edie

["John Halter" <halter@zzzzzzzzzz>]

Hello Edie,

I recommend alabaster to beginners I am teaching.  I find it to be the
softest stone which takes a great polish that works well with stone
"carving" tools.  To me, having someone rasp soapstone (although this is a
method used by some who create great sculpture) does not teach them to carve
stone.  I also suggest an abstract subject in order to be able to "move"
with any challenges the stone presents.  The odd shapes of raw alabaster aid
the creative abstract process.

I have them use air hammers and stone rifflers on alabaster pieces without
any problem.  I also find die and angle grinders are very useful.  Alabaster
can fracture and bruise easier than marble.  You have to keep this in mind
when working with it.  Selection of a quality stone is important.  This is
sometimes difficult because alabaster tends to be sold in boulder forms
making it difficult to inspect for flaws.  If someone used explosives to
quarry the alabaster, it doesn't matter what kind of tools you use, the
stone may have fractures to start with.

Remember to leave enough "skin" on (1/8" to 1/4") to be able to get any
bruises out with your rifflers.  I do caution people against working with
too small of a piece of alabaster.  I think a larger piece (at least 75 lbs)
has a more stable feel and gives you more freedom.

Good Luck,
John Halter
halter@----------