mortar for limestone blocks

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Nick,
I'm interested in the old ways that stone was put together. Taking apart old
masonry  seems to me like opening a book. Being able to see the tool marks
and methods used by long gone craftsmen is fascinating to me.
I just finished using parts of an old communion railing to make legs for a
new marble altar in a catholic church in Buffalo NY. The railing was made of
Italian marble, that had posts , 30" tall that were between 36" long marble
fence sections. All the pieces had been saved in a garage fortunately.
Notches were cut into the posts for the fence section to plug into. I was
very surprised to see what appeared to be plaster of paris in all the
joints. I assume that is what it was. Its very soft, white, and popped right
out. It can't be white cement, its to soft. The railing was taken down
because a Father , many years ago wanted to remodel the front of the church,
not because of any structural problem with the railing.
Do you see plaster used in such a way in your restoration work?
Would the use of plaster be considered to be a permanent material to
assemble stone work?
Have you seen plaster used in outdoor locations? I think not, but I might as
well ask.
Lastly, I though plaster would set up to fast to do such work, but maybe I
don't think fast enough!
I'm very glad that you and all the other stone masonry experts are on the
list. Your work is a true link to the past, and I'm always interested in
what you have to say.

Thanks,
George Graham
http://www.grahamsculpturestudio.com