'thermalize'

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Charles,
I just saw a "thermal stick" for sale in the Granite City Tool, 2005
catalog. Their number is 1800-451-4570. Charlie Romer, who checks in once in
a while , has one and could tell us about it. The thermal stick is a
specialized tool for burning off the surface of a stone. For those of us who
don't jump in with both feet  when a new toy comes along, a propane torch
and a spray bottle will do. But beware!! It is a dangerous process because
of the dust, flying hot stone chips , and with the stick, very noisy as
well.
I used this process when I wanted to remove stun marks from pitched granite.
With a plumbers torch I'd heat the mark and surrounding area as rapidly a
possible. This would cause expansion of the surface and flakes would lift
off the body. Spraying water on hot stone will cause  more quick temperature
change that helps get flakes to fall off.
There are a lot of drawbacks and side effects to consider.
Granite seems to be the best suited for thermalizing.
I've played with marble and nothing happened, but if I had kept going it
might have exploded??
Torching changes the texture and color of the stone. For example black
granite would become grayer and smoother if I spent too much time in one
place.
Thermalizing a complete area to get a uniform look works very well.
Sometimes the heat would sink into the stone and cause large chunks to fall
off(especially on corners and edges) causing huge explosions of profanity
and dangerous flying tools followed by an early visit to the local watering
hole.
I hope everyone takes time to look at your web site and enjoy the fine work
you do.
http://www.CharlesWelles.com

Good Luck
George Graham