Getting Started

["Bill Smith" <bsmith@xxxxxx>]

Hello Howard -

I live in Millsboro, Delaware.

There are many ways to pursue sculpting in stone.
I myself started by reading some books on carving.
Then after some initial experimenting, I took a
class at the Carving Studio in Vermont
 [URL now obsolete]
(It was great)

For starters, there is some good info on the web.
You may want to see my page at:
  [URL now obsolete]
and see my brief tutorial.

Also see  [URL now obsolete]
for more good introductory information.

Softer stones are usually best to start on...
You may wish to start in alabaster, since some books do not
recommend using soapstone due to the talc content (health hazard).
Steel tools work well with all of the softer stones.
Then move on to limestone and marble.
Keep granite for last, since it is so hard, and you will
need different tools for it, mostly chisels with carbide
points and power (diamond) grinders and saws.

Good Luck with your new endeavor,

I really enjoy working in stone, and I think when you try it
you will love it too!

Bill Smith