granite tools/workshops

[Susanna Williams <susanna@zzzzzzzzzz>]

Hello everyone.  Thanks for all the invaluable bits of information.

There are no stonecarving classes or programs in my area, so I really
appreciate hearing what more experienced carvers have to say. I have a few
elementary questions.  What do people use to carve granite - my carbide
tools don't do very well, break easily.  If you want to drill a hole in a
piece of granite, for example 1/2 inch wide and four feet deep, what kind of
drill bit do you use, and where do you get them?

Also, I have heard various theories on the toxicity of different stone
dusts.  wearing a mask seems impossible as they fog up my glasses.  the
shield kind gets a film of dust over it that obsturcts vision as well. what
to do?  grantie, marble, alabaster, soapstone -- are they all as toxic or
are some worse than others? if you work outside or blow a fan to push the
dust away from you is that good enough or will I get black lung in my old
age?

finally, are there any good workshops in the states (I live in Virginia) -
I've heard a few people mention the NWSSA one out in Washington, is that a
good one?  what about Italy?  I wnet to one last summer for a month but
wouldn't necessarily recommend it.  anyone know of one they would recommend?

thanks in advance for your reponse.