Replies

1. 
   ErnieConover | Jun 27, 2006 02:50pm | #1

   Turning soapstone is fun and quite easy. As you have guessed gluing it to a waste block is the best chucking method. Super glue works quite well for this and has the added advantage that the piece can be released with super glue solvent (or acetone works very well too). Turning is ONLY by scraping and for the most part large round nose patterns carry the day. While I would grind a woodturning scraper with about 15 degrees of relief in the edge I grind soapstone scrapers to 90 degrees. (The edge is a right angle.) Grinding it so creates a burr on both the top and bottom edge. Since the tool is pointed well down hill during use, this gives you two edges per sharpening by simply flipping the tool over. Needless to say, you sharpen a lot and I usually position my grinder right behind me at the lathe. I simply turn 180 degrees to sharpen. Material removal is slow and expect to put some time in on a large piece. Super glue carries the day as small faults in the stone appear.

   You can also super glue wood to the rim of vessels creating a nice effect. The rim must be tiled in at least 8 pieces to overcome wood expansion and contraction verses the stone.

   Dust is a great concern here. Since you are creating gypsum dust silicosis is a real and present danger. Therefore, first rate breathing apparatus is a must. A simple automotive paper mask is not enough. You need a good filtering mask or better an air helmet. Also protect family members from second hand breathing of the dust. Vacuum the shop well when you are finished--wearing the mask.

   You can use conventional sanding to improve the scraped finish. Sand up to about 400 grit then go to automotive rubbing compounds which will leave a mirror finish leaving the stone translucent. Have fun and ware your mask.

   With best regards,
   Ernie Conover

   
   

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   Edited 6/27/2006 8:33 am ET by ErnieConover

1. 
   sampsonpotlatch | Jun 30, 2006 11:44am | #2

   Thank you Ernie for the advice.There is just one other thing.The soap stone block I have is cut top and bottem about 7inches thick and 10 to 14 inches wide 62lbs. Is it possable to round it with a fine wood blade on a wood band saw at the slowest speed. It would sure make turning easyer.Sampsonpotlatch

1. 
   ErnieConover | Jun 30, 2006 01:55pm | #3

   It will cut fine on the bandsaw and you do not even need to slow it down. Blade life will suffer but it can be reserved for just soap stone. I buy my blade in 100 foot coils but that is another story. Where you need the low speed is in the lathe--especially with the 62 lb weight. Rounding it before mounting will add immensely to the safety because of the better balancing. Wear a dust mask!Regards,
   Ernie Conover

1. 
   sampsonpotlatch | Jul 01, 2006 02:11am | #4

   Thanks again Ernie for the advice. I should be able to finish this ok.Steve