punched using an iron jig and stacked by hand. When it comes to installation, its all done by hand, cutting, punching, nailing and layout. Not much is needed in the way of tools. A slater's stake, slate hammer, a story stick, some nails and paper (and a modicum of skill) and one could slate just about anything.
This video is not unique. There is ample evidence out there of people with just enough knowledge to seem like they know what they are doing, and yet their lack of skill or understanding is quickly unmasked. I am all for encouraging people to take up a craft, but at least read a book or ask an old timer how it's done and go practice on a barn or shed.
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