In the last decade, as I have learned these processes, there are lessons worth summarizing: some tools are better than others when getting a job done quickly, no amount of technical skill or tooling, will make up for a poor composition, and the last half inch to quarter inch of stone (some say the last 10-20% of the work) is where an artist’s style/signature can be found.
I’m always interested in finding tools that make the process go quickly and can help with composition. I am very interested in finding technology to get the first 70-80% of the carving done more quickly, possibly even opening up new design and composition possibilities.
January of 2015 I visited Patrick Doratti and worked with him and his robot arm to test cutting olivine and peridotite. In the summer of 2016 at Suttle Lake, Peter Andrusko presented his work, some of which used a CNC. For several reasons, I was inspired in the fall of 2016 to explore his approach, and I put together a combination of CAD/CAM software and a CNC to do design, rough out, and carving.
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by NWSSA crew

It all started with a post requesting rational power tool information in one place, then a name "grindopedia", and then substantial follow-up from a vibrant community with a good spirit. From "grindopedia" you can find out about: Blades and Diamonds, Glazed Diamonds, Grinders, Polishing, Air Hammers, Sanding Mandrels, Safety Check List, Breathing Protection...
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by Pat Barton
The Wet Carving Box
and
How to Carve in Small Places
For over a decade, I’ve worked year round in my basement wet carving stone. I have constructed a small work place to eliminate the dust, contain the water, and work in the comfort of a controlled environment. This presentation is an introduction to what I have done to arrange my space, photos of work spaces by others, and the wet tools that I use. If available, I use wet tools that are designed for wet use. Skill saws, and die grinders have yet to be made with water feeds. On all of my tools I use controlled application of water to the abrasive blades and wheels to both control dust and prolong the life of the abrasive tool.
Pat Barton August 2013
For a printable PDF version [CLICK HERE]
Update: Water Recirculating System PDF
Silica Dust PDF
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by Tracy Powell
Some thoughts on diamond blades
If you only get one.....
which one will do you the most good?
For the sake of clarity, let's just talk about what you could get that would be most useful with any small electric grinder, rated for 4 1/2" or 5" blades, single speed, for a mix of hard and soft stones. I will try to offer my reasons for choosing one of the many kinds of diamond blades available, based on what different chores it can do, how versatile it is, and how affordable it is.
I will talk about the different kinds of diamond blades, what each is best at, etc. First we must acknowledge that none of them were designed for carving. We are a tiny fringe market, and we use tools that were made for construction and industry. Most of the work we do with diamond blades is on the manufacturers' DON'T DO THIS list, which just means we have to be cautious and not push the blades too hard.
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by Kirk Mclean
Part of this material I used in the 20 hour granite course I taught at Pratt. Most of the info is from Tom Urban's workshop at Camp Brotherhod, some from a workshop by Don Ramey that Hank Nelson organized at my place years ago. If you find anything useful, please add it to the article - Kirk
Grinders:
4-5 inch dry-cut diamond blades designed to run at about 10K RPM, which is speed of right angle grinders. For sufficient power, look for high 6 amp range or greater. Hitachi and DeWalt models hold up well. For variable speed, recommend Metabo or Makita. Avoid Bosch or Milwaukee. Larger blades (7-8 inches) run about 5K RPM, which is speed of 7-inch grinders or worm drive circular saws. Worm drive saws can be set up to run wet, keep blades cooler.
Grinder maintenance: Blow out grinders 2x daily. Blow outside, inside, and then blow out while running.
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by Pat Barton

Take apart cedar pedestals are a response to several needs:
- Can be outside in the rain and standing in a wet grassy field for a day or two.
- Able to take a small amount of abuse and not need to be repainted after every time they are handled.
- Takes up minimal storage space - especially if you are an artist with a hatchback or mini van and want to show 4-6 pieces of sculpture, or a non-profit that wants to display 40-60 items.
- Easy to assemble and take apart and does not require a lot of skill or tools.
This design has proven itself starting in 2011 and over the course of a one day workshop in October 2013, 8 members build over 17 pedestals. This article tells you about how to build your own.
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by Kirk Mclean
Part of this material I used in the 20 hour granite course I taught at Pratt. Most of the info is from Tom Urban's workshop at Camp Brotherhod, some from a workshop by Don Ramey that Hank Nelson organized at my place years ago. If you find anything useful, please add it to the article - Kirk
Preparation:
Polishing a surface will show up every dip and bump, so if you’re seeking a long, flowing curve or a flat area, locate highs and lows with fingers, mark, and remove with coarse diamond cup wheel before beginning polishing steps. Sequence begins with fine diamond cup wheel (or 36-60 grit silicon carbide). Move cup wheel rapidly in small circles so that you don’t burn stone. Next step is 80 grit silicon carbide cup; again moving it rapidly.
Tilt wheel so center of cup is off the stone: less chatter that way. Color of the stone will begin to appear and the grain will “close”. Different granites close at different grits, so you might have to go up to 120 grit. Removing the diamond scratches and closing the grain is a critical step as light reflecting from deep scratches will show up as a milky area on the polished surface. Similar problem if you accidentally burn the stone with tool.
Equipment:
Read more ...
- Details
-
Written by nwssa crew
This morning I
followed up to what I saw Lee Gass doing. He was "sanding" with a piece of a bench grinder wheel. I have a few spares so I smashed one with a sledge hammer and ended up with a whole bunch of useful hand-sanders. Curves, angles. Plus I shaped them further on my angle grinder clamped to my table. They worked better with water.... HAPPY NEW YEAR. -- Dirk
On 19-Dec-09, at 2:29 PM, verena schwippert wrote:
..yes Dirk, but only under the sanding of particular type of stone you are working on. What is it ? Its different for every kind of stone.
...yup it is. -- V
Silicon Carbide Shapers - Right on, V! Actually, those small pieces of silicon carbide work well for hardnesses from soft marble to hard granite. With each of those materials, hard rubbing with a piece conforming well to the surface produces
Read more ...