Stoning

[Squint]

Hello
I have been carving for a few years but never with power. (So to speak)
I now have a Dremel 400xpr with a flex shaft.
Can some one explain to me the meaning of the word "stoning" when texturing And the correct tool to use.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

That's new to me also ?? I am sure someone will have an answer.

Dave

[dennybell]

"Stoning" refers to adding detail such as hair or feathers to a carving by use of an abrasive burr in a powered handpiece. The "stone" can be a variety of different items. I normally stone with a 1/8" diameter white cylindrical stone, but have also used the ceramic rods and several shapes of diamond burrs.

The process is to use the corner of the burr to grind away the wood to the shape you are looking for. Sometimes you want long strokes and sometimes you want short, overlapping strokes. It all depends on the final effect you are seeking. Experiment on some scrap until you get the effect you want. When using the ceramic rod or a stone, you may have to keep the corner sharp by rubbing the tool on a stationary stone.

Denny

[Squint]

Thank you Denny and Dave

The info was very clear and practice I will. As I read in someone's post
The burrs that come with the Dremel are ,for practical purposes,useless.
I have ordered some blue ceramic and diamond points from Wood
Carvers Supply. From what I have read and heard the best shapes
for texturing purposes are the "flame" , "ball", and " inverted cone".
Does this sound right to you?
Squint

[dennybell]

The type of detail you are adding will determine the shape of the burr you use. For detail, I mostly use the edge of a 1/8" white cylinder, but have used whatever will do the job in some cases.

The Dremel burrs do a fine job IMHO, but they get dull too quick. I really like the carbide bits, but they are pricey. Most of the detail and finishing work I do is done with the stones or the diamonds, although I know some carvers that swear by the rubies... that's why you need to test out each tool to see just what it does.

Denny

[Wildbirdcarver]

Would suggest you use the stone that works for you so try every shape. I personally like a small white barrel shaped stone that is flat on the tip. Most (all) stones have a little vibration which effects the texturing. So I run the stone against a flat diamond plate...both the sides and the tip until you can't feel any vibration with your finger. Some carvers take a little off the sharp edge that has been created in order to make the texturing a little softer.
Frank Russell has a DVD on carving feathers, fins, fur that is excellent. He also has a few books in print. Happy carving, Dick