CARVING SOAPSTONE
Prepared by Daniel W. Smith
Basic Tools: Various rasp files
8” or 10” cabinet rasp – rough carving
7” or 8” riffler rasp – fine carving
Saw – hand, any type desired
Coping saw
Sandpaper (wet or dry type)
180
400
600
Boiled linseed oil or danish oil
Initial Steps:
1. Selecting the subject
a. For first carving – keep it simple
b. Select views of object to help see the shape
c. Use ratios to scale picture to stone size
2. Selecting the stone
a. For soapstone – can find a variety of colors
b. Hardness is variable
i. Harder stones give a better finish
ii. Softer stone can be carved faster
c. Stone is sold as rough or blocks
d. Check for seams, cracks, holes and other problem spots
e. Select color and pattern of grain
f. Best to check color by wetting the surface
g. Oils, like linseed, give a better (more accurate) color
Starting the Carving
1. Study and select the orientation of the stone
2. Draw profile on side – solf lead pencil
3. Draw design from different views to the scale needed
4. Prepare a good, flat base – cut, file or sand it flat
Next Steps
5. Carve on paper or other disposable surface – for easy clean-up
6. Draw profile on stone, cut or file away the excess
7. If the stone breaks reattach with super glue
8. Holes in the stone can be filed with epoxy
Prepared by Daniel W. Smith
Basic Tools: Various rasp files
8” or 10” cabinet rasp – rough carving
7” or 8” riffler rasp – fine carving
Saw – hand, any type desired
Coping saw
Sandpaper (wet or dry type)
180
400
600
Boiled linseed oil or danish oil
Initial Steps:
1. Selecting the subject
a. For first carving – keep it simple
b. Select views of object to help see the shape
c. Use ratios to scale picture to stone size
2. Selecting the stone
a. For soapstone – can find a variety of colors
b. Hardness is variable
i. Harder stones give a better finish
ii. Softer stone can be carved faster
c. Stone is sold as rough or blocks
d. Check for seams, cracks, holes and other problem spots
e. Select color and pattern of grain
f. Best to check color by wetting the surface
g. Oils, like linseed, give a better (more accurate) color
Starting the Carving
1. Study and select the orientation of the stone
2. Draw profile on side – solf lead pencil
3. Draw design from different views to the scale needed
4. Prepare a good, flat base – cut, file or sand it flat
Next Steps
5. Carve on paper or other disposable surface – for easy clean-up
6. Draw profile on stone, cut or file away the excess
7. If the stone breaks reattach with super glue
8. Holes in the stone can be filed with epoxy
