beginner in stone

[David Stephens <sms2@xxxxxxx>]

Hello,

I understand a short introduction is in order, since I am new to the list.
I am not a stone mason. I am trying to restore, (re-engrave,) some old
tombstones. Especially my great-uncle's who was KIA in France in 1918. The
marble monuments people, say it cost to much for them to "redo," something.
So I am going to have to try something myself, and perhaps there are others
like I am who, do not want a new stone, but the original, which was the
best stone in the cemetery, when it was purchased. You see he knew he was
going to die before he went oversea's, he said so in his letters. Not only
did the insurance he purchased, pay for his stone but the money paid for
all those people who died and were buried there, for the next twenty,
(including his mother, father, cousin, and my grandfather. All other stones
are field stones or probably limestone, they have faded beyond description.
These are not far away. I am not a rich person, but I would like to see
that these memorials will be preserved for at least another 100 years. I
have taken some geology, my science in college, so I do know something
about rocks and minerals.

Unfortunately, I do have my limitations, which I must overcome to complete
this task. It may be more than anyone wants to know, but it will influence
the type of equipment I will be able to work with, and for how long a
period, so keep this in mind, if anyone can give information about
equipment or techniques that might help me complete my objective:  1. I am
a women. 2. I am 47. 3. I had breast cancer surgery last Oct. (so I think
that hand tools are probably out of the question.) 4. I had to have the ACL
ligament in my leg in July, so the stone will have to be re-engraved, where
they stand. I'll shut up. I know I am not a profassional like the many
sculptors and masons on this list but my cause is worthy, as least to me. I
hope someone with some experience in this area can offer assistance.

Any help would be appreciated,
Ms. Sheila Stephens