Why domost of you guys stamp on a Marble Slab

Marshal Will Wingam · January 16, 2009, 03:02:16 PM

That's a good buy, Cowboy. Assuming that the shipping isn't too high.

TN Mongo · January 16, 2009, 03:39:02 PM

I had a medium size granite monument stone that I got at a monument engravers shop for $20. I traded it to another holster maker because I hadn't made anything in years (this was before I got into CAS). It was piece of scrap and the guy was glad to let it go. All I did was explain what I wanted it for and the guy was glad to help. The only downside was it weighed close to 100 pounds. It was by far the best thing I ever did tooling on.

Currently, I have some granite countertop scrap that I got for free from a countertop shop. They told me I could have anything I wanted for free from their dumpster. It works fine, but not as well as that gravestone stuff I had. Just go ask at local shops, most folks are glad to help if they can.

knucklehead · January 16, 2009, 05:07:52 PM

I have a friend that installed countertops.
he brought one over to me that was cut wrong, he wanted a new wallet for it.
so i reluctently agreed. 2 days later he had a brand new celtic tooled wallet.
it was the first project done on the slab.

the slab measures 18" wide by 36" long by 1 1/2" thick.
the top was polished and the edges were already rounded and polished before i got the slab.

i have been using this slab for 4 years now and it still works great. i even do my glue ups on the slab. after glue dries its real easy to get it off of the slab.

cowboy316 · January 16, 2009, 08:54:21 PM

just saw the shipping on that slab of granite from grizzly might be better off going to the place that does heaad stones cuz to have that piece shipped its like 80 buck for a total of 120 buck not sure i can swing it lol
Cowboy316

SaddleRider · January 18, 2009, 02:22:49 AM

For the time being, I'm using a pressure treated 4" x 4" post about 24" long, laying on it's side on my work bench to do my tooling work. I don't recommend it to anyone, but I'm using it out of necessity due to the lack of a marble/granite slab to do my tooling on.

Thanks to all who suggested the monument/headstones. I'll have to visit one on monday to see if any are available here.

Update:

Well Gents...I made the trip down to the local monument place this morning and let me tell you I got a dandy deal!

I got a 4 1/2" thick by 12 1/2" wide and 36 1/2" long piece of granite with a polished top for FREE! It was the base part of the monument but there isn't a mark on it except for the discoloration where the momument and vase sat on it for years and yes it is quite heavy. I pulled up my pants, flexed my puny muscles and wrestled the critter into the bed of my truck. Got my work out for next two weeks! LOL

They have a massive stockpile of the stuff in an area that is about 10' wide by 40' long all neatly stacked, shapes, sizes & colors, most are in perfect condition, one had a chip on the edge, but nothing that couldn't be cut or sanded off.

Heck...may I should go into the "granite shipping" business? LOL

cowboy316 · January 19, 2009, 01:23:21 PM

wont be gettin my granite slab from the local funeral home they want both arms and boths legs for just a damaged chunk so im gonna have to call around to the surrounding towns and see what i can find lol
Cowboy316

SaddleRider · January 19, 2009, 02:20:22 PM

Quote from: cowboy316 on January 19, 2009, 01:23:21 PM
wont be gettin my granite slab from the local funeral home they want both arms and boths legs for just a damaged chunk so im gonna have to call around to the surrounding towns and see what i can find lol
Cowboy316

Sorry to hear that Cowboy. Hopefully you'll find one reasonable (or better yet...free) and close by soon. I'd offer to send you one of these, but I'm sure as heavy as mine was it would cost a fortune to ship.

cowboy316 · January 19, 2009, 02:23:39 PM

ya i thought bout that but a piece like yours would cost bout 200 to ship i think lol and dont know what it would take to drive there lol
Ill just keep lookin got pleanty of till still workin on building my work bench
Cowboy316

SaddleRider · January 19, 2009, 02:47:54 PM

Probably so Cowboy. It's a long way from WY to TX anyway. I don't think it would be cost effective to drive it.

McNasty · January 20, 2009, 02:07:17 PM

This is the first time I've posted on here, however I have been lurking in the background for well over a year now. I do have a suggestion. When I started working with leather, I used a thin piece of marble, but broke it doing some heavy stamping.

I had a piece of granite counter top and started using it but it didn't seem heavy enough and sort of bounced around. Then I got the idea to take more than one piece, and with some of the epoxys today, glued them together. I now have a piece that is about 18 x 24 x 31/2. Been using that for about 8 years now. Just a suggestion.

Marshal Will Wingam · January 20, 2009, 02:57:27 PM

McNasty, that's a great idea. A little JB Weld, Gorilla Glue or similar thing and you have as thick as you want. I like the idea.

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to more of your posts.

McNasty · January 20, 2009, 04:48:35 PM

I think I used Liquid Nail for masonry. Any It's work ok fo years now. Hope it helps.

Marshal Will Wingam · January 20, 2009, 05:43:30 PM

Thanks, McN. I'll remember that.