sandblasting marble

[mtd]

Hi,
I have a marble bust nearing completion and I want to tone down some of the detail in the hair. I was thinking of using a Paache Air Eraser (mini sandblaster). Has any one uesd this tool for a similar purpose or sandblasted marble at all?
thanks,
MD

[EJB]

Based on the very limited stone carving I have done, I find that sandblasting a great tool with which many subtle finishes can be achieved. Haven't used the Pasche tool, just a common spot type used for auto repair. By varying the air pressure and blasting media you can create subtle variations in the surface just as if using varying grits of sandpaper. The up side is speed and ease of getting into the nooks and crannies. The down side is it really throws a lot of dust into the air (use a respirator). Also be certain to carefully mask off areas you do not want to have textured. I use it mostly to soften areas I wish have a coarse textured surface but eliminate any tool marks.

[mtd]

thanks for the ideas. I will need to mask off som areas for sure. How much dust/bounce back of material have you experienced? I was thinking of making a make shift spray booth out of a small canvas storage box (one used for clothes. Do you think the canvas could hold up to the dust and grit boucing around?
MD
here's the box I was thinking of using.

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=174&PRODID=59867