Where do you get it? Soapstone

[ribot]

Can anyone help me out here? Just wondering if soapstone is available in Victoria or anywhere else in Oz?

[AlexS]

Don't know about soapstone, but there is a talc mine at Lyndhurst, SA. Talc can be carved like soapstone.

If you contact the Lyndhurst pub they could probably put you in touch with someone who could arrange to get some to you.

[bsrlee]

Talc IS soapstone. Really. Talc is the geologist's/mineralogist's term, soapstone was the 'common' name, but as there is little use of the stuff no, outside of cosmetics & baby powder, Talc is what it is known as.....

I think most of the stuff that is mined goes straight into a crusher, so going to a smaller operator, who mught be able to put aside a few big lumps for you sounds like a good idea.

Otherwise you can get smaller bits from a jeweller's supply store - look under jeweller's supplies, jewellers (wholesale) , or lapidary in the Yellow Pages.

[DanP]

Lee Valley sell it but the postage would be a killer.

Dan

[Iain]

Pretty sure that craft shops sell it, kids had some once for carving.

[AlexS]

Talc IS soapstone. Really. Talc is the geologist's/mineralogist's term, soapstone was the 'common' name, but as there is little use of the stuff no, outside of cosmetics & baby powder, Talc is what it is known as.....

Thanks, thought it might have been, but was too lazy to get off my bum & look at Dana's.

[ribot]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty sure soapstone is or has talc in it and I also think that it is called something like steatite or stealite, something like that. Thought it might be interesting to try and carve. Tried an aerated concrete which I forget the name of but didn't enjoy it to much. Besides it was full of aerated holes which I didn't like. Thought some candle burners would be safer in a stone product.

[AlexS]

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...highlight=talc

Sir Chiz turned some - check out this link or do a search for Talc

[ubeaut]

Soapstone or Talc is also sometimes sold in Australia under the name of Jade-wood. Beenatree Crafts had a heap of it at one time, don't know if they still do. Ph 03 5659 4218 to find out.

Cheers - Neil

PS It turns and carves realy well and polishes up great with EEE-Ultra Shine there is a piece of it shown on this page of the U-Beaut Products portion of this site.

PPS If you intend turning it be wary of any cracks and floors in the stone as it can shatter and send shrapnel flying in all directions. :eek:

[scooter]

I think stearate is the term you mean ribot.

Is it the same gear as used for engineers chalk? You could maybe contact a supplier for their source.


Cheers........Sean

[ribot]

Greatly appreciated guys, the turned stuff looks great, not to mention the EEE finish. Will persue this further armed with this info. Thanks

[ribot]

Thanks for the correction scooter. Just by the by that aerated concrete I used was a "Hebel" block. Pretty easy stuff to work, a little abrassive on woodworking tools though.

[Daddles]

I'm dissappointed boys. Twelve posts and we're still on topic. Robo will have to delete this entire thread if this scandalous behaviour continues.

Richard

[fxst]

make a thick pancake and carve it ....now thats a way to go u can eat the shavings
Pete
.....................................................................................................
Happy now Daddles????????