routing alabaster or soapstone

[Larry Charlot]

Anyone done any routing with routing alabaster or soapstone. I want to do some tops for boxes. I currently am bandsawing with no problem other than I use old bladed being that they dull up oh so quickly.

Larry

[Rob Wright]

Larry -

I installed SS counters in my sister's kitchen summer of 2007. It cuts and routes easily. Use carbide, go slow and don't do it all in one pass. Respirator is required. Also - try to do it outside if you can - the talc like dust goes everywhere! Good Luck

See my thread:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=58418

[Larry Charlot]

Thanks for the info, I have respirator I have been turning alabaster for quite a while, the dust is nasty.

Larry

[Jim Becker]

I personally have not routed these materials, but I watched the folks who did our soapstone counters do the entire fabrication on-site in our driveway with three PC 7539 routers and one PC worm-drive saw. Carbide tooling works very well with soapstone. But yes, you need proper respiration and I suggest you also do the work outdoors if you can. The dust is incredible.