What Tools Are Commonly Used By Monumental Masons?

By Author: National Monuments Foundation
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A monument design mason's profession is a noble one that has existed for hundreds of years. As time passed, new methods of creating these monuments were developed; however, the tools commonly used for the craft underwent a number of changes. So, what tools will you most likely find a mason using today?

Compass, Set Squares, Chalk
These tools are frequently used to measure the stone before cutting it. The compass aids in determining angles, the set square aids in marking these lines, and chalk is used to physically draw the lines in.

Steel Hammer
Stone masons use hammers ranging in weight from 2 to 4 pounds (about 1 to 2 kilograms). They are frequently made of tempered steel.

Power Saw
These saws can be used handheld, mounted on a surface, or converted into a rail saw. The blades must be equipped with electroplated diamond blades in order to cut through the stone. Water is occasionally used as a coolant.

Chisels
These tools have carbide tips that allow them to easily slice away material from the stone's surface. There are several types, each used to achieve a different look.

Routers ...
...
These, like many other tools used by a monumental mason, are fitted with diamond profiling bits to penetrate the stone's hard surface.

Hammer Drills
These tools give drilling a hammer-like action and are used to drill holes into stone in order to split it. To split the stone, a metal 'feather' (v-shaped) is inserted into the hole and struck with a hammer.

Polishers
These tools are outfitted with an abrasive pad or disc and are used to smooth and buff the surface of the stone in preparation for installation.
As you can see, monumental masons all over the world use a wide range of tools on a daily basis. While some of these tools are used more frequently than others, you can expect to find all of the tools listed above, as well as many more, lying around a mason's workroom, ready to be used in the creation of a beautiful monument.

The rich and famous in Atlanta place a high value on people close to them, including animals. Not only are human graves beautiful to behold, but animal tombs can be more beautiful than human graves. Aside from graves, the exquisite craftsmanship of Atlanta artists can be found throughout the city. The concept of monuments is ever present, perhaps because it is man's ultimate desire to be eternal, and a stone edifice can bridge the centuries, making him or rather his work immortal to some extent. In this way, he attempts to avoid death or oblivion. The creation of monuments can be traced back thousands of years in human history. However, the goal of erecting a monument remains constant. It is constructed in memory of a person or event with the sole purpose of allowing the subject to live on in the hearts of people for all eternity, walking the earth in ages to come.

However, the methods of creating and designing a monument have evolved over time. Though stone is still the most popular material for monument construction, the style and design have evolved significantly from previous artworks in which hand engraving and curving were the only options. Nowadays, you have a plethora of options to choose from, making your experience even more personalised. As mentioned previously, you can always go the traditional route and commission an artist to curve and engrave a piece of stone for your monument.

Surprisingly, handcrafted fare remains the most popular. The traditional method of an epitaph, on the other hand, is perfectly adequate. A few words of remembrance in memory of a loved one are still thought to be the most intimate affair. However, new features such as laser etching and photo imprinting are becoming increasingly popular. Because laser etching uses precise calculations, the potential for engraving is limitless. Again, the option of immortalising a beloved memory with a colour photograph is appealing. Several personalised services, such as custom built designer objectives, are now available to be placed with the monument, making it a more personalised gesture.

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