sandblast abrasive

["George Graham" <georgergraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Using sandblasting as a shortcut to finishing a stone is
not really using the process to its greatest potential.

As you have found out, its not a fast way to remove
stone or smooth it out with polishing in mind.

Sandblasting with extreamly fine grit up to as large
grit as you can run through your tank will expose
different characteristics of the stone. The finer the
abrasive, the more internal texture is exposed. If your
stone is made up of particles with different hardness,
then the differences will become visable. The smoothest
sandblasted surface I have made were made using what is
called steel-shot. It is like fine bird shot used in
shotgun shells. You need to have a room to blast in so
you can reclaim the shot and use in many times over. Its
still listed in the monument supply catalogs.

I think that the best use of sandblasting in stone work
is its ability to let an artists expiment with the
natural texture of the stone and to use the different
finishes each abrasive gives you. I know some people are
very wary of sandblasting and other air tools. If you
have the urge to experiment with different equipment
then you will quickly learn the pros and cons . If you
have found that you are most comfortable with
traditional methods, I say , good for you. The bottom
line is that if you don't have any artistic talent and
have nothing to say, then you won't be carving stone
very long. The medium itself will expose your strengths
and weakness, no matter what tool

you use!
Good carving
George Graham