How Do You Select Chisels For Stone Carving?
Sculptors define the shape of their stone sculptures with chisels. Chisels come in different lengths and widths. Point, flat and tooth chisels perform a different function in the carving process. Finer pointed chisels are used for much of the intricate detail of sculpting. Chisels are usually made from steel, but can have tips made of carbide as well. Choose chisels that are appropriate to the size of your carving and the density of your stone. This refers to the length of the tool, width of the blade or size of the point. You will need a much larger chisel set when making a marble fireplace for example, than when carving a bust out of soapstone. The mallet you will use with the chisels will also vary in size and weight. Heavy materials such as granite and marble may require a pneumatic mallet. Select a point as the first chisel you use after roughing out (removing large pieces of excess stone). A point chisel produces deep ridges that lead to the initial shaping of the piece. Refine t
