Looking For Marble Or Granite

[lachopperboy]

hi everyone

i am fairly new to the forum and i am just getting into leather carving / tooling.

i just wanted to know which is more desirable marble or granite for our work? and why? whichever your answer might be

please let me know i will look forward to hearing your opinions

[Glendon]

Marble is more traditional in leaherwork I think. Don't quote me on that, but its the feel I've gotten. But granite is the better material. Granite is harder, so will not chip near as easily if you clip a corner or something. It's also more likely to dull your blades then get scratched. Marble can be etched by mistake. Granite is also nearly impervious to spills. Marble can be stained by dyes. Granite won't in most cases.

Basically, marble is a softer more porous store. Given the choice, I'd go with granite.

Edited April 26, 2012 by Glendon

[lachopperboy]

thanks for your help Glendon i decided to go with granite and got a 3" thick one and so far i am loving it.

[Madadh]

I went to Lowe's and bought two 12x12x1 cement patio blocks for $1.50 each and then went to Home Depot and bought a single 12x12x.5 marble flooring tile for $5. A little construction grade glue ($5) and my tooling block is solid and reasonably quiet. I owe this design to someone here on another thread.

Edited May 17, 2012 by Madadh

[JugHead]

I know this is an old post but I think it needs to be revived for the new leather crafters like myself lol. I just purchased a 9"x12"x3" granite slab from grizzly.com for only $35.95 and shipping is only &9.99 anywhere in the USA I believe. I know someone mentioned it earlier but I can't see it because I'm on mobile.

[bikermutt07]

Anyone passing through the arklatex area can hit me up. I have pieces in the back yard. 3cm x different lengths and widths. Just let me know.

[JMcC]

11 hours ago, JugHead said:

I know this is an old post but I think it needs to be revived for the new leather crafters like myself lol. I just purchased a 9"x12"x3" granite slab from grizzly.com for only $35.95 and shipping is only &9.99 anywhere in the USA I believe. I know someone mentioned it earlier but I can't see it because I'm on mobile.

I went to a flooring and countertop business here in town and bought a scrap piece of granite for around 8 bucks. They didn't have to cut it, so no extra charge for cutting. I was lucky as it was already a useable size (1 1/2" x 15' x 22') Check to see if anyone in your area that does that kind of work has any scraps that they would sell.

[Justthinking]

On 6/30/2011 at 5:02 PM, marblesturk said:

we are happy to know that you are dealing in stones.

We have five big factories in Turkey.

We are basic manufacturers and suppliers of all marble,

granite,onyx,travertine and limestones tiles and blocks

with high quality and very cheap prices.

We can give you delivery till your warehouse.

Best Regards

Bahadir Eryigit

http://www.marblesturk.com

info@marblesturk.com

Tel : +90 532 672 77 99

: + 90 242 247 81 56

You are by the “Marble Sea.”  Marmara, I loved my trip there. Great people and beautiful country.  I was so sorry when you folks had that bad earthquake.

[JMcC]

18 hours ago, JMcC said:

I went to a flooring and countertop business here in town and bought a scrap piece of granite for around 8 bucks. They didn't have to cut it, so no extra charge for cutting. I was lucky as it was already a useable size (1 1/2" x 15' x 22') Check to see if anyone in your area that does that kind of work has any scraps that they would sell.

*Correction - 1 1/2"x15"x22"

[bikermutt07]

I work for a flooring store that does granite countertops. These places have scraps running out of their ears. Anything too small to make a vanity top is what you want to asked for. There are lots of pieces left over that are 12" to 20" wide that just aren't good for anything. These width pieces are generally pretty long and would be great for a long tooling station for belts. When you go in ask about them. And be willing to offer a little money (there is literally a ton of waste in this industry). 

Tell them what you are using it for and you will remember them in the future for your needs at the house. 

Also, some granite is more dense than others. Avoid pieces with lots of veins. I like the black stuff. If you tap on it with something metal it "tink" like a porcelain plate. That is the dense stuff. If it thuds, move along.