stonetool

Stonetool is a general term for implements used in shaping, cutting, and finishing stone. It encompasses both traditional hand tools employed by stonemasons and sculptors and modern powered equipment used in construction, quarrying, and restoration. Historically, stoneworking began with crude hammer stones and pointed chisels, and the rise of metalworking produced more durable chisels and hammers. In the 19th and 20th centuries, carbide-tipped tools and pneumatic or electric hammers broadened capabilities, while contemporary stonetools include diamond-tipped blades, high-speed grinders, wire saws, and advanced polishing systems.

Common manual tools include point chisels for roughing, flat and tooth chisels for shaping, and wooden or fiber mallets for driving tools. Power tools include angle grinders with diamond discs, rotary or square polishers, and specialized saws for cutting blocks. Finishing uses rasps, honing stones, and diamond-impregnated pads to achieve smooth surfaces and precise tolerances. Stoneworking tools are used to split blocks, shape profiles, finalize joints, and restore or sculpt stone surfaces across materials such as limestone, marble, granite, and sandstone.

The term can also appear as a brand name or catalog term in vendor literature for stoneworking tool lines. Safety and maintenance are important: use appropriate eye, respiratory, and hearing protection, ensure proper sharpening and tool care, and follow manufacturer guidelines to reduce dust and tool wear.