How to 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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Mallet
• Set of chisels

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Refine the general shape of your stone with a tooth chisel. This tool smoothes out large grooves made by points, therefore giving greater definition to the form of your sculpture.
4. Decrease the size of the chisel head as your sculpture progresses. Use smaller tools for more detailed features or designs.
5. Use a larger chisel called a gouge when you want to create a concave area. A concave shape looks like the bowl of a spoon.
6. Scrape out a smaller concave area with a curved chisel called a rondel.
7. Select a flat chisel for carving flat surfaces. Flat chisels will also remove texturing from convex areas. A convex shape looks like an upside down spoon.
8. Pick strong carbide tipped chisels when carving with hard rock such as granite. You can buy carbide hand tools or chisel points to use with drills or other power tools. Carbide tipped chisels are the most effective way to carve granite.

Tips & Warnings

• Angle your chisel at 45 degrees to the stone as you work. If you use a steeper angle, you can risk bruising the stone.
• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with stone. Rock dust can be hazardous to your health if inhaled.
• Be careful not to drive the chisel into the stone too hard. This can produce bruises as well, leaving a mark on the stone that is sometimes permanent.

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