Big Work

Choose your size.

If you want to split your block into two halves, you can use a puk saw, which gives a straight and neat cut. To get several blocks you can continue cutting or use a hammer and chisel. In this way the stone will split along fissures or natural break lines in the stone - the stone will break up the same way if dropped on a hard floor. Breaking the stone as opposed to cutting it can avoid surprises later on when working. Always keep the fragments that break off as these can be used for smaller projects - see 'soapstone ideas' for more information.

Reduce the block.

Before starting, beginners often mark the stone with a felt tip pen with the outline of their project. Begin then by using a hammer and chisel to chip off small lumps - watch to begin with to see how the chisels work. Don't concern yourself too much with the final shape at this stage - make more of a general shape to be refined later.

Know how to work in 3 dimensions.

The opposite to a painting that is always looked at face on, a sculpture is looked at from all angles. As a result take time to walk around your work and look at it from all angles as you work, including from a distance - especially with big pieces. Along similar lines don't get too stuck working on one face - keep moving around.

Use the right tools.

From a general point of view, all wood working and carving tools can also be used for soapstone although they may blunt faster. Rasps, saws, chisels, knives and files can all be used - especially for downsizing, however smaller detailed work will normally require rifflers to be used. These small rasps allow for precision carving of relief and detail. Use a wire brush to clean up tools as this effectively removes the dust build up in the teeth of the tools.