Stone masonry - do we have any stone masons on here?

[Woody3]

Hi,

Do we have any stone masons on here, or does anyone know of any stone masonry forums?

The reason I ask is, I've just bought 7 stone mason's chisels and just wondered what their proper purposes are? I also want to have a go at self-learning stone-masonry.

The chisels are as follows:

1cm Gouge Chisel-Mallet head.

6mm Deers Foot Claw Chisel

2.5cm Firesharp Chisel (Faulds) - Mallet head

18mm Firesharp chisel (Faulds)- Mallet head

2 x Old Pitcher Chisels 5.5cm and 6cm (Firesharp)

The seventh on is a chisel that I know its use, but not its name. Basically it gives a "face" to a flat piece of stone. The chisel is only pointed on one side. The back of the chisel is flat.

Thanks,

W.

 

[Keith Bowman]

No, but there seems to be quite a lot on Youtube. John Seymour's book "The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency" had a general piece about it, but I can only remember that you start off with a pointed chisel, then a comb shaped chisel, before smoothing off with a flat one. I expect it's a bit more complicated than that really!

 

[DJH]

I found these in a book called 'Handtools of the Arts and Crafts' although they are described as stone carving tools I don't think there is a great deal of difference...





Doug

 

[DJH]

These are from Warlands 'Modern Practical Masonry' 1929...the description of each tool is in the text which I could scan for you and send over if you like.







Doug

 

[Woody3]

Wow! Thanks Doug! I really wasn't expecting a reply as detailed as that!

If you really don't mind scanning in the text, then I'll message you my email address.

Thanks again,

W.

 

[DJH]

Having trouble scanning Woody as I'm reluctant to fold the books fully open as they are old and the bindings could split... :shock: I'll use the camera instead.

Doug

 

[Woody3]

Doug - don't worry about it. I don't want you to damage your books!

I think I've got enough info from your scanned images anyway. Again, many thanks for your time and trouble in scanning the images.

 

[JoceAndChris]

There haven't been any stone masons on here for a long time unfortunately. It's clearly a rare trade! I've met a few getting quotes for this and that, and stumbled across a very interesting workshop last summer- they've all seemed very happy to describe and talk about the work - I hope you can find one to give you some demos!