Stone is a fantastic medium to work in, but if you're just starting out it can be expensive if you don't know what tools and equipment you will need. To make things easier here's a list of essential and not-so-essential things to buy.
Hand Tools - Chisels
There are two types of chisel, traditional firesharps and the relatively modern tungsten tipped. If you are starting out on a budget then firesharps are perfect if you're not planning on working with hard or abrasive stone such as granite or sandstone grit. Even so, with the correct tempering firesharps are more than adequate for any type of stone.
A good starting point would be the following selection:
- Eighth inch (3mm) firesharp, hammer headed
- Three eighths inch (10mm) firesharp, hammer headed
- Half inch (13mm) scutch comb holder, hammer headed
- Quarter inch (6mm) firesharp bullnose, hammer headed
- Half inch (13mm) firesharp bullnose, hammer headed
For the scutch comb holder you will need some scutch bits, these are available in two patterns, stone and marble. For carving, marble bits are preferred as these have finer teeth. Incidentally, to confuse things Stonemasons call these claw holders and claw bits.
Hand Tools – Hammers And Dummies
For the above chisels the following are recommended:
- One and a half pound dummy
- Two or two and a half pound lump hammer
For roughing out use the scutch (claw) and lump hammer. For removing large amounts of waste a pitcher is very useful. They come in firesharp and tungsten varieties.
Accessories
As well as hand tools there are a number of other things you can buy to aid in the working of stone.
Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are very useful both for the quick removal of waste and to aid in the carving process. The two standard sizes available are four and a half inch and nine inch. Both have their uses but the smaller of the two is easier to handle. The price of diamond blades used to be high but has reduced to the point where they are a better proposition than traditional disks even if you don't use the grinder very often.
Core Drills
For the ubiquitous pierced sculpture a core drill is a huge time saver. There are two types of core drill bit, tungsten and diamond. For occasional use go for tungsten but avoid hammer action on the drill. Although tungsten core bits are able to withstand hammer action they will last longer without. Contrary to popular belief, drilling stone doesn't usually require hammer action, and if used inappropriately will damage both the drill bit and the stone.
Drills used for core drilling must be substantial enough for the task and at the very least have a safety clutch. If the drill doesn't have a safety clutch and the bit gets stuck, which is usual, there is a high possibility of injury to your wrists.
Sundries
Other useful things to have at hand are oxide paper in various grades together with files and rasps. Tungsten files are perfect for stone and can be found in the guise of ceramic tile files. For rasps, car boot sales are fantastic – modern rasps are of inferior quality and can be identified by their grey colour. Big old rusty rasps that have proved their quality from years of use are the best!
Pneumatic Tools
A discussion on stone working tools wouldn't be complete without a mention of air-driven hammers. Pneumatic hammers, known as air guns in the trade, are a very fast way of working stone. Compared to working by hand, using the air is an enormous boost to productivity. However, the downside is the cost of equipment; an air gun will cost between £250 and £350, and with that a compressor has to be purchased together with chisels designed to fit in the guns. Costs aside, the creative release gained by using the air is phenomenal and highly addictive!
Stone Carving Courses, Stone Masonry Courses & Letter Cutting Courses 2012
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Tuesday February 7th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday February 8th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information
Course Full
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday February 9th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday February 13th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information
Course Full
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday February 14th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information
Course Full
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday February 15th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information
Course Full
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Thursday February 16th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information
Course Full
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Monday February 20th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Tuesday February 21st, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information
Course Full
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday February 22nd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information
Course Full
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday February 23rd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information
Course Full
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday February 27th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday February 28th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information
Course Full
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Wednesday February 29th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information
Course Full
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Thursday March 1st, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information
Course Full
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday March 5th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Tuesday March 6th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Wednesday March 7th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Thursday March 8th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Monday March 12th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Tuesday March 13th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Wednesday March 14th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday March 15th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Monday March 19th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Tuesday March 20th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday March 21st, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday March 22nd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday March 26th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday March 27th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Wednesday March 28th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Thursday March 29th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday April 2nd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Tuesday April 3rd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Wednesday April 4th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Thursday April 5th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Monday April 9th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Tuesday April 10th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday April 11th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday April 12th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Monday April 16th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Tuesday April 17th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday April 18th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Thursday April 19th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Monday April 23rd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday April 24th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Wednesday April 25th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday April 26th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday April 30th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday May 1st, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Wednesday May 2nd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Thursday May 3rd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday May 7th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday May 8th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Letter Cutting Courses / Letter Carving Courses - Letter Cutting In Stone
Course Details
Date: Monday May 14th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: This professionally taught 3 day course is an excellent introduction to cutting letters in stone. During the course students are introduced to the basics of both classical and contemporary l... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 1
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Tuesday May 15th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Wednesday May 16th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Monday May 21st, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Tuesday May 22nd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 3
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Wednesday May 23rd, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Carving Courses - Carving Grotesques And Gargoyles
Course Details
Date: Thursday May 24th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day stone carving course for students of all abilities wishing to create grotesques and gargoyles in stone. Using a hands-on approach this carving course takes students from the ba... more information and booking details
Price: £190
Places Available: 2
Stone Masonry Courses - Introduction to Stone Masonry
Course Details
Date: Monday May 28th, 2012
Duration: 3 days
Description: A very popular 3 day professionally taught stone masonry course designed to teach students of all abilities the processes involved in the production of architectural stonework. Whether you'r... more information
Course Full
