In this multi part video I show you the process of how to make a ball finial from a piece of Spanish limestone with the use of power tools, pneumatics and hand tools.
Love the wood mallet, good on ya. You might mention that there is a huge range of density and hardness when it comes to limestone. With a sharp chisel and low pressure there’s not a lot you can’t do with air, but by hand will always be the best!.
@@Passion_killer how do you figure that? ….any one that knows stone will confirm that each type of stone reacts differently to what tool you use. The angle of approach and speed are determined by the density and hardness. I’ve worked stones from every corner of this world in every class with every technique and I hold fast to my statement that hand work in the hands of a skilled individual is superior in quality.
@Torsten389 that's fine you have your opinion and I respect it and I'm not looking to start an argument on this guys channel. If I may offer mine though I would say that being a good stonemason or trade of any sort is about mastering all of the tools then using the most efficient for the job. During my apprenticeship I learnt using mallet and chisel at a cathedral and then progressed to grinders in a commercial banker shop. The level of skill required to use flush cut blades to work stone accurately is in my experience higher than that of a mallet and chisel. We work our stones with grinders then tool them over and they are indistinguishable from stones worked by mallet and chisel and produced 10x quicker. They are still worked by hand just with power tools. Sometimes when you can't get a blade in you have to get the chisels out. If you turned up to a commercial banker shop with your mallet and chisels you'd get laughed out the door they simply are not viable. To work stone completely using them is for learning how to work stone or a hobbyist venture but if you can make it pay then good for you. In reference to it being better for the stone using a blade is putting no strain on the stone but I've seen stone fail where they've been battered by chisels after a few years of weathering.
@@Passion_killer I’m glad you clarified your background and point. I agree with you on all points. I too have seen irregular weathering as I’m in Canada where we have the element of extreme freezing and thawing. My point is from a fine work perspective as most of my work is in fine mantles. We have had antique experts inspect our work under a microscope and determine no sign of tools used. This was in marble and worked by hand forged chisels. Where as if by grinder alone there would be signs of micro burning that run deep into the marble. So we are both right because clearly we are looking at our incredible profession from different ends with smiles and nods of appreciation. Thanks for your response!
Great video. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I've had a large interest in stone carving for nearly 30 years (mostly a sketch-artist, but have dabbled in plaster of paris carving), and I may just give it a shot; Ya know... seeing from your videos how easy it is ;)
Give it a go. I would start with just lettering or small scale carving so you can get away with just buying a couple of small chisels before you invest in more gear.
Some great simple tips to aid marking out ( and cutting) curved masonry surfaces . Your continued references to the original section drawing of the ball finial is key as it suggests effective waste removal strategies. Observing alternative approaches to carving stone is so helpful. Also great advice as to usage of different chisels and when pneumatic tools can on certain stones cause plucking. As always, the content and level of craftsmanship is superb- simply great to watch, learn and be inspired by! Most grateful!!!
Thanks Jeff! really appreciate your kind words. When working any stone where you can not apply a section mould, having a drawing to reference off is key.
Dude, lose the hood strings off your hoodie, if they get caught in the grinder youd run the risk of decapitating your ball from its plinth, also your head from your neck, but ya know, priorities.. Exceptional series on the ball! Ive just subscribed
I got one question, I can't offird stones and stone carving tools and their not even available in my city, can practiser on wood instead cause all tolls are available and wood is cheaper
I’ve never carved wood myself but I’m sure the same principles apply within reason. Best off talking to a wood carver as I’m sure they would be able to show you the basics. Alternatively you can carve plaster with wood chisels or even thermolite blocks. Like the light weight concrete blocks. Although this will not be good for the chisels so I wouldn’t use good quality ones
@@mainstonecarving thanks, I'll try concrete blocks, cause we often have leftober concrete at work, I'll pure it in a wood case, and practiser on it when it gets hard, thanks again for replying
