Choosing Soapstone for Carving: Tools, Raw Stone, Minimum-Cost Setup

As with every endeavor, a very important element for soapstone carving is choosing the right materials and tools. For a person who is doing it for the first time, it will be easier to create on a soft stone. And soapstone fits this description very well (we have written a lot about the properties of soap stone already).

Tip. For more resistance and pliability of your experiment, you can try to use alabaster or construction gypsum. So you can spend a minimum of nerves during the work and much longer to admire what you got. Also, plaster has a whole palette of delicate colors and the sculpture will turn out much more aesthetically pleasing.

Choosing soapstone for carving

If you have already decided that you will carve on soapstone, then go ahead, go to the selection of the stone. You can buy the stone, you can easily find the right size blocks on Amazon, for example.

Small Soapstone for Carving, White Blank Cube

Efco Soapstone Blank Rectangular Cube

Item Dimensions LxWxH: 1.97 x 0.79 x 0.79 inches

Middle Soapstone for Carving, Grey Blank Cube

Soapstone for Carving Block – 3” x 3” x 5” 

Item Dimensions LxWxH: 3 x 3 x 5 inches

Big Soapstone for Carving, Ocean Green Blank Cube

Sculpture House – CS904-2BX Soapstone, Deep Ocean Green, Pack of 5

Item Weight: 10 Pounds

Cracks and size

Before you start working, don’t forget to check your creation stone for cracks. The fact is that the stone itself is a very fragile and unpredictable rock – one wrong move, and all your efforts will go to waste. All imperfections can be best seen on a wet stone – so you should wet it well before work. Size also matters, so learn to choose the right size of stone at once. The workpiece should be larger than the sketch itself, since in the process of processing will be removed unnecessary details. Thanks to this, the beginner will not be afraid for the final result.

On a side note! Even brick and concrete is suitable for carving. Such handicrafts can be successfully used for interior decoration.

Tools for carving

The beauty of soapstone will emphasize artistic carving. Manual processing will require precision and physical effort. Modern tools allow processing faster with less effort. All tools are divided into two groups:

Hand tools

  • Chisels – used to give the stone a fine faceted shape. They can be blunt, sharp or wide. They are used for fine fitting work on the working surface.
  • Hand files – allow you to form thin and fine details.
  • Scarpel – a specialized engraving tool. A wide range of tips allows you to apply drawings on the stone surface, create relief.
  • Draughtsman – allows you to apply preliminary markings on the surface.
  • Spokes – special carbide tips allow you to apply patterns on the surface of the stone.
  • Tongs, zakolniki and other less frequently used tools. The initial processing of a stone block to give it a certain shape is done with milling cutters. Depending on the technique used, mechanical or manual cutters are used.

Mechanical tools

  • Engravers – grinding, scraping and milling of the stone surface. Can be used in cutting, drilling and engraving. The small size of the tool allows you to perform work with maximum precision.
  • Pneumatic chisel – with its help, shaped work is performed. Its use is much more effective than the manual version.
  • Straight grinder – the best choice for grinding and finishing the product. Small in size and convenient in shape – they provide high-precision work.
  • Stone grinder – the most common use is for grinding work.

The ability to change accessories of various shapes – provided pneumatic grinders great popularity. The set of accessories includes files, notches, milling cutters, etc. Thanks to the high speed of rotation, any work can be done quickly and accurately. An alternative use of a milling machine is to drill small holes in the stone surface.

It is often only possible to achieve optimum results by combining manual and mechanical processing of the stone.

Toolso Stone Carving Tool 10pcs High-Carbon Steel Carving Chisels/Knives Kits

DGOL 8pcs Tungsten Steel Soft Limestone Carving Kit


Sculpture House Basic Stone Carving Set Set of 6 Stone Tools

Diamond Grinding Burr Bit Set,20Pcs Rotary Tool Accessories Stone Carving Set

Grizzly Industrial H8237 – Mortising Chisel 4-pc. Set

NEU MASTER 180W Rotary Tool Kit, with 165 Accessories and 6 Variable Speed

10000-35000RPM Electric Drill Set for Handmade Crafting Projects and DIY Creations

 

Additional tips and safety precautions

When working with any materials, it is always important to think about your health and minimize the options of negative consequences. Even if you are working on small workpieces and using only a couple of tools, you should not neglect safety.

Observe the following rules to minimize risk:

  • Always wear safety glasses. Hammer and chisel work will break off splinters that can injure the eyeball.
  • Wear a mask or respirator. The workpiece may contain asbestos, which is harmful to the body.
  • Protect your hands with gloves to avoid blisters and abrasions. The material is often rough with sharp protrusions.
  • Tools should be sturdy and sharp. This will make it easier to handle and reduce the risk of injury from broken tools while working.

Learning to carve stone is not an easy task. Patience and diligence will be the best allies in this hobby. To make the work a little easier, there are a few simple tips, namely:

  • Periodically wet the stone with water. It will help to dislodge the dust.
  • Buy a bag of filler or sand. It will be a great stand for large pieces. You will easily be able to turn the piece as you like.
  • Prepare a sketch. Before you start sculpting your creation, transfer it to paper. It will be easier to visualize the final result.
  • Instead of a scribbler, you can use a crayon.

Tip. Sandbag can be made yourself, from a dense fabric, for example, from old jeans. Just make sure that the jeans were without holes.

Equipment and technology of work with stones

The master of glyptics must work in protective goggles, respiratory mask, gloves. For the precipitation of dust use a sprayer, water. The workpiece is placed on a cloth bag with sand or other substrate with loose filler.

Tools for carving on small stones:

Hand ToolsMechanical ToolsFor Beginners
Wide, sharp, and blunt chiselsEngraving tools, various shapes and sizesSoft mallet (700-900 grams)
Straight and curved filesAngle grinderFlat chisel
Engraving scalpelPneumatic drill, milling cutters, files, drillsToothed chisel
Drafting toolsSet of files
Carbide tips for drawingStencils, templatesSpatulas
AwlsPneumatic chisel

For carving on stone walls or blocks, one uses a sledgehammer, bolt cutter, mallet, pickaxe, large chisels, and a jackhammer. Cut and grind with disks or nozzles with diamond or corundum sprayed.

Technology of carving on soapstone surfaces

1. The blank carved stone is taken 1-2 sizes larger than the future product.
2. Determine the presence and location of cracks. Damaged mineral is rejected or glued.
3. Start with simpler reliefs.
4. On the gem or paper draw a sketch of the image or mold it from plasticine.
5. Cut along the texture of the rock (if there are veins, other features).
6. Excavate the mirror relief. To verify the drawing, the surface is regularly cleaned, make control impressions.
7. Chisel knock down the stone from the edges to the center, the tool is held at an acute angle.

Where to start working

To make the first steps on the way to learning a new hobby, it is necessary to determine the goal. This will help to facilitate the task with the selection of materials and tools for manufacturing. There are several options for processing, namely:

  • for construction work (grinding and cutting material for cladding, and you can also scraft interior bricks from stone);
  • for jewelry (pendants, buckles, buttons, key chains made of soapstone);
  • artistic carving (statuettes, animal figures, bowls and so on).

Tip. So that the work does not seem too heavy, you should buy a hammer with two flat surfaces and weighing no more than one kilogram. The chisel should also be flat on both sides and without teeth. At the completion stage, the figure is finished with a file.

Calculation of the cost of equipment and materials soapstone for carving

To calculate the cost of equipment and materials for soapstone carving for a beginner, I’ll provide two options: a minimum-cost setup and a more advanced “PRO” setup. Please note that prices can vary depending on your location, the quality of equipment, and brand preferences. Here’s a breakdown for both options:

Minimum-Cost Setup:

  1. Soapstone Blocks: You can purchase soapstone blocks online or from a local supplier. The cost will depend on the size and quality of the stone. For a beginner, you might start with a smaller block, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $50.
  2. Basic Tools:
    • Set of rasps and files: $20 – $40
    • Sandpaper assortment (various grits): $10 – $20
    • Safety goggles and dust mask: $10 – $20
    • Carpenter’s pencil and ruler: $5 – $10
    • Small wooden mallet: $5 – $10
    • Dustpan and brush for cleanup: $5 – $10
  3. Total Estimated Cost for Minimum Setup: Approximately $70 – $140

PRO Setup:

  1. High-Quality Soapstone Blocks: For a more advanced setup, you may want larger and higher-quality soapstone blocks. These can cost $100 or more per block, depending on size and quality.
  2. Advanced Tools:
    • Set of diamond rasps and files: $50 – $100
    • Wet grinder or polisher with diamond pads: $100 – $300
    • Rotary tool (such as a Dremel) with carving attachments: $50 – $150
    • Calipers for precise measurements: $10 – $20
    • High-quality carving chisels: $50 – $150
    • Bench vise for securing the stone: $30 – $100
  3. Safety Equipment and Accessories:
    • Safety goggles with dust and splash protection: $20 – $40
    • Dust collector or vacuum system: $50 – $150
    • Hearing protection: $10 – $20
  4. Total Estimated Cost for PRO Setup: Approximately $400 – $1000 or more, depending on the quality of tools and equipment.

Recommended Brands:

  1. Soapstone: Look for reputable suppliers in your area or online. Some well-known soapstone suppliers include Dorado Soapstone, M. Teixeira Soapstone, and Soapstone International.
  2. Tools: Brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Flex are known for quality power tools. For carving tools, consider brands like Pfeil, Two Cherries, and Flexcut.

Remember that these are rough estimates, and prices may vary based on where you purchase your equipment and materials. It’s essential to invest in good-quality tools and safety equipment, especially if you plan to pursue soapstone carving as a long-term hobby or profession. Always prioritize safety when working with stone and power tools.

How to buy soapstone, and carving tools

To buy soapstone, raw materials, and carving tools for beginners on Amazon, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to Amazon: Open your web browser and go to Amazon’s website.
  2. Search for Soapstone:
    • In the Amazon search bar, type “soapstone raw material” or “soapstone carving block” and hit Enter. This will display various soapstone options for purchase.
  3. Select a Soapstone Block:
    • Browse through the results and choose a soapstone block that suits your budget and size requirements. Be sure to check the product description to ensure it’s suitable for carving.
  4. Add to Cart:
    • Click on the soapstone block you want to purchase, and then click the “Add to Cart” button.
  5. Search for Carving Tools:
    • In the Amazon search bar, type “soapstone carving tools” or “stone carving chisels” and hit Enter. This will display a range of tools for stone carving.
  6. Select Carving Tools:
    • Browse through the results and select a set of carving tools that are suitable for beginners. Look for sets that include chisels, rasps, and other necessary tools.
  7. Add Tools to Cart:
    • Click on the carving tools you want to purchase, and then click the “Add to Cart” button.
  8. Review Cart:
    • After adding both the soapstone block and carving tools to your cart, click on the shopping cart icon to review your selections.
  9. Proceed to Checkout:
    • If you’re satisfied with your choices, click the “Proceed to Checkout” button.
  10. Enter Shipping Information:
    • Follow the prompts to enter your shipping address and payment information. Be sure to review your order and double-check the quantities and prices.
  11. Place Your Order:
    • Once you’ve confirmed everything is correct, click the “Place your order” button to complete your purchase.
  12. Track Your Order:
    • You can track the status of your order through your Amazon account. Amazon will provide estimated delivery dates and tracking information.
  13. Wait for Delivery:
    • Wait for your soapstone block and carving tools to be delivered to your specified address.
  14. Start Carving:
    • Once you receive your materials and tools, you can begin your soapstone carving project. Follow the instructions provided in the previous response to carve your soapstone into the desired shape.

Remember to read product reviews and descriptions carefully to ensure you’re purchasing quality materials and tools that are suitable for beginners. Additionally, check shipping options and delivery times to get a sense of when you can expect to receive your items. Enjoy your soapstone carving journey!

 

John Storm

Alex Turner
Carving Enthusiast

About Alex: Alex Turner, an experienced soapstone carver with a background in fine arts, is passionate about sculpting and eager to share their knowledge with the community. Alex invite both beginners and seasoned artisans to explore soapstone carving together. More info

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