Comments and a community poll have convinced me to re-release this, slowed down with a step by step voice over Watch the original version here: • Engraving a Headstone
I watched the sped up version thinking I'd like to hear a commentary on the process. The next video was this one. I enjoyed watching both. Very interesting. Beautiful job too.
I appreciate that! My original video was just a "time lapse - how to" I guess. I got a lot of comments about not knowing what was going on so I released this video. I'm so glad it was insightful. Thanks for watching!
I stumbled on the fast video and my thoughts were this would be extra interesting if there was some voice over to answer my questions and lo and behold!! Here is that video. Thank you for doing such honorable work so beautifully.
Very interesting! I have no idea why TH-cam suggested this, but I watched the whole thing through and learned several things, especially getting sharp edges and how the painting was done. Keep up the good work and enjoy the rush while it lasts when TH-cam turns the tap on for a bit!
I always appreciate watching a craftsman at work. Thanks for doing this narrated version. You answered my questions from the original. Even though I knew how it would turn out, it’s still pretty intense to watch. Seems like even a minor error would result in a major defect and would be really difficult to repair (if at all.) This was great to watch. Hopefully we’ll see more videos like this. 🪦
Thanks for the narration. I watched the first video wondering about several of the steps. The narration cleared up all my questions and pointed out things I didn't notice (like the air bubble you left for the burnish process). Now comes the real question: why the heck do I care about this? I'm never going to make a headstone!!! Yet I'm fascinated. So thank you VERY much for taking the time to explain your craft. You rock!! [rimshot]
Great job Al. This video answered a lot of questions I had after watching the first one. Can most shops custom design the stencil or are they standard designs from a catalog?
My Mom died seven months ago, and I have to get her stone. I would like an etched photo, and wish I could see that process. The particular cemetery does not permit the porcelain photos on flat markers, even when well recessed below the surface. If other memorial companies use similar CNC plotting, a custom inscription and layout may not be too difficult---but will likely cost me. (BTW, that was an interesting and informative video).
We had a monument company in my home town for a long time . Their building I believe was smaller than the one you’re working out of so not sure if they used the same processes or equipment. Either way really interesting video thanks for sharing with us.
As a funeral director and funeral home business owner of a dozen homes here in California, I never really understood totally on how the headstone monuments we done. First off you do beautiful work Mr Flores. Secondly, and finally thank you very much for the education. 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to show us how this is done. I always thought the letters were engraved by a CNC machine, but the sandblasting makes much more sense now that I see your process. I never knew the rubber stencil would keep the sand blast off all the covered portions of the monument.
Wow you are an artist, always wondered how those stones was engraved... one other thing I would like to know, value, cost for a stone that size, I have no idea, 3K... 10K ????
Thank you! And to be honest, it depends on location. Here in NW Ohio, that stone was around $2000. Now out in California, that same stone could cost 2.5 xs that easily
Awesome! I also make headstones but we make smaller stones so still do it all with a booth. Where did you find that auto blaster? I would LOVE a smaller version of that.
@@night_al thanks for getting back to me! Got another question for you. We used to use Hartco mask, which looks like what you have. We switched to a photoreactive mask because we can get better detail (and I already had an exposure unit). Do you ever do fine detail work and if so, may I ask what mask you use? You work is beautiful! Those deep carvings are awesome.
@@101Osprey101, unfortunately most shape carvings are done by the boss with the same hood. He has years beyond mine in experience and I'm not upset by that lol. The amount of skill required isn't above me but the experience is. With the amount of stones produced in a week, and lack of fine detail being asked for by families, I stick to the standards and most common. Thanks for the reply! I'm glad to share what knowledge I have, moreover I'm glad there is an interest. Thank you so much for watching!
Most interesting video! You know your stuff! Being a genealogist for 60 years, I have an interest in cemeteries and tombstones. I was always curious about how this was done. Do you use the same process when you go to a cemetery to enter the death date on a tombstone already in place? My tombstone is in place already in the cemetery.
I know you have your hands full right now with other life issues, so there's no rush for an answer. We are campers and use camp fuel. Obviously, it's flammable. I see the fuel all over that machine, the floor and yourself. Isn't there a risk of fire? And your clothes are then saturated with diluted fuel. I would think that might be an issue. I'm not trying to find fault with the process, just seeking understanding. Thank you so much for these videos. My father passed from cancer in Dec. 2022. His stone was placed Dec. 2023. I was always curious about the process for carving stones. You do a beautiful job!!!
To be quite honest, I never once thought about the risk of fire. What's not shown is the huge drain that's directly under where I'm cleaning the stone. Not to mention all the water I use to rinse the stone. The camp is so diluted I doubt it could even combust. No one in the shop smokes nor are there any open flames or even machines that create sparks. Also, where I'm cleaning it is only feet from the water hose. Thank you for the concern but I never felt in danger. The company was doing it that way for years without incident and I just adopted the process... And I'm sorry for your loss. Cancer is so prevalent. I wish a cure would be discovered. We can put a man on the moon but not cure cancer...
Thanks for explaining. Clears my question regarding mallet use, yellow background in letters which I thought was glue. Always wondered how these were headstones were done. You mentioned field work, would like to see death date added… guessing in cemetery?
Both versions of this video are quite interesting. I love crafts in general and especially appreciate craftsmanship blends art and science. Thank you for posting! I've always been fascinated by cemeteries, and seeing a headstone missing the date of death makes me curious about the process of adding it in the field whenever the time comes. Perhaps you could share that process with your viewers sometime. 🙂
Considering I don't work for them anymore, it may be difficult to show that. I will contact my previous employer to see if I can follow them around for a day and catch that footage tho. It is quite interesting
Very interesting and detailed video. Not the way I would have thought it would be done. Guess I always figured it was some kind of router with very durable stone cutting bits. Never thought of a rubber stencil that could hold up to the sand blasting it takes to actually carve out the stone. I do woodworking, tables, plaques and such. I like to think that what a I making will be around for maybe a few generations, but what you create will definitely be there for many generations. That’s got to give you a good feeling and explains your dedication to all the details. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
I have a both similar to yours but I'm looking to know how your nozzle is moving back and forth, are you doing that by hand or is that done with a computer? I'm trying to get my booth do that also.
@@night_al any chance i could see a video of the set up or anything like that, I am in the process of trying to do that same thing to ours, not finding a lot. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
@@bobhill1048 Unfortunately, I may not be able to help. This is a family owned business and I, am not family. When the grandson graduated college, he wanted into the business and sadly, I was forced out. I no longer work there. This may be the last video I make for this craft. My apologies.
So that aluminum oxide that can cut through granite is stopped by the stencil how’s that possible? Why don’t the aluminum oxide just cut right through the stencil also?
It depends on pressure and distance from the nozzle. And as long as it keeps moving, the aluminum oxide just bounces off the rubber stencil. If, for some reason it stops moving and the blast stays focused on one spot, it will cut right through the stencil and damage the stone.
I am trying to figure out how do you get the lettering to come out as if chiseled but it is sandblasted. Could you care to kindly explain the process please
Even with the explanation, I still don’t know what’s going on, but you’re obviously an artist and a craftsman. How many stones did you ruin when you first started before you got it right?
I watched the sped up version thinking I'd like to hear a commentary on the process. The next video was this one. I enjoyed watching both. Very interesting. Beautiful job too.
Thanks for watching both!
I watched the first video and had some questions. This video answered all my questions. What a fascinating process. Beautiful work.
I'm glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching and thanks for the compliment!
RIP Butch
nice work Al
Thank you so much!
Your indepth explanation on the process was outstanding!
I appreciate that! My original video was just a "time lapse - how to" I guess. I got a lot of comments about not knowing what was going on so I released this video. I'm so glad it was insightful. Thanks for watching!
I stumbled on the fast video and my thoughts were this would be extra interesting if there was some voice over to answer my questions and lo and behold!! Here is that video. Thank you for doing such honorable work so beautifully.
appreciate you doing a narrarated version of the video. I watched both versions actually. but love all the detail you shared in your voice over.
I appreciate that. Thank you
Thank you so much for sharing this video and showing how this was done.
I watched both videos - the narration was helpful and satisfied my curiosities about the process
Glad to help. Thanks for watching!
I am super impressed by your attention to detail. Love this video. Thanks for sharing. It gives me a greater respect for the art of monuments.
Thank you so much! And thanks for watching!
Very interesting video. Answers allot of questions on how this is done. Thank you for posting.
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!
Very interesting! I have no idea why TH-cam suggested this, but I watched the whole thing through and learned several things, especially getting sharp edges and how the painting was done. Keep up the good work and enjoy the rush while it lasts when TH-cam turns the tap on for a bit!
I'm enjoying the rush! Thanks for watching!
I agree. I’m glad he decided to share his craft. This was very interesting to watch. Thank you.
@@JeffTiberend my pleasure! Thank you for watching!
I always appreciate watching a craftsman at work. Thanks for doing this narrated version. You answered my questions from the original. Even though I knew how it would turn out, it’s still pretty intense to watch. Seems like even a minor error would result in a major defect and would be really difficult to repair (if at all.) This was great to watch. Hopefully we’ll see more videos like this. 🪦
Thanks for the narration. I watched the first video wondering about several of the steps. The narration cleared up all my questions and pointed out things I didn't notice (like the air bubble you left for the burnish process).
Now comes the real question: why the heck do I care about this? I'm never going to make a headstone!!! Yet I'm fascinated.
So thank you VERY much for taking the time to explain your craft.
You rock!!
[rimshot]
Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad I could clear everything up. I had many comments asking for a narration, I had to oblige.
I find this very interesting. I wondered how these were made. Thank you for making this informative video.
Great job Al. This video answered a lot of questions I had after watching the first one. Can most shops custom design the stencil or are they standard designs from a catalog?
Those are standard designs but any design can be added. I've seen hand written letters turned into an engraving in stone.
My Mom died seven months ago, and I have to get her stone. I would like an etched photo, and wish I could see that process. The particular cemetery does not permit the porcelain photos on flat markers, even when well recessed below the surface. If other memorial companies use similar CNC plotting, a custom inscription and layout may not be too difficult---but will likely cost me. (BTW, that was an interesting and informative video).
Beautiful piece of work
Thank you so much and thanks for watching!
Absolutely fascinating.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching
Awesome video sir, really enjoyed watching it ! Thanks for sharing, hi from Holland 🙏
Very welcome! Thank you so much for watching!
We had a monument company in my home town for a long time . Their building I believe was smaller than the one you’re working out of so not sure if they used the same processes or equipment. Either way really interesting video thanks for sharing with us.
Very welcome! Thank you for watching
I love these videos!
Thank you for watching!
As a funeral director and funeral home business owner of a dozen homes here in California, I never really understood totally on how the headstone monuments we done. First off you do beautiful work Mr Flores. Secondly, and finally thank you very much for the education. 🙂
Thank you so much, I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for taking the time to show us how this is done. I always thought the letters were engraved by a CNC machine, but the sandblasting makes much more sense now that I see your process. I never knew the rubber stencil would keep the sand blast off all the covered portions of the monument.
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!
Thank you Sir!
Thank you for watching!
Wow you are an artist, always wondered how those stones was engraved... one other thing I would like to know, value, cost for a stone that size, I have no idea, 3K... 10K ????
Thank you! And to be honest, it depends on location. Here in NW Ohio, that stone was around $2000. Now out in California, that same stone could cost 2.5 xs that easily
Someone screenshot this headstone you made for Harold and posted the picture on Harold's Memorial on Find A Grave.
That's awesome!
Awesome! I also make headstones but we make smaller stones so still do it all with a booth. Where did you find that auto blaster? I would LOVE a smaller version of that.
It was bought used 30+ years ago. Give Google a search for automatic sandblaster. Many styles to choose from
@@night_al thanks for getting back to me! Got another question for you. We used to use Hartco mask, which looks like what you have. We switched to a photoreactive mask because we can get better detail (and I already had an exposure unit). Do you ever do fine detail work and if so, may I ask what mask you use? You work is beautiful! Those deep carvings are awesome.
@@101Osprey101, unfortunately most shape carvings are done by the boss with the same hood. He has years beyond mine in experience and I'm not upset by that lol. The amount of skill required isn't above me but the experience is. With the amount of stones produced in a week, and lack of fine detail being asked for by families, I stick to the standards and most common.
Thanks for the reply! I'm glad to share what knowledge I have, moreover I'm glad there is an interest. Thank you so much for watching!
Most interesting video! You know your stuff! Being a genealogist for 60 years, I have an interest in cemeteries and tombstones. I was always curious about how this was done. Do you use the same process when you go to a cemetery to enter the death date on a tombstone already in place? My tombstone is in place already in the cemetery.
Exact same process as 13:14
Thank you for watching!
I know you have your hands full right now with other life issues, so there's no rush for an answer. We are campers and use camp fuel. Obviously, it's flammable. I see the fuel all over that machine, the floor and yourself. Isn't there a risk of fire? And your clothes are then saturated with diluted fuel. I would think that might be an issue. I'm not trying to find fault with the process, just seeking understanding. Thank you so much for these videos. My father passed from cancer in Dec. 2022. His stone was placed Dec. 2023. I was always curious about the process for carving stones. You do a beautiful job!!!
To be quite honest, I never once thought about the risk of fire. What's not shown is the huge drain that's directly under where I'm cleaning the stone. Not to mention all the water I use to rinse the stone. The camp is so diluted I doubt it could even combust. No one in the shop smokes nor are there any open flames or even machines that create sparks. Also, where I'm cleaning it is only feet from the water hose. Thank you for the concern but I never felt in danger. The company was doing it that way for years without incident and I just adopted the process...
And I'm sorry for your loss. Cancer is so prevalent. I wish a cure would be discovered. We can put a man on the moon but not cure cancer...
Thanks for explaining. Clears my question regarding mallet use, yellow background in letters which I thought was glue. Always wondered how these were headstones were done. You mentioned field work, would like to see death date added… guessing in cemetery?
Both versions of this video are quite interesting. I love crafts in general and especially appreciate craftsmanship blends art and science. Thank you for posting!
I've always been fascinated by cemeteries, and seeing a headstone missing the date of death makes me curious about the process of adding it in the field whenever the time comes. Perhaps you could share that process with your viewers sometime. 🙂
It is done in the cemetery. Portable equipment.
Considering I don't work for them anymore, it may be difficult to show that. I will contact my previous employer to see if I can follow them around for a day and catch that footage tho. It is quite interesting
Where do you order your stencil knife? This is not an exato knife right?
www.milessupply.com/product/stencil-knife/
Very interesting and detailed video. Not the way I would have thought it would be done. Guess I always figured it was some kind of router with very durable stone cutting bits. Never thought of a rubber stencil that could hold up to the sand blasting it takes to actually carve out the stone. I do woodworking, tables, plaques and such. I like to think that what a I making will be around for maybe a few generations, but what you create will definitely be there for many generations. That’s got to give you a good feeling and explains your dedication to all the details. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
Thank you and thanks for watching!
I have a both similar to yours but I'm looking to know how your nozzle is moving back and forth, are you doing that by hand or is that done with a computer? I'm trying to get my booth do that also.
It's motorized
@@night_al any chance i could see a video of the set up or anything like that, I am in the process of trying to do that same thing to ours, not finding a lot. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
@@bobhill1048 Unfortunately, I may not be able to help. This is a family owned business and I, am not family. When the grandson graduated college, he wanted into the business and sadly, I was forced out. I no longer work there. This may be the last video I make for this craft. My apologies.
@@night_al no problem thank you
👍👍
Thanks for watching!
So that aluminum oxide that can cut through granite is stopped by the stencil how’s that possible? Why don’t the aluminum oxide just cut right through the stencil also?
It depends on pressure and distance from the nozzle. And as long as it keeps moving, the aluminum oxide just bounces off the rubber stencil. If, for some reason it stops moving and the blast stays focused on one spot, it will cut right through the stencil and damage the stone.
@@night_al that’s crazy…. Before seeing this video I figured this was done by lasers.
I am trying to figure out how do you get the lettering to come out as if chiseled but it is sandblasted. Could you care to kindly explain the process please
The sand carves into the stone leaving the "v" sunk look
@@night_al interesting. Thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated. I find your videos very interesting
@@nevillesmith9795 , thank you so much!
Where do u get the paint?
www.milessupply.com/product/lithichrome-paint-aerosol-cans/
Even with the explanation, I still don’t know what’s going on, but you’re obviously an artist and a craftsman. How many stones did you ruin when you first started before you got it right?
There were a couple lol.