Carving with Torches

["Tim Bunton" <tbunton@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Greetings to the group,

I have been fascinated by the recent discussion pertaining to carving
granite and other similar stones with torches.  I would love to learn the
basics of it.  Could those of you who have done it before answer some
questions for me?

1)  Is a standard oxy-acetylene welding setup appropriate?  What type of tip
do I need to try it (rosebud tip, etc)?

2) Would a propane torch work?

3) What is the technique used?  Do you move the flame constantly or hold it
in one area?

4) How fast is the rate of stone removal?  Is it faster than using an air
hammer?  As fast as rough stock removal with diamond saws?

5) Is this an appropriate method for roughing out a piece? I can be quite
lazy, and it certainly takes less effort to hold a torch on an area than to
use hand tools or power tools.

6) How do you use water to avoid overheating the stone?  How much control do
you have when flame cutting?

7) I understand this is a technique used for getting a "natural" looking
surface on stone- can it be used as a finishing technique if your piece is
close to net shape, or is the removal of stone too unpredictable, with the
possibility of ruining your design?

8)  What sort of safety gear is required?  Will eye protection or a face
shield suffice, or do I need protective clothing over my whole body?  Is the
particulate generated fine enough that I need a respirator when flaming
granite?

Thank you for being willing to share your pearls of wisdom- the answers to
these questions could likely fill a chapter in a book (Perhaps some of you
pros should consider writing one- I would certainly buy it.)  I eagerly
anticipate hearing what you have to say.

Sincerely,

Tim Bunton
Orem, Utah
USA