Mallets & Chisels for Stone Carving | Shaugn David Briggs
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One of the most common questions I get from beginners is whether they need specialist masonry chisels. The short answer is no — standard woodworking chisels work perfectly well on Oamaru stone. But there's one important thing to look for when you're buying them.
Chisels
Standard woodworking chisels will do the job — but I always recommend buying chisels with a steel tip (or steel hoop) on the handle end. Here's why: as your projects get bigger, you may want to move to a heavier mallet, and eventually to striking steel on steel. If your chisel handles are plain wood with no steel cap, they'll split. Buy the right chisels from the start and you'll never have to replace them.
What to look for: A set of firmer or mortise chisels with metal-capped handles, ranging from ¼ inch up to 1½ inch. Mid-range is fine — you don't need to spend a lot on stone work.
For Oamaru Stone & Soft Stone
New Zealand
Chrome Vanadium Chisel Set with Steel-Capped Handles
Oamaru stone is very soft — standard woodworking chisels cut through it cleanly. This chrome-vanadium set is ideal: the steel caps on the handles let you move up to a heavier mallet as your projects grow without splitting the handles. Comes with a storage case. A set like this will last you years.
Buy on AmazonPrices vary — check current listing for availability
For Harder Stone
International — limestone, sandstone, soapstone
Stone Carving Chisel Set
If you're working with harder stone outside New Zealand — limestone, sandstone or soapstone — you'll want chisels designed specifically for stone carving. These have hardened tips that hold an edge on denser material where woodworking chisels would struggle.
Buy on AmazonFind a specific set you like and send me the link — I'll update this to point directly to it
Mallets
The mallet you use depends entirely on the scale of your project. There are four options — and I've worked my way through all of them at different stages.
Small Projects
🔴 Rubber Mallet
Fine for small, tight work — like a compact gift piece. The soft head limits your force, which actually helps on delicate work. Not suitable for larger sculptures as it doesn't give you enough drive.
Buy on AmazonMedium Projects
🟡 Wooden Mallet
A good step up for medium-sized sculptures. The extra weight gives you more drive through the chisel, making roughing-out faster and less tiring. A solid carpenter's or joiner's mallet in the 16–24oz range is ideal.
Buy on AmazonLarger Projects
⚫ Steel Mallet / Hammer
Steel on steel is the way to go when you really need to move stone. It delivers maximum force and is the tool of choice for roughing out larger sculptures. This is why your chisels need steel-capped handles.
Buy on AmazonSerious Carvers
⚡ Electric Pneumatic Chisel
If you're producing work regularly or taking on larger commissions, a pneumatic chisel is a game-changer. It does the striking for you — rapid continuous impacts let you rough out large areas in a fraction of the time. Dramatically reduces fatigue on long sessions and opens the door to a much bigger scale of work. Worth every cent once you're ready.
Buy on Amazon💡 Shaugn's tip
Even if you're planning to start with a rubber mallet, buy chisels with steel-capped handles from day one. As your projects grow, you'll want to move up to a heavier mallet — and the right chisels will grow with you.
⚠️ Don't forget safety
Stone chips and dust are real hazards. Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses when carving — especially when using a steel mallet. See the Tools & Materials page for full safety equipment recommendations.