Dear Susan,
You can use dry cutting diamond blades that masons use to cut brick and
block. These blades can be used on electric grinders and saws, and will cut
any kind of stone.
But, there are some major shortcomings to these tools. The biggest is that
they are dangerous, huge amounts of dust are produced, noise is damaging,
and the depth of your cut is limited to what the tool will allow.
Unfortunataly, this kind of equipment is expensive.
I use a 10" blade of a heavy-duty grinder. At best I can cut 5" deep, and
thats only in a few positions.
Power tools have their place , but I prefer my old carpenters saw for
alabaster and soapstone. I like the control and safty of hand power,
especially in fragil places. Its hard to cut your finger off with a hand
saw!!
Be safe, and wear a good dust mask and eye protection.
George Graham
>From: Susan Coffin
>Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000
>
>I am currently using hacksaws and bow saws to cut soapstone and
>alabaster boulders and large chunks into smaller pieces for small
>sculptures. I am interested in getting some sort of power saw to save
>time and effort, but I don't know what type would be best. Does anyone
>have a recommendation? I am considering a reciprocating saw (sawzall)
>fitted with a tungston carbide blade. Has anyone had success with one?
...........................................
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