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Post by trackside on May 11, 2013 19:43:47 GMT -5
I have a Dremel, some diamond wheel's, silicon carbide grinding stones and some diamond cutters. Do I need anything else to start shaping some stone? Water for cooling? Any advise before I jump on my first project? What would I use to draw a design on a stone. My cutting wheels are only 3/4 inch. I don't know how I would cut a piece off of my larger stones either. Any suggestions? I'm anxious to start after seeing all the carvings on this site. To polish the stones, do I just use the silicon carbide grinding stones until I get it fairly smooth then use wet and dry sandpaper? I guess I have about covered all that I can think of. What no one has given me any answers yet. Oh wait, I have to post this first.  |
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Post by kk on May 11, 2013 22:18:16 GMT -5
Hi there, welcome to the club.
Carving something is very different for every person. You will have to experiment a lot and then take what suits you best.
As for getting started: I often choose a design and after scaling it to size, I use carbon-paper to transfer it onto the surface of the stone. I don't mind the simplicity as long as I get the right proportions with it, as I usually go by feel from there onward anyway.
Every project has its own challenges and hence needs different tools. What kind of project are you looking at. If you start with a thicker slab (1cm), your wheel will do just fine. The SC grinding stones are good for quick removal, but make sure to keep the stone cool or you will end up with lots of fractures during this stage. Most people use a drip system. I grind dry and ensue a regular dip into water to ensue reasonable results.
Till here for now, Kurt
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Post by kk on May 12, 2013 9:01:25 GMT -5
Here is an example as to what I mean by copying with carbon-paper first:  And the going your own way (by feel).  As you can see, its quite different from the starting point, but I'm still able to keep proportions. |
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Post by trackside on May 12, 2013 9:34:55 GMT -5
Nice carving KK! I hope to be able to accomplish what I want to do too. I need to figure out a way to have a drip system so I can keep the bits cool. Plus I have to be careful as water and electricity does not mix to well.  |
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Post by kk on May 12, 2013 9:58:33 GMT -5
Will still need another two weekends, till this is going to be done.
There are quite a few videos on YouTube showing you how drip systems work and they are set up.
Having a drip system definitely has advantages in keeping any dust down in addition of cooling the stone and prolonging the life of your tools. I only use the occasional dip in water, because I only work outdoors, but the live-span of my burrs is not what others are able to achieve.
By the way, this piece was started with the same cutting-blade that you are likely to use.
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Post by trackside on May 12, 2013 10:10:33 GMT -5
How do you polish up the stone after getting the shape you want on it?
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Post by kk on May 12, 2013 17:38:02 GMT -5
For me; its the whole gamut of sanding-paper followed by 50K Diamond-paste. But, I'm the odd one out. Other can help you better with their own receipts to success.
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Post by Pat on May 12, 2013 18:34:25 GMT -5
Yes, you need water, but not necessarily a drip system. Just put a plastic bowl/box under your rock. I'm assuming your rock is in one hand and the rotary drill is in the other.
Frequently dip the rock and the tip of the drill into the water. Works well. When I carve away from home, I use the box/bowl for water. When at home, I use my homemade drip system. That's just a tea/lemonade dispenser with a tube and little faucet at the end. Must have a way to control the flow, so it is a small drip.
Wear a dust mask while carving, too. I also wear an optivisor.
It's a lot of fun and quite satisfying. Good luck!
Pat
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Post by trackside on May 12, 2013 19:02:58 GMT -5
All kinds of great information here. I hope to get started soon. I need to get some eye protection first then I think I will be able to start. I can use a plastic bowl to start but eventually I will want to rig up a drip system or something with a pump. Has anyone ever held the stone just below the surface and worked on it like that?
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Post by trackside on May 12, 2013 19:05:39 GMT -5
One other item to ask. I have two small containers of a reddish brown substance that looks like a paste of some sorts. It came with the dremel bits kit. So I assume that is what I am supposed to polish the stone with?
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Post by Pat on May 12, 2013 19:15:11 GMT -5
It would be hard to see what you are doing if you held stone under water.
Red paste could be for polishing. Different grits come in different colors.
Dollar Tree store has decent safety glasses.
Dremel is good to start with. Will wear out on constant use. Foredom is tougher.
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Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2013 19:52:19 GMT -5
I think the red stuff is more for metal. The red can be pushed into the pores of the stone and make it darker. I use a white stick on all stone. You can also use white powder polish that is for tumbling. Mix it with water to make a paste.
Whatever you do start with something really easy so you do not get discouraged. I started with abstract shapes then progressed slowly to more difficult shapes.
Good luck
Jim
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