Getting Started/Soapstone Misunderstanding

["Bill Smith" <bsmith@xxxxxx>]

Hello all -

Regarding carving with soapstone, or for that matter any
material, as Mr. Teixeira suggests adequate attention to
safety is required.  It is especially important for your
own health to wear safety equipment specific to the
materials and tools you are using.

For the beginner, it is a MUST.  I believe that you
should learn good habits from the beginning of a new
endeavor.  At a minimum, you should have a face mask
respirator (preferably a HIGH QUALITY mask with
replaceable air cartridges) that is designed
specifically for the type of  particulate that you are
working with.   One company you can check into is: MSA
[URL now obsolete]

You should also have good eye protection, a tiny piece
of stone or metal in you eye can really ruin your day!

Hearing protection is recommended if you work with power
tools.

Also don't forget gloves, especially if you are working
with air hammers and vibrating equipment.  I have found
that a good glove affords some padding from a hammer
blow to the knuckle (it happens, especially late at
night ...)

Take care and Happy carving,
Bill Smith