Dear Bob,
I am a sculptor who carves marble. You asked about methods of stone carving.
Marble carving is an art which uses the same tools that Michelangelo did with
the addition of some power tools. You begin by making an exact model in
another medium. Essentially, there is some form of measurement in space you
must use so that you can carve to the point you wish to be within the marble.
This is repeated thousands of times until you have the desired shape. From
there on it is refinement by chisels, sanding and polishing.
I understand that now there are ways to use a computer to guide saws to make
the cuts. I have no experience with this. I might suggest that you inquire
at firms that make cemetary monuments. They will guide you.
Be aware that granite will last longer than marble once it is placed outside.
Susan Miller
