Drilling Wet with a Flexible Shaft Tool
Q: I’ve purchased a Foredom flexshaft, and I want to drill some holes in glass, which I’ve seen done using a shallow pan of water to contain the glass and cool it. Is this dangerous for the tool, and would I run the risk of electrocuting myself?
Inhaling Polishing Compounds
Q: I’ve been polishing with tripoli and rouge, using a paper dust mask, but I’ve noticed that some of the compounds are still ending up in my nose. Is this a problem and if so, what should I do about it?
Fuel Gases and their Environmental Effects
Q: I just found a butane torch that advertised itself as being “ozone friendly”. Does that mean it’s better for the environment than other butane torches, or better than any other fuel gasses, like propane?
Cast Marble
Q: How does one go about making sculpture in “cast marble” or “bonded marble?”
Alternative Casting Materials
Q: I would like to cast something into molds (besides plaster of Paris) that would end up looking like white marble. Should I use polyester resin or what?
Making Paint
Q: I want to make my own paints from dirt, rocks, vegetables, spices, etc. I have seen paint make from colored dirt by adding a little white glue and some water. Is this going to work with everything?
Mosaic-surfaced Stepping Stones
Q: I want to make some concrete stepping stones with a mosaic surface. What kind of mold, concrete/aggregate mix, and setting technique should I use?
Is Carving Soapstone Dangerous?
Q: I’ve heard that some soapstones contain asbestos, and should be avoided by carvers. Then I heard that the soapstone itself was toxic, because it contains talc. Is this true?
Difference Between Polyester, Acrylic, and Epoxy Resins
Q: Is there a difference between polyester, acrylic, and epoxy resins?
Foundations for Sculpture
Q: I’ve made some large sculptures, and I want to site them outdoors. Do I need to make a foundation for each one? That seems like it would be astronomically expensive. Do I have to bury part of the piece in the concrete while it’s wet?
Life-casting
Q: Where can I find information on life-casting? What are the best materials to use? What about plaster bandages, do they work?
Molding My Own Face
Q: I want to make a mold of my face, but I don’t know how. Do you use plaster?
Stone Carving
Q: I am interested in carving a piece of stone and was wondering if it can be done without a lot of fancy equipment.
Stone Cutting
Q: I have a large piece of black slate, ½ inch thick, that I’d like to use for a table top. What is the best way to cut, polish, and seal it.?