2 granite carving sequences

["Bob Hackett" <kinfolk@zzzzzzz>]

The pneumatic tool in the photo is what's commonly called a chipping gun in
every shipyard in the US.These are just mini jackhammers that are used to
peel metal apart.They use a round shank tool and you can find either CS
(firesharps)or carbide tip bits for them.Better have strong arms and good
anti-vibe gloves if you want to use one long term.Can you say"CARPAL
TUNNEL"?Shure,shure you can.
  If you want to use these with custom carbide tools,my advice would be to
hardface a CS tool rather than try to braze a carbide piece to
it.Remember,these are designed to rip solid steel apart.Silver and bronze
braze don't stand a chance here.
   Another shipyard tool you may be interested in is a pneumatic
skillsaw(circular saw).I've used them to cut thick aluminum plate with soap
and water as a  lubricant for the carbide blade.Far more powerful and
durable than even a worm drive electric saw,and no chance of getting
electrocuted when adding water.
  While you're there look at the heavy duty air grinders(especially
Cleco),I've seen scultors who work in wood use a cutter called a "power
adze" attached to these to waste away huge amounts of wood in a very short
time.Truely a scary tool to watch,never mind use.
  You want insane power over stone?Got more brawn than brains?Wander on down
to the nearest shipyard and talk to the shipfitters(aka knuckledraggers,aka
grind-duh's)Tell him you want to borrow his stone grinder(they're called
that because they use a LARGE stone as opposed to a flat wheel,the flat
wheel grinders are called "Coolie wheels")and his chipping gun.Tell him Hack
sent ya.
   I knows about shipfitters(and thier tools) because,in my day job, I are
one.

Mainely,Bob