Soapstone carving tools are an essential part of the process for any carver. Even if you are a beginner, it is essential to have the right tools for the job. This article will answer some of the most common questions about stone carving tools. We will discuss how to classify them and talk about the different types that are available on the market.
Classifications of stone carving tools
There are two broad categories of tools that can be used for shaping materials: percussion tools and abrasive tools.
- Percussion Tools include hammers, chisels, and mallets. These work by hitting the material you want to shape until it breaks apart or takes on the desired form.
- Abrasive Tools work differently; they remove small amounts of material through rubbing rather than blunt force. Rasps, scrapers, and stone abrasives fall into this category, as well as some types of drills.
Hammers for soapstone carving
The steel part of the tool is the working end, while the wood or rubber handle is for gripping. Most people know about hammers with flat ends and another type that has a downward-curving claw, but there are also other types of hammers designed for sculpture.
- Manual hammers for bush hammering. These bush hammers are perfect for shaping stones.
- Splitting hammers. These hammers are specifically designed for splitting stone into two blocks.
- Crandall hammer. This hammer is perfect for creating texture on sandstone blocks.
- Toothed stone axes. This tool is one of our most popular. It has a toothed side that is used for working on the edges of a piece of stone.
Chisels
Stone carving chisels are a type of percussion tool that is used for removing unwanted stone from a piece of sculpture. They have a pointed end and a slightly curved edge, which allows the carver to get into tight spaces and make precise cuts. Chisels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose the right one for the job.
When carving soapstone, it is important to use a chisel that is the correct hardness for the material. Soapstone is a soft stone, so you will need a chisel that is not too hard and not too sharp. A chisel with a medium hardness will work best for this type of material.
The most popular chisels are:
- Point chisel – removes large amounts of unwanted stone.
- Tooth chisel – between a point and flat chisel
- Flat chisel – for smoothing out surfaces; may need round-headed chisel too depending on the project
Abrasives
Abrasive tools are essential for any carver, regardless of experience level. There are a variety of abrasives available on the market, but some are better suited for carving soapstone than others.
- Rasps are ideal for giving your surfaces a smooth finish. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and only leave a very light scratching to the surface. (Best rasps for Soapstone carving)
- Scrapers can have different forms, but they all serve the purpose of scraping slightly rounded surfaces.
- After that, we’ll bring in the rough and then fine abrasives. And to finish it off, we can use pumice to create a matte effect on marble or limestone. This will make the colors in the marble pop out.
One of the most popular abrasives for carving soapstone is sandpaper called Wetordry. This paper is specifically designed to work with water, which makes it ideal for carving soft stones like soapstone. It comes in a variety of grits, so you can choose the one that is best suited for your project.
Another popular abrasive for carving soapstone is an Emery board. This type of board is made from a natural mineral called corundum, which makes it perfect for shaping soft materials. It comes in a variety of grits and can be used wet or dry.
Both Wetordry sandpaper and Emery boards can be found at most hardware stores or online retailers.
Air hammer for soapstone carving
An air hammer is a percussion tool from the early 1900s that uses compressed air to power the hammer. The advantage of using an air hammer is its soft touch and accuracy– it can strike a surface more frequently than if you used a hand chisel, making the process quicker.
