Learning how to cut stone will allow you to modify the size and shape of your sculptures or patio decks.Stone lasts a long time even though it is hard to cut.Make sure you work slowly.Wear a dust mask and safety goggles to avoid accidents.
Step 1: You should gather your supplies.
Before you start cutting stone, make sure you have everything you need.Most of the following can be found at a hardware store.If you can't find them in a store, look online.You will need an electric grinder and chisel to cut the stone.It may be cheaper to rent the grinder for a small project.The stone mason's hammer is similar to small sledge hammers.You will need to wear safety gear.Hearing protection, goggles, and a full face shield are required.Hearing protection is available at most hardware stores.
Step 2: Measure how big a stone you need.
You may already know the dimensions of the stones you want to use.You may be using different dimensions.Measure the space you need a piece of stone for with a measuring tape.Before you start cutting, make sure you have the correct dimensions in mind.
Step 3: You should mark where you will split the stone.
You should mark around the stone where you will cut it.
Step 4: The "face side" is where you want to chisel along your line.
The face side of a stone is the opposite of the wall.The chisel will help achieve a cleaner break than the grinder wheel.To begin the cut on the face side, use your chisel and sledgehammer.It's a good idea to wear eye protection before using the hammer and chisel.Take your chisel and hold it in a vertical position, with the blade of the chisel on the line you want to cut.Take your sledgehammer and hit the end of the chisel to make small marks on the stone, about an inch apart.Once again, use your chisel and sledgehammer to fill in the spaces between the marks.Continue working the line until you have a smooth face side.Use single, solid taps against the chisel and sledgehammer to work up the line.
Step 5: Put on a mask for your face and ears.
The next step is using an electric grinder.Before you start working with your grinding tool, make sure to put on your safety goggles, hearing protection, and face shield.Hearing damage can be caused by small debris flying off the stone and the noise from the grinding tool.
Step 6: To cut the lines on the other side, use a grinder.
Make sure that one of the other sides is up.To cut a straight line, use your grinder.Cut over the line a few times.The line should be cut evenly across the stone.If you want to repeat this process on the next side of the stone, turn it over.The stone should be turned over again.You should repeat this process on all of the stone's sides, except for the face, until you have a smooth surface on each side.
Step 7: Use your chisel to cut the stone.
You're ready to finalize the cut once you've cut into all sides of the stone with your chisel or grinder.Give 3-4 good blows with the hammer on the face side.Go to the next face.Continue until the stone breaks.
Step 8: Take your tools.
If you want to carve stone into a shape for a project, or carve curves into stone, you have other options as well.You have to gather some tools.The carving and shaping of stone is more delicate.You will need a chisel set that contains the following chisels: a large, heavy chisel, a point, claw, and a flat chisel.It is possible to purchase chisel sets online and at most hardware stores.A set may cost more than $100.Dust masks and safety goggles are required for the shaping process.If you are carving, leather gloves are a good idea.
Step 9: You can make a drawing of the shape.
You need to draw the object you're trying to carve.During the process, this can help guide you.You can make a flower, a curved corner, or a tile for a larger project.You can sketch a rough drawing of your shape.
Step 10: You can choose a stone close to the shape you want.
You can use stones from a hardware store for your project.You want to choose a stone that is close to the shape you want.If a stone has a curved edge, it would be a good idea to carve it out.As you shape the stone, this will result in less extensive work.
Step 11: Your design can be drawn on the stone itself.
Draw your design on the stone.If you're carving a curve, draw the direction and shape of it along the edge of the stone.Draw out the shape of the petals, buds, and so on against the stone if you're drawing a fancy shape like a flower.You can draw on your stone with a marker or pencil.
Step 12: Use your chisel to outline the rough shape.
You can begin shaping the stone.To start, take your biggest chisel.You can use this to carve out the rough shape of the stone.Do not worry if the stone doesn't look like you want it to.You're just trying to get a rough outline when you go through several different rounds of carving.You can carve the stone into a rough shape with your chisel.You've made drawings.Don't forget to wear safety goggles, as bits of stone may fly off during this process.Don't break off the big chunks of the stone.Take small pieces of stone at a time.Try to make a series of groves in the stone.The lines will be removed with other tools.A large chisel is not very delicate and can be rough on stone.
Step 13: The point chisel can be used to carve out small lines in the stone.
Pick up your point chisel after you've carved the rough outline.This will be used to carve out the shape.You can use your chisel to make small lines in the stone.The lines will be leveled with a claw chisel.The claw chisel should be held at a 45 degree angle.The angle varies depending on the stone.For rough stones, you may have to go for a deeper angle as you chisel it.Go slowly again.It will be awhile before your stone starts to take shape.There are small lines in the stones running along the exterior of the shape you're carving.The lines should be 1 to 1 and a half inches apart.Draw lines the other way to make a crosshatch pattern.A claw chisel can be used to remove the small bumps created by this levels the stone.The exterior of your stone will be bumpy and unevenly shaped.
Step 14: Use the claw chisel to make the shape better.
You can refine the shape by using your claw chisel to smooth out the bumps.The claw chisel can be used to remove lines and bumps.The bumps should come off easily.You should keep working until you have smoothed out most of the bumps and lines from the previous chisel.Some lines and cracks may be created with your claw chisel.That's okay.The flat chisel is used to remove these.
Step 15: To remove lines, use the flat chisel.
The stone should start to take shape here.It should look like your shape, but a bit rough on the edges.You can take your chisel.Remove any lines or bumps created by the claw chisel by scrapping the chisel along the stone.The flat chisel has a flatter edge, so lines can be filed out later.
Step 16: Carve out loose stones with a file.
There may be some rough edges on your body now.Rub your file against the stone.If you see loose stones or pebbles in your stone, rub the edges until they become soft.These can be removed with the file.
Step 17: You can use safety goggles.
You should wear safety gear when working with stone.You can buy goggles at a hardware store.Safety goggles will help protect your eyes from bits of stone that may fly off the main piece while you're chiseling.
Step 18: Carefully read instructions from the products you are using.
You should be aware of the materials you're using.Stone usually comes with safety instructions.There are instructions on how to use the tools at the hardware store.Don't ignore these rules.Before you cut stone, read them in their entirety.
Step 19: Don't dress in a way that puts you in danger.
You should dress in a way that will help prevent accidents when cutting stone.Before you start cutting stone, take some precautions.Before you start working, remove any jewelry.Pull your hair back into a ponytail.pant legs protect you from bits of stone that may fly away from the main piece while you're cutting.
Step 20: There is a clean space to work in.
It's also a safety concern where you work.Make sure the space you work in is clean and well lit.You could trip and hurt yourself if the area is full of debris.It's important that you have adequate lighting so you can see what you're doing.
Step 21: Should you use your stone for commercial or domestic purposes?
You have to make a decision about the type of stone.Whether the project is for commercial or domestic use is one of the major factors in the decision-making process.There will be a lot of traffic on your stone.Stone on the floor of a shopping mall is a commercial use.You should go for a heavier stone.It's a good idea to avoid Limestone, a common stone used for do-it-yourself projects.Stone can be used privately in your home.Domestic use would include a stone counter.It is possible to use cheaper stone for a domestic project.Natural stones like granite would work well.
Step 22: You can stick to stones in your price range.
Sometimes you won't find your first choice in stone.Certain types of stone may have to be shipped.This can be costly.Write down a variety of stone types you would be okay with and then check with a local provider to see what's readily available.You should be willing to work within a budget.The thicker the stone, the more expensive it will be.thicker stone is more durable.If you want a patio with a crushed stone base, go with stone that's at least 1.5 inches thick.For a patio with a concrete foundation, go with stone that's 1 inch thick.
Step 23: Stone does not need finishing.
Special finishing procedures may be required for many types of stone.Sanding, finishing, and flaming may be necessary if your stone is particularly slippery.These types of projects require professional help.There is a stone that does not need a lot of finishing.