Tool Suggestions Please

["Ron Masa" <ron@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jane,

The cheapest option may be to by "rotary rasps" that fit into a standard
drill and can work ok on the softer stones.  A next step up would be a die
grinder.  I have a Metabo brand that cost about $300 and  is a fine critter
(technical term) but i used to get Makita brand for around $90 that can last
several years on soft stones. You insert cutting bits sold at all the
sculpture houses online.  Coarse grinding bits can also work, tho they will
sometimes 'load up' on soft stones.

I have also used a Heavy Duty Dremel with flexible shaft, which is very nice
for small detail work, but i have chewed up so many dozens of flex shafts on
them i finally gave up on Dremel.  Some of my friends have had far better
results with the HD Fordham tools.  If you have a light touch and don't snap
the cables they are very nice for detail work, do the rough out with the die
grinder.

The next step up, for material removal might be a 4 or 5 inch angle grinder
(any brand in this).  With a ZEC pad you can roar right thru most Alabaster
and soapstone (tho i don't know your breed of Scottish stone).  I have a
Metabo 6" angle grinder which weighs about 6 pounds and is fierce.  When you
go to a 7" angle grinder the weight can jump to 13 pounds or so and that's
way over what you need.  Or me either.  I have seen many amateurs injured
with full size ones over the years.

Also with the S stones Sand, Soap, Serpentine, beware the sssssuper fine
dust (silicates) and with this new power tool technology get way more
cautious about the DUST MASK and even about where the dust accumulates.  You
can see it wafting up, lighter than air... just longing to be inhaled where
it then attempts to reconstitute the original rock inside the lungs.  (ah,
loosely speaking).

A good huge window fan can suck much dust away from wherever you are
grinding.  Also be careful not to carve faster than you can envision where
you want to go.  Stop and study at intervals with power tools. Enjoy the
dust making.

Be Well,
Doctor Ron

-----Original Message-----