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Soapstone carving

Stone Conversations : Archive 2 : Message 00350

From: Liv2sculpt@xxxxxxx
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 22:19:16 EDT
Subject: Soapstone carving

I have been teaching stone carving and have had students
carving soapstone with great success. The carving
methods described by others are quite good. We
generally use stone carving tools and lots of files.
Depending on the student, I sometimes find they will
have more success with wood carving tools. (They work
just fine.)

The stone we use originates from the Richmond, Virginia
vicinity (USA). It is a solid black. I direct the
students to carve, then file, then sand from 120 up
through 600 (maybe higher) ; then polish the stone with
a buffer using a compound. Finally, several thin
layers of boiled linseed oil are applied. Excess oil
should be wiped off and the stone should sit between
coats overnight. It is important not to put too heavy a
coat of oil on at one time. Several thin coats is
superior to a heavy dose. Lastly, buff the stone, which
no longer feels oily to the touch, with a clean buff.
This oil method worked better than wax for the most
part, and can be applied to larger stones.

Good luck.
M A Frank

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