Post #433683 by Paipo on Wed, Feb 11, 2009 2:36 PM

You'll develop your own toolset and techniques as you progress - no two carvers would ever use the same burrs to make the same piece.
For the early stages of roughing out, and also for getting crisp cuts and sharp detail, you need to keep the speed up high and the water flowing. Strong, continuous cuts will save you a ton of time in the cleanup stages (just make sure the burrs are well seated deep in the collet when using pressure). Sometimes holding the handpiece still and moving the stone will work better than vice-versa and give you the best control over your cuts. Slow the RPM down to gently grind the rough edges of the initial cuts and refine the form, then slower still with less (or no ) water for the sanding.

PS that bench looks WAY too clean for a stone carver! You should try and get it as far as possible from your amazing shaping bay so you can cut loose and get the spray flying!