Cutting holes and indentions

["Disbrow Consulting" <diz@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Morning Lisa,
I'm not a sculptor, but straight tool work on soapstone isn't all that bad.
Grinding and drilling tools work fine on soapstone with a couple of
cautions.  The biggest problem is the overheating of stone and tools.
Depending upon the relative size of the cut and the size of the stone, I
tend to keep a spray bottle full of water and a plant watering can with a
straight nozzle to keep it all cool.  A little spray or pour is all that you
need.  It keeps the tool and stone cooler and at the same time helps to
remove the powdered stone that can build up and heat things up even more.
The biggest caution here is that you should check any dremel grinders to see
how they react to contact with water and or heat.  Some are fine, but others
either come unglued or explode... not the kind of surprise party that you'd
want.  A good twist drill bit works fine on soapstone, but make sure the
drill is carbide and in good shape.  I like to go slow and prefer to use a
drill press if possible.  when you spray the drill you will hear a hissing
sound that will remind you to keep things cool.  The last caution for
cutting and drilling is that I almost always use a backing board.  This
isn't hard.  I put a piece of board or plywood in back of the place being
cut or drilled, and clamp it to the work.  If using metal clamps.. remember
to use a piece of wood to keep the clamp's metal away from the stone.  The
backing board will prevent "blow-outs".  When the blade or bit cuts through
the backside of the stone,  at the moment that the resistance of the stone
against the tool reduces, the immediate area around the tool can shatter and
looks really bad without the backing board.  If you are not drilling of
cutting through the stone, there is no need for the backer.

Craig Disbrow, MBA, JD.
Disbrow Consulting
603 523 4259 (Voice)
603 523 4574 (Facsimile)