Who is a stonemason or stonecutter and what do they do? The stonemason or stonecutter ‘s task is to shape or treat products made of stone.
What are the activities of the stonemason or stonecutter job? The main activities are: surveying and cutting up stone – production and adjustment of grave stones – rough hewing and finishing square stones, pavement curb stones and other stone products – grouting the joints of masonry walls – production of ceramic components for building construction – finishing work using masonry techniques – carving inscriptions and other decorations on stone – production and surface treatment of complicated masonry products for building construction, compatible in style, figurative and monumental decoration (complicated and richly decorated balustrades, capitals and bases for columns, water spouts and gargoyles, consoles etc.).
Where is it done and under what conditions? The profession is carried out mostly in masonry workshops, but also in the open air during installation or alteration of masonry products. The environment can be extremely dusty and noisy and there may also be changing weather conditions.
What tools/equipment do the stonemason or stonecutter use? The most frequently used tools and equipment are hammers, chisels, cleaving, and polishing machines, drills. You also need manual dexterity. The material worked is stone.
What do you need to succeed? You need vocational training, aesthetic awareness and artistic and manual/craft skill, inventiveness and creativity, patience and physical fitness.