Mosaics and sculptures since 1988
The bit chisel consists of a simple pyramid-shaped tip. This type of chisel is used primarily for stone working. Most of the material removed during the roughing out of a sculpture is done with this tool. It sketches the shape and then, through successive stages, the stone is modelled to a distance of about 3 cm from the final surface. The gradina will then be used. The steel subbia is a pointed hand tool used mainly by sculptors, stonemasons and bricklayers for roughing stone materials such as stone, marble, travertine and sandstone. Its conical or pyramid-shaped tip is used to quickly remove large portions of material from a block. Steel chisels can also be used with a pneumatic hammer, but hand chisels are recommended for precision work on smaller pieces.
The chisel is perhaps the most important tool in the entire carving process. After roughing out the block, it allows the texture of the shape to be defined, penetrating the stone easily thanks to its shape. The chisel creates a ‘combed’ effect on the surface, a sort of raking action using widia teeth, which can vary depending on the size of the chisel. The greater the number of teeth, the denser the texture created. The steel chisel is a pointed hand tool, mainly used by sculptors, stonemasons and bricklayers for roughing stone materials such as stone, marble, travertine and sandstone. Its conical or pyramidal tip is used to quickly remove large portions of material from a block. Steel chisels can also be used with a jackhammer, but hand chisels are recommended for precision work on smaller pieces. Steel or widia chisel? Chisels can be made entirely of steel or have a widia-reinforced tip. The main difference lies in their hardness: Steel: ideal for marble and sandstone, where good resistance but not maximum hardness is required. Widia: these are harder and more resistant, suitable for harder stones such as granite, or for use with jackhammers, where the impact is stronger.
The round chisel known as a ‘nail chisel’ is a tool with a blade edge similar to the shape of a finger. This tool has a narrow section that starts from the chisel shaft and widens to form a large semicircle. It allows grooves to be created in marble, facilitating the sculptor's work, such as the creation of fluting on columns. Its tip has a characteristic rounded shape, similar to a fingernail, hence its name. It is used to refine shapes after roughing with a subbia and to create curved incisions, recesses and decorations on drapery and columns.
The topping bit is a blunt tool designed to be deliberately imprecise. It is widely used to remove large portions of stone from the edges of fireplaces, or to create the typical irregular surface texture. It is also used on the edge. It does not require great manual skill and must be struck firmly from above. Given the slanted profile of the blade, it easily removes up to 10 cm of thickness.
If you prefer to purchase a set of stonemason tools, in this section you will find some suggestions we have put together. These can, of course, be supplemented or modified according to your needs.
If you want a complete stone carving set, the choice depends on your level of experience (beginner or professional) and the type of stone (soft like marble or hard like granite) you want to work with. Stone carving sets include the basic tools for the different stages of the process: roughing, finishing and detailing. Basic manual set (steel) Ideal for beginners, a basic set with steel tools offers excellent value for money for working with stones that are not excessively hard, such as marble. Basic hand carving set with steel tools by Artemarcia sas: this 14-piece kit includes the essential tools to start a hand carving project. Contents: 1 iron mallet, 2 rasps, 4 flat chisels, 2 round, 3 teeth and 2 bits. Use: adzes are used for roughing, chisels and gouges for shaping, and claws for curved details. Beginner's set (widia) For those who want to start with more resistant tools suitable for stones of different hardness, sets with widia (cemented carbide) tipped tools are an excellent option. Use: this kit allows you to perform all stages of sculpting, from removing excess material to finishing. Basic set for hand carving with widia tools by Artemarcia sas: a complete set with widia tools, suitable for working with harder materials such as granite and compact marble. Professional set (manual or pneumatic) If you work continuously or on large pieces, a professional set with widia tools guarantees greater resistance and optimal performance. Professional hand sculpting set with widia tools by Artemarcia sas: offers a wider range of widia tools to tackle complex jobs with precision and durability. Cuturi Widia professional 12.5 sculpture set by Artemarcia sas: this set is designed for pneumatic working. Contents: pneumatic hammer, various chisels, claws, gradines and subbie, all with widia tips. Advantages: allows you to work faster and with less effort, ideal for large works or very hard materials. Complementary accessories In addition to the main tools, it is also useful to consider other accessories to complete the set: Rasps: used to shape and finish the surface of the stone. Sharpening stones: essential for keeping the tips of chisels and claws sharp. Tool bag: useful for organising and safely transporting your tools.