Setting a fragile slab

[MartinTravels]

The slab with the kitchen sink cutout is going to be very weak around the sink edges.  It will only have about three inches on the front and back of the slab.  These two three inch slabs will run about 30" long.  What is the best method for transporting and setting this very fragile slab after the cutout is made?  It is so fragile that I am thinking I will drill the faucet holes in the slab after it is set.  Is this advisible?

Here's an attempt to draw what I'm talking about:

________________________________________________________________
                                  3"
                ______________________________
               |                                                    |
               |                                                    |
               |                                                    |
               |             Sink Cutout                       |    Granite Slab
               |                                                    |
               |                                                    |
               |                                                    |
               _______________________________
                                      3"
____________________________________________________________                   

Again, thanks for the help,

--Andy
Monroe, WA

[Mark D.]

Andy,
grind a slot into the back of the slab with a rodding blade:
http://www.defusco.com/specialty-fabricating-tools-granite-rodding-blade-c-25_35_710.html
Then insert a piece of steel (electricians fish tape or 1/8" x 1/4" steel rod) into the slot and glue in place with epoxy. This will act like a backbone and strengthen the countertop while you are transporting it.

Make sure you have adequate support from beneath when you do your install. 5/8" plywood as a subdeck works very well. Install with silicone.

It is perfectly acceptable to drill the spigot holes after countertop installation, in fact it is standard operating procedure. This bit is a dry bit that is fast and aggressive so you won't be putting any pressure onto your slab:
http://www.defusco.com/38%E2%80%9D-58%E2%80%9D11-seg-dry-stone-core-bit-vbb-p-2377.html

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[MartinTravels]

Mark--

That all makes sense.  So how can I drill a faucet hole through the 3 inch part with a steel rod running the length of the granite strip?  Would I have to drill through the steel?  If so, would that compromise the strength of the granite?

Again, thanks for all your help.

--Andy

[Mark D.]

Run the rod closer to the sinkhole cutout so you don't have to drill through it.

Glad to be of service,
Mark