From:
"George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>
Date:
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 23:05:47 -0400
Subject:
Final Roughing before grinding question
Greg said,
Quoted text begins.I do know that if tool
marks are left I can use a torch to bring it back to a natural look.
I've tested that on another piece.
End of quote.
Greg,
I wasn't going to jump in because you are forging ahead into the unknown ,
on your own very well!!
But when you brought a torch into the fray, I know it was time to but in. If
you end up with nicely carved raised granite letters, and then get anywhere
near them with a torch, you stand a very good chance of watching them pop
off! Raised granite letters are extremely sensitive to the quick temperature
change. They will heat up much quicker than a stun mark that is embedded in
the body of the piece.
I think there is definitely a place for an air hammer when making a flat
surface. If you are doing a lot of this kind of work then I'd get a one inch
hammer and some bush chisels to bump down the high spots to cut down on some
of rough grinding work.
The only issue that you missed was drawing a line around the stone that
would help keep you from cutting too deep. With a precise line to follow
you can see if you have gone to deep with the saw early enough to avoid
doing finish sanding and polishing work that might end up being wasted if
you have to take another quarter inch off. Having an accurate line to cut
down to is a very easy step to miss or not take real seriously. I've come to
the point of not starting any cutting until all the major starting lines are
laid out.
The trade off between air tool vibrations and grinder vibrations is pretty
even. I prefer to do as much as possible with my side mounted diamond blade
that screws onto a big hand held grinder. It's the biggest time and energy
saver I have. I use the pneumatics as little as possible ,,, because I'm
lazy. I confess that I misuse and abuse my blades. No guard, side grinding ,
forwards, backwards , up, down and slicing straight into the stone are very
bad and stupid things to down with a grinder and no one should ever do them.
Finally, consider carving your raised letters by hand. A hand pointed back
ground , with a flat chisel used to carve out the letters them selves gives
a very authentic finish with a great contrast between the red polished
letters and the tooled background. Sound like anything you do is going to be
a learning experience, and hand lettering will teach you more about the
stone then any other process.
Your pictures show that you are coming along very well, and I'm sure you
will end up with an excellent piece.
Good Luck
George Graham
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