smoothing marble

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Justin,
Just a couple of thoughts to add to the great advice you have gotten on
dealing with hard marble from Don.

Do as much as possible with your chisels to carve a finished shape or
surface. By using only extremely sharp flat and round chisels, and a light
hammer or mallet, you can clean up difficult to reach areas and cut down on
filing and sanding time.

I like to use some large pieces of 40 or 60 grit carborundum to rub down
and clean up an area for 80 grit sandiing. Just hold a piece on your hand
and drag it back and forth to quickly remove grinding wheel and file marks.
when I find an area that has deep stun marks or just need to recarve , I go
back to the most efficient method of stone removal, hammer and chisel.

I also like to use whats called a scyth or sickel sharpening stone. They are
becoming harder to find but if you come across them, buy!!  It is abar of 60
grit carborundum about 10 inches long  that farmers used to use to sharpen
tools. Use it with lots of water and really put pressure on the stone. Its
shape changes as you use it . Carborundum of all shapes and sizes are
extremely handy.

Good luck and don't fear hard marble, it will give you great rewards!
George Graham