How do granite carving techniques differ from softer stones?

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Tim,

I have a little to add to Bill's excellent answer to your question. The 4
and 9 point bushing chisel are my most used tool. The 4 point in particular.
I like a 1/2 inch wide bush chises because it can get in small places
compared to a 5/8 inch. You will find quickly which tool suits you the best.

The big issue is the difference between granite and marble, and how to work
the stone. The basic rules are the same for both materials, but there are
some interesting differences.

You can run your air hammer at full pressure ( and you will have to in order
to make progress ) and use bushing chises as long as possible . carve as
close to your finished work as you can. The nice thing about granite is that
stun marks do not go deep below the surface. When you need to carve detail
or clean up an area that cannot be reached by a diamond grinder , a flat or
round carbide tipped chisel  is needed. The bush chisels  must be allowed to
dance freely to work effectivly, and they are easy to use. The carving tools
also must be allowed to move freely, but at the same time  you have to keep
complete control.  Most of the time the chisel is almost perpendicular to
the surface . You will seldom be able to cut into the stone at the angle
used when carving marble.

One of the contradictions of granite is that it is incredibly tough and
hard, yet it is extremly brittle. So you can never use your bush chisles
within an inch of an edge or corner. You can blow a chunk right off! All
work with carving and cleanup chisles must be angled back into the body of
your work. The more delicate and fragile the work , the more important it is
to keep you chisels SHARP!

You have to be more aggressive but at the same time be more careful. The
thing that I find hardest to explain to a beginner is how lightly all the
air tools are held. When doing fery fine carving or lettering, I control the
chisel with my finger tips. The great thing about carving granite now is
that you can use diamond grinding wheels to easily carve an edge that would
leave an old timer weak in the knees at the end of the day. Try to visit a
sculptor and see how they carve. Have fun, and carve the easy way. Don't
make a hard job harder. I hope you will tell us how you get alone in
granite.

George Graham