Doug,
Sandstone can be carved, just make sure to protect yourself from the dust.
sandstone is pure silica sand, so the dust can damage your lungs. Get a
GOOD dust mask. This stuff is very hard of tools. It may seem to carve
easily, but it dulls tools fast. If there is no obvious flaws then it should
be worth wacking away at it!
But, why bother with sandstone when you are 100 miles away from some of the
best carving stone in the world. Indiana Limestone from the Bedford area is
very consistant, easy to carve, strong enough to carve very fine details,
not hard on regular steel chisels, and has no silica sand, so no health
threats, except for dropping on your foot. You can even file it with a wood
rasp. You may have to pay for it, but it is worth the money!!
Also, limestone varies wildly from region to region. If your local stuff is
being used for roads then in is most likely very hard and tough. I've carved
some local stuff from West. NY . Its workable, but VERY tough. I have always
told beginners to get Indiana limestone to start.
Good luck, and get a good dust mask!
George Graham
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