Chisels: pointed vs flat?

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Julianna,
Deb's explanation about flat and pointed chisels is excellent. So I'll just
add a couple of thoughts to that.
Points and flat chisels must be sharp to get good , easy results. My flat
chisels are sharp enough to trim my fingernails. Wood carving chisels are
too brittle for more then shallow , detail work on soft stone, like
alabaster and soapstone. The corners will break off when you start pushing
through marble. You are not doing anything terribly wrong, just don't be
surprised when they break under heavy work.
You will find that the harder the stone the steeper the angle of attack with
your chisels. Working on alabaster is close to wood in the way the tools
bite in. I've worked on marble the made me cut almost straight in. So you
must always be adjusting to the stone.
The most common mistake beginners make is to try to work with dull chisels.
So take the time to resharpen dull tools. Its time saved, not wasted
Gotta get to work now.
George Graham
http://www.grahamsculpturestudio.com