Erik Stainsby,
You are way in over your head. At your level of experience, you shouldn't be
under such time constraints when you do not even know how to sharpen tools
with a green wheel or how to use wedges and feathers. But for what it is
worth to you, here are the answers to your questions:
>1) dust control with the diamond wheel; small tube with a water-feed;<
Do not put any water feed on any electric tool unless the tool is shielded
and specifically states that it is unless you want to carve with the angels.
>cooling the blade<
Cooling the blade will help but not in your circumstance where you are using
it intermittently.
>air-powered grinder<
Air powered grinders fry air compressors; do not use them unless you are
working in a place that has a large air compressor such as 25 100 HP.
>"green wheel" for reworking the carbide tips; composition of such a wheel?
Does it provide any advantage over the aluminum oxide types?<
This "green wheel" is made of silicon carbide and is the standard for
sharpening carbide tools. Aluminum Oxide does not work.
>removing large pieces from the top of a 6-foot standing figure;useable
blocks; I'd hate to lose a toe<
Until you are experienced with feather and wedges, you should be cutting
away small pieces or you will lose more than a toe. It is rare that you will
get a usuable block to save when you are roughing out a piece unless you put
the piece on a saw.
>surface finishing; Eventually I expect to work some granite as well<
You are at least 10 years away from anything to do with granite. If you want
to be a stone carver, you cannot take any shortcuts. You must put in the
time to learn the techniques correctly or you will either injuring your self
or forever end up be a "wannabe"; of which there are more of than real
carvers.
Sincerely,
Seamus O'Mahoney
O'Mahoney Sculpture Studios, Inc.
http://www.sover.net/~omahoney
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