[Artemisia] RE: Carving Soapstone

[Michele Wolf]

This is all very true.  Although the main concern when working with
soapstone is the dust in the air.  When using power tools, when using tools,
like hacksaws or big chisels, that will generate much dust quickly, care
(i.e. dust mask) should be taken.  When using the old bent nail to do the
tiny carving, this is slightly less of an issue.

One point that I want to make very clear here (Listen up!  Experience
speaking!) is that soapstone does a good job of sucking up water.
Therefore, never use the bucket o' water or damp cloth method and then turn
around and pour molten metal into it.  This will end up in a volcano o'
molten pewter.  Give the stone time to dry and then make sure and make a
pass at it with ye ol' blowtorch to get the rest of the moisture off of it.

Of course, this doesn't apply in the least to carving something like a bowl.
A bucket of water is a very good thing for the bigger carvings.

Just wanted to head off any Horrible Foundry Accidents (see Casting Rule #3)
at the pass.  :)

THL Giliana

-----Original Message-----

--Maire, who's been inspired to try it since *that* class at Collegium...;-D
----- Original Message -----
Vacuum the dust, and wipe down your work area with a damp
cloth when you're done. You can just keep a bucket by your work area with
water in it and dunk your work piece from time to time.