Dear Dialists: I'm VERY happy to report that I have already receive 15 requests for my article on stoneworking with hand held power tools. I am so pleased that there is so much interest out there, and that more all these people want to try it out. But I got a little tired writing the same notes to everyone, so I thought I could save myself some time if I just told the list my comments on the article:
The first half of the article describes my flagstone dials and the second half talks about the tools and techniques I use to work the stone. Although I use flagstone (a type of sandstone), these methods work very well with limestone, marble, and all sandstones. They don't work as well with granite. And I don't know how they do with slate, as it is hard to find a slate sample here in Tucson. (I think slate only "grows" back east). I know the next set of questions that I get will ask me for sources to purchase the necessary equipment (drills, diamond burrs and bits). I will put this information together and send it out on the list. Let me repeat what I said in my talk. One can get started in stonecarving with zero experience and a very small amount of money to purchase bits and burrs for a Dremel moto-tool. More advanced drills are available if you ever want to do a lot of carving. The only other power tools that you will need are an inexpensive palm sander. A tile cutter with 4"diamond disk will be necessary to cut the raw stone blank to shape if your stone supplier won't do it for you. Also, I'd like to extend an open invitation to any of you to visit my studio should you ever find yourself in Tucson Arizona. And please let me know if I can be of any further assistance with your stone carving endeavors. John Carmichael http://www.azstarnet.com/~pappas tel: 520-696-1709 Sundial Sculptures 925 E. Foothills Dr. Tucson, Az 85718 USA
