How To: Using Bushing Tools

By using various bushing tools with your pneumatic hammer, it is possible to rough out, finish carve and texture many types of stone. This valuable stoneworking technique not only saves time, but also produces a wider variety of surface finishes than possible with conventional hand tools.

Some important things to remember:

• Do not hold onto the bushing chisel. Hold the pneumatic tool perpendicular to the stone so the chisel moves freely, bouncing and spinning over the surface in a random pattern (called "dancing").
• The 4-point chisel is ideal for roughing out your work and will leave a coarse texture. The 9-point chisel removes less material but leaves a finer surface. The cup chisel will not dig and is excellent for curved areas; use it to achieve a smoother texture prior to final finish.