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SELECTING SMALL TOOLS FOR CARVING
You will find almost as many methods for carving as you will choice in tools to do the job,
from hammer and chisel to create life size statues, to a variety of motorized tools and
diamond points for intricate carving of agate and similar hard stones. The wide choice in
small burrs, buffs and wheels can be particularly confusing to the beginner.
CARVER'S WORK STATION
The information below is intended as a beginner's basic
guide to the selection and use of small tools for the shap-
ing through polishing process using The Carver's Choice
fixed point unit. The tools work as well with our Multi-
flex Unit, or with any flexible-shaft set-up. Our selection
is based on suggestions by a master carver, but is meant
to be a beginner's start-up kit. The tools are by no means
the only ones you will need or want.
Page numbers listed with the tool descriptions and order
numbers below refer to pages in this catalog.
STEP 1. SHAPINGYOUR Work piece. The process for
carving stone follows the basic steps in finishing gem-
stones of any kind: the work piece must be cut or ground
to shape, then finished through steps of sanding and
polishing. To start, the more matrix you can remove from
your stone by trim sawing or rough grinding, the easier
time you will have actually carving. Saves your small
tools as well.
Diamond burrs are used for shaping your work piece.
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are
designed to be used wet. V-shaped or knife edged burrs
are used to outline and form deep valleys. Straight wheels
are used to shape convex areas and pointed burrs are used
to form concave areas. You will find a large selection of
types and shapes on pages 32 through 35.
The inexpensive plated burrs or points on page 33 and the
bottom of page 35 are good for beginners. Once you have
determined the best shapes for your use you can upgrade
to the sintereted points on page 32.
STEP 2. THE SANDING PROCESS. In sanding, you
are trying to remove all scratches left by the shaping pro-
cess, and to prepare the surface of the stone for polish-
ing. You will generally spend time going through several
sanding steps.
Our Nova Miniature sanding points are used for the sand-
ing process. These points must be used wet. Nova points
come in 9 grits and are color coded for easy identifica-
tion. Use the Nova points at approximately 2000 to 4000
RPM. The coarser points 60, 140 or 280 grits, are used
following the metal bonded diamond burrs. The medium
grits, 600, 1200 and 3000 are for finer sanding. See page
35 to order. You may also want to try out the Mini-Nova
wheels, also listed on page 35. These come in single or
multiple layers for different needs. Great for getting into
hard to reach areas.
STEP 3. FINE SANDING AND POLISHING. Depending
on how well the surface of your stone is prepared to this
point, you need to proceed with more steps in the polishing
process. For this you may use Nova points in 8000, 14000
or 50000 grits. You may also use Phenol points (see page
34) with diamond compound (page 19) or felt wheels with
diamond compound. Remember Nova products must be
used with water. Points charged with diamond compound
must be used with a lubricant like our Gem-Lube (see page
20). To use felt wheels spread a small amount of diamond
compound on the felt then add a spray of Gem-Lube. The
carving arbor should be run at about 1500 RPM (approxi-
mately the 10 o'clock position on the bench lathe dial. If
you are throwing compound the speed is too high.
When using diamond compound, your work piece and
your hands should be cleaned with soap and water between
each step to prevent contamination by the coarser
compound grits.
CARVER'S WORK STATION
Stop the splash and mess when you carve with this
handy shield developed by master carver, Dick Fri-
esen. The unique arrangement of double, adjustable
shields prevents water splashing towards you as you
carve, either with a Foredom Flex-shaft unit, or the
fixed-shaft Multi-Flex. The Work Station also incor-
porates a water tank with
adjustable valve to control
amount of water to your
work piece. A flex-stem
lamp easily puts light right
to where you work. Made
of powder coated metal
with clear shields that
protect you from splash
without obstructing your
view as you work.
Work
Station
660-WS.......................Shp. Wt. 8 lbs...........................198.00