How to Chisel Limestone Block
Limestone is a soft stone ideal for beginning stone sculptors. Though limestone does not polish as well as other types of stone, it is a favorite of stone sculptors because it's ideal for fine detail work. Limestone sculptures make great gifts and can be sold at flea markets at a reasonable profit margin. Learning to chisel a limestone block doesn't take long and can result in a limestone masterpiece you'll be proud to display in your home or yard.
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Instructions
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Start with a medium size block of limestone. This is ideal for a beginner because it gives you enough material to work with, but not so much that you have difficulty finding your sculpture. Use a reference photo and begin doing a rough sculpting of your design using a point chisel and hammer. This allows you to remove huge chunks of limestone you won't be needing in your sculpture. Don't worry about details here. All you want is the rough outline.
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Switch to a flat chisel. This is a smaller chisel you'll use to refine the gouge marks made by quick removal with the point chisel. Work slowly, one area at a time, and refer to your photo. Angle your flat chisel so you remove thin layers of limestone at a time. You don't want to take away too much. You can always go back later. Use this step to smooth and refine your sculpture.
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Use a tracing tool to finish your edges and add detail work to your sculpture. This is a smaller chisel that allows you to remove limestone with more precision and control. Don't use heavy strokes of your hammer during this phase. You want to chisel out your stone in small bits. Holding the hammer closer to the head will allow you more control. Switching to a lighter hammer is also helpful.
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Use a stone rasp to smooth away any rough edges. The rasp is a metal file with a lot of power, so be careful not to sand away too much stone. To use it effectively, gently place it against the surface you wish to smooth and lightly move the rasp back and forth. This is the finishing stage. You may need to apply smaller chisels to enhance details, but your sculpture should be ready to display.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to wear goggles and a dust mask when carving and chiseling to avoid breathing in excess dust.
