Hobbies And Interests
Mallet and Chisel
Mallets generally have two large wooden ends on a handle similar to a hammer. They are a primary sculpting tool used often with chisels to remove large pieces of stone. A chisel is a metal tool with a tapered, sharpened end. The sharp end of the chisel is placed against the stone, and the opposite end of the chisel is struck with the mallet or hammer, which helps sculptors to remove large chunks of stone. This tool set is especially useful during the preliminary carving stages when a sculptor is trying to get a general shape out of the stone. Smaller, more precise tools are then used to achieve detail.
Files
Files are tools that have groove markings on a flat or rounded surface. When these groove markings are rubbed against the stone, the stone smooths out like when we file our nails. These tools are used after a project has been carved to achieve rounded edges and details. Rasps are similar to files with grooves on a shaped surface rather than a flat one. Different types of rasps include triangular, half circle, round, square and riffler. Riffler rasps are carved, flat files similar to the shape of a scythe or a hockey stick. Rasps smooth the insides of holes. They can get into more intricate spaces than files and are very useful soapstone carving tools.
Saw
Saws are essential soapstone tools for when you need to remove large chunks of stone. Hacksaws, table saws or band saws can all be utilized to cut through soapstone. Though it̵7;s a stone, it is so soft that wood cutting saws, when fitted with diamond impregnated blades, will cut it according to This Old House. Talc creates a noxious powder when cut with a saw; this task must be done outside with proper eye and lung protection. Handheld saws are used for small sculptures, such as the ̶0;mini hack̶1; featured by Sandy Cline of ̶0;Soapstone Sculpture.com.̶1; Small saws are used to cut into difficult areas such as drill holes.
Gouge
Gouge tools come in many shapes and sizes to accomplish precise carving details. Most commonly they are U-shaped metal, sometimes with pointed ends for digging into the stone. Gouges remove scrap and perfect corners. They can be used in creating rounded indentations, such as eye sockets in a sculpture. Gouges aren̵7;t necessary to soapstone carving but do make things easier. Gouges are particularly useful when turning soapstone on a lathe. Woodturning Online has a soapstone turning demonstration on their website; gouges should be applied in sweeping motions. If you press too hard, the tool could catch and be ripped from your hand.