Engraving a Headstone

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  • Опубліковано 2 січ 2025

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  • @Nashvillain10SE
    @Nashvillain10SE Рік тому +1144

    I thought it might be unseemly to watch Mr. Woods' headstone being engraved without knowing a bit about him, so here's the obituary I found...
    Harold Richard "Butch" Woods, 85 of Arlington passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Blanchard Valley Hospital. He was born in Findlay on August 21, 1936 to the late Harley and Myrtle (Steinman) Woods. He married Virginia L. Goodart and she preceded him in death. On February 12, 1987, he married Shirley E. May-Zechman and she survives. Also surviving are children, Phillip (Marilyn) Woods, Bethann (Tony) Ray, Jim (Janet) Woods, Jason (Chris) Woods, Terri (David) Williams, Kim (Bill) Kennedy and Todd (Amy) Zechman; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Ann Riker and Kathy (Jim) Loy. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ed, Joe and Bob Woods.
    Butch retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan. He also leaves behind his faithful companion "Charlie" (his dog). Butch loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by them.

  • @tripackdroned4626
    @tripackdroned4626 Рік тому +36

    Growing up in Northern Ireland I had a friend who's father carried out all of these steps by hand with just a hammer and chisel. Regardless of the weather, all year round he would sit on a simple wooden ‘stool’, sometimes working inside, sometimes outside through rain, snow, and wind. He always wore his battered trilby and a heavy tweed sports jacket, and he chain-smoked his roll-ups. Given all of this low-tech equipment, he never missed a letter, made every line perfectly straight, and text was perfectly centred, and if the client wanted text with serifs, depth, shadow or anything else you could imagine, the Carver would pull out a dog eared catalogue for the client to choose from. Gone now but never forgotten.

    • @thecw301
      @thecw301 Рік тому +3

      A lost art, to be sure.

    • @moritzfechtner5245
      @moritzfechtner5245 4 місяці тому

      Soon they will be 3d printed

    • @Tate-k9i
      @Tate-k9i Місяць тому

      @@tripackdroned4626 Sounds like he was excellent in his craft.

  • @99sentcoins
    @99sentcoins 6 місяців тому +9

    My mother passed in 2006, and she wanted certain things on her headstone.
    We inquired about the design and the guy stated he only had letters, but if we could find an artist in the next 24 hours, have them do the design and he would put it on.
    I'm an artist, so I drew it all up.
    It seems like a demanding job, I mean, it's granite.
    The designs came out Amazing !
    An angel on the left upper with feathers falling down
    Christ in the middle, arms welcoming, "I'll fly away" with the music notes/bars on the upper right corner.
    Thanks for what you do.
    It really means a lot to people.

    • @davidhamilton7628
      @davidhamilton7628 6 місяців тому +1

      The company I worked for had an artist even offered shape carving pretty wild

  • @rv6av8r
    @rv6av8r 6 місяців тому +8

    My dad did this back in the 50's in North Carolina. As a kid I would often spend the day with him during the summer. He cut the stone with a wire saw from a larger block which came from a quarry in Mt. Airy, NC. He then cut it to shape, polished it or chiselled it as requested by the customer, applied the rubber sheet, cut out the lettering and sandblasted it by hand. 3D designs of roses, vases, etc. required several layers of rubber with more sandblasting - it was a real art. When the stone was finished, he loaded it on a truck and drove to the cemetery where he installed the stone (they weighed hundreds of lbs) by himself with just a basic boom and winch on the truck. He taught me how to cut and shape stone - I put 7 tons of it on a house I built back in the 80's. Good memories from days gone by...

  • @noahjuanjuneau9598
    @noahjuanjuneau9598 Рік тому +9

    Thanks! Hasn’t changed much at all since I had this gig back in the early 1970s when I was still a university student and worked part time doing this exact process. Our working conditions were a bit rougher as we did our work in a big open metal shed with a dirt floor and the wind blowing thru - freezing your butt off in winter but cool in summer when it was near 100° outside it was still cool and damp in the shed. We had overhead cranes moving multi-ton chunks of granite over and around while we worked and giant cable saws running cutting granite down into slabs. But the process of making markers and monuments was exactly like this. I worked at that job while I went to art school and left there to work in an ad agency downtown in a high rise. Thanks for the memories!

  • @richardf6932
    @richardf6932 Рік тому +5

    I have spent countless hours on youtube watching just about everything but this is the first time I have seen how a headstone is made. Excellent work. Thank you....

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thank you and thanks for watching!

  • @leonardhirtle3645
    @leonardhirtle3645 Рік тому +9

    I worked for a monument company almost 50 years ago engraving and installing monuments. The methods have changed a bit but it’s still the same thing. Good work sir and all the best.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!

  • @richardnichols3949
    @richardnichols3949 9 місяців тому +4

    I have ordered five headstones over my lifetime for relatives. Beautiful work you did there. The ones I ordered and were shipped to me were awesome also - flawless. I had always wondered how they did it. You should be very proud of the work you do as it will outlast any of us, and the assistance it provides relatives who need to find and see their passed on loved ones and kinfolks burial location and marker. Hats off to you!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому +1

      I definitely take pride in my work. Thank you and thanks for watching!

  • @davidconaway2830
    @davidconaway2830 Рік тому +6

    One of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing. RIP Mr. Woods.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +2

      Thank you and I appreciate you watching!

    • @lfeco
      @lfeco Рік тому +1

      Very interesting indeed. I had no idea that's how it was done.
      Thanks for doing the video.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      @@lfeco I appreciate you watching! Thank you!

  • @JamesFromTexas
    @JamesFromTexas Рік тому +10

    Don't know why this popped up on my suggestions but still cool to watch. Thanks!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @bobbyderen5661
    @bobbyderen5661 5 місяців тому +5

    Thank you! That brings back memories. My family was in the monument business from 1842-1971. They closed it when I was 16 because I did not wish to continue in the footsteps.

  • @rwfrench66GenX
    @rwfrench66GenX 4 місяці тому +6

    I have a lot more respect for the headstone engravers after this video! I had no idea it was this much work. A few years back I bought a headstone for myself and above my name it says Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius and at the bottom under the border it says ACME HEADSTONE COMPANY and the guy I ordered it from said the guy who engraved it said it was the coolest headstone he’s ever done 😂

    • @night_al
      @night_al  4 місяці тому +1

      I would have loved to do that one!! Awesome idea! Might steal that one for my own 😉

  • @googleuser3110
    @googleuser3110 Рік тому +97

    Harold Richard "Butch" Woods, 85, of Arlington passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Blanchard Valley Hospital. He was born in Findlay on August 21, 1936 to the late Harley and Myrtle (Steinman) Woods. He married Virginia L. Goodart and she preceded him in death. On February 12, 1987, he married Shirley E. May-Zechman and she survives. Also surviving are children: Phillip (Marilyn) Woods, Bethann (Tony) Ray, Jim (Janet) Woods, Jason (Chris) Woods, Terri (David) Williams, Kim (Bill) Kennedy, and Todd (Amy) Zechman; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Ann Riker and Kathy (Jim) Loy. He was also preceded in death by three brothers: Ed, Joe, and Bob Woods. Butch retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers fan. He also leaves behind his faithful companion "Charlie" (his dog). Butch loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by them.

    • @Layingflat
      @Layingflat 10 місяців тому +4

      RIP Butch. Beautiful headstone.

  • @1tonyboat
    @1tonyboat 4 місяці тому +6

    Our neighbour was a stone mason and he worked from his workshop at the botton of his garden. All you heard from him was the light tapping from his mallet,,,The work he produced was outstanding all carved by hand ..He even carved a small head stone for our cat when she passed away,,,,He hated cats ..Bless you Nigel..

  • @rv6av8r
    @rv6av8r Рік тому +7

    My dad did all this by hand back in the 50's. I often spent the day with him at work watching/learning. He would make the entire stone; cutting it from a larger block with a wire saw, polishing it by hand, cutting out the design and sandblasting it. Then he'd load it on a truck and we'd drive out to a cemetery where he would set the stone by himself. He was an artist. I'm still impressed.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      That's amazing. True artisan

    • @dirtydirt421
      @dirtydirt421 8 місяців тому

      True skill and talent unlike the person who posted this video with their machine doing all the work

    • @BenN-p5v
      @BenN-p5v 6 місяців тому

      back when they were real craftsmen

  • @philschlosser6233
    @philschlosser6233 Рік тому +4

    That was amazing...the time and precise cutting, lining up of every aspect of this person's job is outstanding. Knowing where this is about to go, the family relying on every detail for their love one who has passed. A standing ovation for the people that do this job.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Wow, thank you! Thank you for watching!

  • @Udmudmudm
    @Udmudmudm 9 місяців тому +5

    I made this job for 40 years...But at hands....This Is very beauty job , bravo ! From 🇮🇹

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому +2

      Thank you! And thank you for watching!

  • @davidswiney2236
    @davidswiney2236 4 місяці тому +1

    My parents owned a monument company when I was young. It was significantly smaller than this shop, but the amount of time and attention to detail required to do this job is the same. Good job, sir, and thank you for taking me back to my childhood.

  • @kenharris5390
    @kenharris5390 Рік тому +7

    Fascinating, thanks very much.
    I won't be needing a Headstone because I'm going to live forever, so far so good.

    • @wa.cropfield
      @wa.cropfield Рік тому +1

      Move to Alphaville, forever young 😂

  • @cnosprandt5155
    @cnosprandt5155 Рік тому +4

    Wow! I can imagine it takes quite a while to reach this level of craftsmanship. What a beautiful headstone and tribute to Butch. Nice work!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! Being a finish carpenter for 30+ years was a huge help for me, I'll just say that lol. Thank you for watching!

  • @michaelknapp8961
    @michaelknapp8961 Місяць тому +5

    My mom and dad are gone now and we went through the whole funeral home thing and was absolutely shocked with how much everything costs. This process is probably expensive too. I’ve always wondered how they did the headstones!!! I’m so glad I watched this. Very interesting.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Місяць тому

      @@michaelknapp8961 I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

  • @jdsmith2954
    @jdsmith2954 Рік тому +9

    I looked up Butch's obit. He seemed to be a good dude! Lots of kids and grandkids as well.

    • @BenN-p5v
      @BenN-p5v 6 місяців тому

      so lots of kids equals good dude, there you go.

  • @Eduardo-uo7qs
    @Eduardo-uo7qs Рік тому +3

    Great work, a masterpiece for all time.
    Congratulations!
    Our Mother passed away on December 12, 2023 and I received the video right away.
    Rio-Brazil.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +2

      My mother also passed this year. February 8th. I'm so sorry for your loss

  • @LunkerFishing
    @LunkerFishing Рік тому +3

    Thank you, I always wondered how they did this on my parents and siblings gravestones. What you do keeps their memories alive for those of us left behind.

  • @pjw1016
    @pjw1016 Рік тому +5

    My father was in the monument business for forty years last century. I remember watching the guys in the shop do this, most all of them died of lung related issues due to the radioactive granite dust along with smoking filterless camels or lucky strikes. I got to set the finished product in the cemeteries and can appreciate the skill and artistry involved.

    • @DennisDolan-fl3mw
      @DennisDolan-fl3mw Рік тому +1

      Granite, marble, stone dust can be very dangerous over long term. But it is not radioactive.

    • @caroleast9636
      @caroleast9636 Рік тому

      Granite has a high level of radiation,so surely the dust carries some of that ?

  • @DOCTORJAN714
    @DOCTORJAN714 Рік тому +6

    Great video of something most people never get to see. Thanks!!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +2

      Thank you and thanks for watching!

  • @sjwilson1079
    @sjwilson1079 10 місяців тому +443

    Seeing this video makes it clear not to take things for granite.

    • @calumcookson740
      @calumcookson740 10 місяців тому +86

      Making puns around deaths is a very grave matter

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому +54

      I would love to entertain this pun, but this is deathly serious. It may not be carved in stone, but jokes like this are dirty and will put you in a hole

    • @AndYetThereAreIdiotsAmongUs
      @AndYetThereAreIdiotsAmongUs 9 місяців тому +32

      Funny story. I had a pillow fight with Death. I suffered the reaper cushions. Dead serious!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому +2

      @@AndYetThereAreIdiotsAmongUs 🤦🏻‍♂️

    • @darranweston9425
      @darranweston9425 9 місяців тому +6

      This is a grave matter

  • @michastarzyk7068
    @michastarzyk7068 Рік тому +9

    This business will definitely never be in crisis.

  • @BillyBoulder
    @BillyBoulder Рік тому +6

    Where I agree that the cost of interment is unrealistically high (at least in the US) I do appreciate a place to go and connect or reconnect with family and loved ones. No matter what your beliefs are about an afterlife the memory of someone gone is powerful, sometimes healing and often strengthening. I for one have traveled across the US seeking information on my ancestors, finding much satisfaction on headstones dating back to the early 1700’s. I’ve ’connected’ with 2nd and 3rd grate grandparents from the Ozark’s, pre Revaluation Virginia farmers and early Oregon pioneers. This has given me a better understanding of who I am and the history that brought me here. My father was cremated and placed at his special spot but there is no ‘sign’ that he existed. Only in the memory of us his children and maybe a few of his grandchildren. In a 100 years what will be remembered?
    Again, I agree that the current burial traditions are too costly in both $$ and space. I don’t know the answer but we need someway to help honor and remember our families for generations to come.

    • @kode4420
      @kode4420 Рік тому

      You sound like a very respectable man. Not many preserve or value their ancestors these days. I agree it's very costly. I personally plan to be cremated do to the high cost and the fact most funeral homes do shady stuff with plots after however many years. I'd rather my kids spend what I leave them on their children's future and enjoying life. Also shout-out to the Ozarks. I'm from Missouri.

    • @wthomas5697
      @wthomas5697 Рік тому

      Who cares? Remembering long dead people is a waste of time and energy. Pay attention to those around you right now.

    • @DL101ca
      @DL101ca Рік тому

      True...a name on a rock that nobody knows or remembers will not respect the memory of anyone.

    • @BillyBoulder
      @BillyBoulder Рік тому

      @@wthomas5697 give it time and you will. I have spent many quality hours with those around me (the living) learning about ancestors. It’s a favorite for my children, now grown and raising the next generation. It’s something that brings families together. What a joy it is to have a grandchild ask me, with a recorder in hand, about how I met grandma. Or get emails from young family members with a list of questions about the ‘good old days’. My wife and I have worked with 100’s of university students on how to learn about their ancestors. Never have I been disappointed as a student learns some details about some ‘long dead’ ancestor. Such as the young man struggling with his business classes thinking maybe it was a waste. He discovered (1910 census) his great grandfather was struggling as a young man trying to start a trucking business then 10 years later (1920 census) he had a wife and 2 children owned a successful business, a nice home. My young friend went away with a new confidence and feeling he to could succeed.

    • @BillyBoulder
      @BillyBoulder Рік тому

      @@DL101ca From that name on a rock a lot can be learned… with a little effort. It shows they existed at a time and place, and if it’s your ancestor they’ve influenced who you are.

  • @localcrew
    @localcrew Рік тому +2

    I wish that all craftsmen were as thorough as this gentleman. It’s nice watching someone who knows what he’s doing.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it

  • @georgemacdonald5282
    @georgemacdonald5282 8 місяців тому +5

    Brilliant workmanship, at last now i know how a headstone is engraved, and its taken 67 years to find out, hope i dont need one quite yet. Thank you for your video.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  8 місяців тому

      Thank you! And thanks for watching!

  • @randyellis9460
    @randyellis9460 8 місяців тому +5

    The world needs more people like Butch, hard working, family man. Enjoy the after life Butch, 😊

  • @vivianlawrence778
    @vivianlawrence778 8 місяців тому +6

    Very interesting. I will never look at a headstone the same again! P. S. Ignore hateful comments. People like that don't realize ... "It's better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Blessings 💙💜

    • @night_al
      @night_al  8 місяців тому +2

      Thank you for watching! And you are right, I should let fools just be fools. Occasionally, it just rubs me the wrong way and I have to comment. As a youngster, I learned to stand up to bullies. Old habits die hard.

    • @vivianlawrence778
      @vivianlawrence778 8 місяців тому +1

      @@night_al You did nothing wrong by replying to them; I just wanted you to know that their opinion doesn't matter. One can make a comment, but if it's going to be rude and hateful, then they need to learn to just keep it to themselves. I have no time for rude people. There's too much hate in this world to lower ones self to being a part of the problem. God bless you sir. 🙏🏼

  • @cobblerama
    @cobblerama Рік тому +4

    You make it look easy but I can tell many years of experience just to lay the protective film so quickly and precisely. I imagine a big fear is not getting those hauling straps on far enough and the stone slipping out while moving.🫣
    Great video and nicer work!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +3

      Thank you so much and thanks for watching!
      I had a stone slip... it was my error and I had to buy a new one. No more slips since lol

  • @BruceBishop
    @BruceBishop Рік тому +7

    I love the critical comments... This process is incredible. I have a new appreciation for what goes into making something like this. Great video!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you, I appreciate that! Thanks for watching

  • @tzebra
    @tzebra Рік тому +2

    Excellent craftsmanship. Thanks for the glimpse behind the scenes.

  • @ThisIsMyRealName
    @ThisIsMyRealName Рік тому +8

    I had no idea, thanks for uploading and showing a behind the scenes look at it 👍

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Absolutely! You're welcome and thanks for watching!

  • @Infamous_636
    @Infamous_636 23 дні тому +6

    Crazy to think there’s someone out there who’s gonna engrave your headstone one day. Crazier to think that you might meet them as well and never know it.

  • @Ro6entX
    @Ro6entX Рік тому +3

    I knew there was lot of work that is put into headstone preparation but never knew how much until saw this video. Definitely have come long way from the old hammer and chisel days for sure.

  • @rickblue2977
    @rickblue2977 11 місяців тому +4

    My wife & I very recently had our stone made & set. I knew the process used STENCILS & SANDBLASTING, but I had no idea HOW MANY STEPS were involved. WOW!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  11 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching!

    • @OlinBryan
      @OlinBryan 11 місяців тому +1

      Great to see a craft master.

  • @andrewtetley3883
    @andrewtetley3883 Рік тому +4

    Thanks for the insight on how headstones are produced I enjoyed watching this!!😊😊😊

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @craigmad-doganderson9042
    @craigmad-doganderson9042 Рік тому +2

    I had absolutely no idea how time consuming and precise this process was. A brilliant look at a real master craftsman at work!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      I appreciate the kind words! Thank you for watching!

    • @craigmad-doganderson9042
      @craigmad-doganderson9042 Рік тому +1

      @@night_al No problems Al. I genuinely didn't know how much work went into the creation of a headstone. You've helped to educate an 'ignorant' LOL. Keep up the amazing work!

  • @davecharlton5812
    @davecharlton5812 Рік тому +7

    I used to do this for my families business. We did it slightly different. We would whiten the stone as the last step. We’d use a putty in the letters to protect the paint

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Ended with the same results. I always feared doing it that way would round off the crisp edges of the letters. So I frost it first in a double process. It's how I was taught

    • @wermach123
      @wermach123 Рік тому

      ​@@night_alyou are correct, we whiten first as well why take the risk of rounding out the letters. My family has been in this business since 1870, so we might know a thing or two.

  • @jasonberg6550
    @jasonberg6550 Рік тому +5

    Thank you “Butch”, for helping inspire a great video

  • @davesstuff1599
    @davesstuff1599 Рік тому +3

    I had wondered how this was done for so many years and now finally saw how. Nice detailed process.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @TheTunnellTake
    @TheTunnellTake Рік тому +10

    Wow I've always wondered what was involved in that! Thanks for posting this.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @DonChandler-z5m
    @DonChandler-z5m Рік тому +4

    This was fascinating and also a nice tribute to Mr. Woods.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  11 місяців тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @shyamdevadas6099
    @shyamdevadas6099 11 місяців тому +3

    Always impressed to see a skilled craftsman and artisan break down a complex process of creation. Admittedly, the product evokes a bit of uneasiness, but it is nonetheless a vital part of the lifecycle of many of us. I think Mr. Woods and his family would have been comforted and impressed by the thought, skill, and craftsmanship that went into this final testament to his existence. Well done, Al.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  11 місяців тому

      Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. I take pride in what I do. Thank you for watching

  • @gordd7348
    @gordd7348 9 місяців тому +8

    Now I understand why they are so expensive. A real work of art by a master!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому

      Thank you so much for the compliment! And thanks for watching!

  • @randywineinger779
    @randywineinger779 Рік тому +6

    40 years ago I cut the stencils by hand. When plotter/cutters came out that made things faster. Use the tools available.

    • @medwed90
      @medwed90 Рік тому

      Да и пескоструйные аппараты с тех пор не просто компрессор и сопло, а полноценный закрытый аппарат. Надеваешь встроенные перчатки, респиратор, смотришь через окошко и работаешь. И не нужно бояться за своё тело и легкие

  • @johnleaper9711
    @johnleaper9711 Рік тому +2

    Fascinating viewing, thanks for taking the time to share. I’d imagine the job satisfaction is immense knowing your work will still be there 100+ years from now. A similar video on the preparation of the stone before this process starts would be interesting. Thanks again.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching

  • @jamesraymond1158
    @jamesraymond1158 Рік тому +6

    In the early 1970s. my brother joined the Job Corps to learn how to carve granite,
    which is a much harder stone than marble. He went to Barry, Vt, where
    skilled granite carvers ran a school to teach apprentices to keep the
    art from dying out. Unlike present carving, which is done with templates and sandblasting, the master carvers did all the lettering by eye using miniature jackhammers. My brother had a ball, making Greek egg-and-dart patterns, small sculptures and a bird bath.

    • @davidredden8361
      @davidredden8361 Рік тому

      Nobody gives a single fuck about your retarded brother.

  • @mikekelly9851
    @mikekelly9851 Рік тому +6

    What a craftsman and what a craft. This is one job that's pretty much has job security category.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @captfred65
    @captfred65 6 місяців тому +1

    While in high school in 1965 I worked part time for Bottinelli Monument Co. in new London, CT. ON Saturday I would make the vellum with the information going on the stone. Thank you. I knew how the final process was done. This is first time I saw it. Wow!

  • @4n6psych
    @4n6psych Рік тому +4

    Thanks for putting this up, I have always wondered how it was done.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

  • @claireryan8074
    @claireryan8074 7 місяців тому +4

    We just ordered my daughter’s tablet stone. Very interesting to see this process and comforting too.

  • @edwardbelcher8612
    @edwardbelcher8612 Рік тому +2

    My dad worked at a local monument company for years engraving and setting stones. I have watched this being done many times growing up.

  • @DBerr34987
    @DBerr34987 9 місяців тому +11

    Now I understand why those things cost so much money! This is a lot of work!

    • @bbtwoldieent3880
      @bbtwoldieent3880 9 місяців тому +1

      After reading this and viewing your display picture i can say "i love you" ❤

    • @johnwilcox231
      @johnwilcox231 8 місяців тому

      Used be done with hammer and chisel

    • @night_al
      @night_al  7 місяців тому +1

      @@johnwilcox231 times change

    • @night_al
      @night_al  7 місяців тому

      @@bbtwoldieent3880 wow

  • @Flap999
    @Flap999 8 місяців тому +5

    Having overseen tens of thousands of these inscriptions, I can assure everyone that this is difficult detail oriented and exacting work done in many cases, in punishing environments. Nothing but respect for the people that cut these grave markers. 👍🏻

    • @night_al
      @night_al  8 місяців тому +1

      I totally agree. Thank you for watching!

  • @wannyk6774
    @wannyk6774 Рік тому +2

    Of all the things I've wondered about, I've never wondered how a headstone was made. Stumbled upon this by accident. There is a lot more to it than I would have guessed.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @SandmanBiker
    @SandmanBiker 6 місяців тому +7

    My family has a monument shop that's been in our family for 4 generations. This dude is legit. Double processing (frosting the background first). Quality workmanship!

    • @night_al
      @night_al  6 місяців тому +3

      @@SandmanBiker thank you! I appreciate that so much. This shop is now 4 generations deep as of the past few months. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

    • @SandmanBiker
      @SandmanBiker 6 місяців тому +2

      Hell yeah! How in the world people can come up with negative comments just from you showing this is beyond me. Ignore the trolls! If all the "experts" were really experts, they'd understand too and have nothing but good to say. Truly a craftsman!​@@night_al

    • @richardardolino5513
      @richardardolino5513 4 місяці тому +1

      In our family owned monument shop we not only frosted off the polish first with the same abrasive used for the actual deep engraving.....then put the monument in a separate blast room and then peened it again using steel shot, which leaves a smoother and whiter finish.......less need to "paint" the letters for contrast before peeling off the stencil......we never used any type of paint......except for when doing cemetery lettering and needing too use paint to match existed painted lettering.........

  • @akilla214u2c
    @akilla214u2c Рік тому +3

    Wow... I never knew the process was this elaborate.
    Good work as the stone need to last for centuries...

    • @night_al
      @night_al  11 місяців тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @deepwoodguy2
    @deepwoodguy2 Рік тому +3

    Some of My wife's family worked at the Rock of Ages granite quarries in Vermont... thanks for the demo of how the printing works.... 👍👍

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @jacklandismcgowan1413
    @jacklandismcgowan1413 Рік тому +4

    Thanks for sharing this. Yesterday I received pictures of my Dad’s headstone from the Funeral home. I was wondering how they did the engraving. My Father missed his 94th birthday by 20 minutes.
    RIP Dad miss you

  • @jhwblender
    @jhwblender 3 місяці тому +6

    What's with the comments 😥 So toxic.
    It's easy for people to judge from the peanut gallery. For those saying it should be hand carved. You should think about this. The quality would be less and the price would be 50x higher. I'm sorry you're getting such a nasty side of the internet here.
    I'm impressed with the process. Seems like it's actually a ton a work for one headstone. I thought for some reason it would just get thrown into a CNC machine. Thank you for sharing this. 🙏

    • @night_al
      @night_al  3 місяці тому +1

      @@jhwblender it is what it is. I'm over it. I just wanted to share a vid showing what I do. Haters gonna hate. Thanks for watching!

    • @dna3930
      @dna3930 2 місяці тому

      ​@@night_alappreciate the video!
      Screw people!
      Who handcarves headstones nowadays?
      I knew the moment I read the thumbnail it was sandblasted or laser etching!
      Fing idiots!

  • @johnhutchinson5557
    @johnhutchinson5557 11 днів тому +1

    as a jeweler of 50+ years I love seeing how tech has changed our chosen occupations have changed. one of my customers was the number 1 stone cutter in Austin, at his funeral it truly was a who's of famous texans. It was nice to see talent appreciated even if it was at his funeral. keep the skills honed.

  • @pughconsulting
    @pughconsulting 8 місяців тому +12

    I had a double headstone done for my parents. It was about $2400, including delivery and setting the stone. I thought it was a steal, all things considered. It was harder to choose the design than anything else.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  8 місяців тому +2

      Out prices are similar.
      Thanks for watching!

  • @davidu4758
    @davidu4758 5 місяців тому +4

    Fascinating. I never expected something like this used sandblasting. I was always under the impression that a carver would use a hammer and chisels or some kind of mechanical engraver like a Dremel to work each element. I guess old school is a fading art, much like sign painters and pinstripers. Although with the sandblasting it goes faster.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  5 місяців тому +2

      @@davidu4758 supply and demand. Before, hand carving was feasible because of death rate. Now, with the population soaring, death rates occur faster and headstones are more in demand.
      I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!

  • @morrisschwarts4826
    @morrisschwarts4826 28 днів тому +2

    Thank you for showing this. Rest in peace Mr. Woods.

  • @brendawilkins9649
    @brendawilkins9649 Місяць тому +4

    The headstone companies here have machines that actually engrave into the stones. Not just names but gorgeous pictures of things they loved. My mother has Tweety Bird on one side of her name and a rosary and cross on the other. My father-in-law and mother-in-law have a dual headstone. He has a Miami Dolphins helmet and she has a cat. My nephew has the Batman symbol. I’ve seen even more intricate ones with actual portraits and one even has the shape of a guitar. All of which are laser cut.

  • @Yodie208
    @Yodie208 Рік тому +10

    It is amazing that the granite is cut to depth with just 1 1/2 passes of the nozzle. What type of blasting medium is used? It really came out looking awesome! I am sure the Woods family was pleased not only with the headstone but also how it was made.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +8

      It was way more passes than that. I edited it for time. 8 or 9 actually. And thank you and thanks for watching!

  • @aarons5724
    @aarons5724 Рік тому +1

    Impressive! I would be very pleased if someone puts in that much time and effort on my own headstone! Thank you for caring enough to do the job...well, BETTER than it likely had to be. That matters in this world and the next, I imagine.

  • @genericallyawesome8894
    @genericallyawesome8894 Рік тому +6

    Beautiful craftsmanship!

  • @MasterKenfucius
    @MasterKenfucius Рік тому +4

    Great! Now I know exactly what to order one day. RIP Butch.

  • @Thugra89576
    @Thugra89576 Рік тому +3

    Not what I was expecting but very interesting to see how it's done. What a lovely looking stone

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching!

    • @Thugra89576
      @Thugra89576 Рік тому

      @@night_al was very interesting keep them coming

  • @kokomo9764
    @kokomo9764 Рік тому +5

    It seems to me that there are many ways to more fully automate this process. A CNC machine would greatly reduce the labor required. They did a good job. Butch would be proud!

  • @johnkozero6842
    @johnkozero6842 Рік тому +6

    You do excellent work Sr thanks for the video

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!

  • @updownstate
    @updownstate 6 місяців тому +3

    A great teacher gets the pupil interested in something about which he never thought before. It's art

  • @alhodge4051
    @alhodge4051 Рік тому +4

    no idea that it took that much work, well done.

    • @Skinnamarink.
      @Skinnamarink. Рік тому

      WTF do you mean by THAT much work? this is extremely easy and is basically NO work..
      Tell me youre a zoomer thats never worked before without telling me youre a zoomer whos never worked before.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      I hope so! 😊 Thanks for watching!

  • @jamespinckard4210
    @jamespinckard4210 Рік тому +6

    I had no idea it was such an ordeal to do this. Pretty amazing.

  • @larryamcknight
    @larryamcknight Рік тому +1

    I used to own a company called Capital Harvest. It was a tile, glass and stone carving studio using these exact techniques. The we had a laser engraver that did the detail cutting if the masks along with a plotter blade cutter. No automated sandblasting though--we did it with gloves hands in a vented booth. This brought back lots of memories from 2 decades ago!

  • @mathbrown9099
    @mathbrown9099 11 місяців тому +5

    I made markers and earned my way to a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA. I’ll never forget the kindness of the owner, his son and the book keeper. They were super nice human-beings! I owe them a great debt. Which I no longer owe. I am now retired, having eventually become a High School principal. I will see my former boss again some day in Heaven. God rest you in peace, Don.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  11 місяців тому +1

      That's an amazing memory. Thank you for sharing! I only wish I could say the same for the company I worked for. Apparently the years of knowledge I acquired was expendable over their favoritism. I have no ill will regardless. It was an awesome experience nonetheless.
      Thank you for watching!

  • @JakeAikens
    @JakeAikens Рік тому +2

    To everyone who knew Butch Woods I’m sorry for your loss. Had a headstone mad for my mom last November. Interesting to see the process. Somehow another step of closure. Good video.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you and thanks for watching

  • @tkx86
    @tkx86 Рік тому +10

    I found it interesting reading a little about whom this headstone was for:
    Harold Richard "Butch" Woods, 85 of Arlington passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Blanchard Valley Hospital. He was born in Findlay on August 21, 1936 to the late Harley and Myrtle (Steinman) Woods. He married Virginia L. Goodart and she preceded him in death. On February 12, 1987, he married Shirley E. May-Zechman and she survives. Also surviving are children, Phillip (Marilyn) Woods, Bethann (Tony) Ray, Jim (Janet) Woods, Jason (Chris) Woods, Terri (David) Williams, Kim (Bill) Kennedy and Todd (Amy) Zechman; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Ann Riker and Kathy (Jim) Loy. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ed, Joe and Bob Woods.
    Butch retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan. He also leaves behind his faithful companion "Charlie" (his dog). Butch loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by them.
    He had a good innings as us Aussies would say.

  • @rogerwachal3718
    @rogerwachal3718 9 місяців тому +4

    very cool
    I had no idea what went into making this.
    Awesome job,I'm going to watch the slow down version next.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому

      Thank you! And thanks for watching!

  • @Rottingboards
    @Rottingboards 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks that was interesting. All my family want headstones but not me. I hated mowing and trimming grass while I am alive...I don't want someone else to do it around my headstone. Throw me into the sea for me! Great job on this stone and helping families have somewhere to grieve.

  • @FalseCast
    @FalseCast Рік тому +25

    As a geologist for 37 years, I can say with confidence that it is a tombstone.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +7

      Technically, he was buried in a casket. Tombstones indicate a tomb, headstones and gravestones indicate all other types of burials 😉

    • @FalseCast
      @FalseCast Рік тому +2

      @@night_al who mentioned burials? Not me.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +2

      Semantics

    • @sawingstrings
      @sawingstrings Рік тому +1

      Non big 10 graduate. 😊

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      @@sawingstrings lol. confirmed

  • @shrory
    @shrory Рік тому +4

    Very well done, very much a hands-on process.
    R.I.P Butch

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you and thanks for watching!

  • @mam362
    @mam362 Рік тому +2

    I'm impressed by how quickly they work

    • @MrSerendipity01
      @MrSerendipity01 Рік тому +1

      I think you should have ended that with an exclamation mark.😂

  • @cmsweitzer1
    @cmsweitzer1 Рік тому +6

    Cool process, thanks for the upload. People just suck these days, too many comments on here bitching and moaning. You provided a service for the family of the deceased and uploaded an interesting video and all these keyboard warriors are complaining. Why not just either be thankful for the upload or just move on. Everyone is so quick to condemn and slander. Manors and etiquette are out the window. Appreciate the work and you sharing the process.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Absolutely welcome and thank you for watching!

  • @carylatham6281
    @carylatham6281 6 місяців тому +4

    After my Step-Father died. My Mother and I went to see about getting a headstone. Since he was retired military. The gov't supplied his headstone. We did not know that at the time. I had never seen etchings of artwork on headstones before. And I was fascinated. I am an artist. I asked Jim Warner of Warner Engraving in Dundee, Illinois. If he needed any help doing artwork on the headstones. I showed him pictures of my srtwork. He was very impressed. 9:42
    At the time, he had an artist working for him. He called me about a week later. He said his artist quit. And asked me if I was still interested in learning how to etch on the headstones. I started about a week later. I initially used a Dremel Engraver, with special diamond bits. My first headstone had a portait of a dog on one side. And a horse's head on the other. I was very nervous initially. But they both came out fine.
    I eventually started using an engraver from Paragrahics. It is a high speed engraver. Operating at around 300k to 400k RPM's. The Dremel was probably around 35k RPM's.
    I worked on an as needed basis for Jim for several years. Even after he moved his shop to Lake in the Hills, Illinois. I loved doing the work. Unfortunately, for me. The industry started utilizing laser etched etchings.
    I initially felt strange doing that type of work. Until I did a portait of a young black musician on granite. I rendered him with his guitar. Ironically, my girlfriend at the time and I saw him perform at a blues bar in Elgin, Illinois, a year or so before he passed. I happened to meet his Sister one fay. And she told me how special it was to see his face every time she went to visit his grave.
    I wish I were still doing the work. Jim Warner actually cut each individual letter out of the sandblasing surface by hand. I guess, that is very rate. As now they have machines to do that. I am not sure if Jim has retired or not. But he was a character. I really enjoyed working with him.

  • @zuzannawojcik9601
    @zuzannawojcik9601 Рік тому +2

    Interesting video. I was in many funerals and cemeteries in my short life, but never was interested how the headstones and writings are made. It's very interesting 👍🏻

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching!

  • @nickyl9040
    @nickyl9040 Рік тому +5

    Can you imagine how much effort must go into hand-carving two 6' angels?

    • @bonante2004
      @bonante2004 Рік тому +1

      I think that is fine with cnc tooling or they are casted from a mould

  • @BaritoneFinwiggler
    @BaritoneFinwiggler Рік тому +23

    RIP Butch 🫡

    • @anonymous-hz2un
      @anonymous-hz2un Рік тому +1

      He'll never live to see Dune Part 2 😢😢

    • @SHerit-q3v
      @SHerit-q3v Місяць тому

      I think your spelled butch wrong 😮

  • @fewhite5126
    @fewhite5126 Рік тому +3

    Butch is buried an hour north of me. For some reason I have a desire stop and pay my respects if in the area after watching this. Seems a good guy from his obit.
    Nice work.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  11 місяців тому

      Thank you and thanks for watching

  • @ZombifiedWatermelon
    @ZombifiedWatermelon Рік тому +4

    To people here commenting on the method: Granite is granite. The method used to create the lettering doesn't matter, it will last hundreds (thousands?) of years, just like the Pyramids. Most old tombstones were made of softer Marble or Soapstone because of the cost/labor of sculpting such a hard material, that's why you often see old tombstones that are wore away.

    • @williambrandondavis6897
      @williambrandondavis6897 Рік тому

      The pyramids are made from limestone.

    • @ZombifiedWatermelon
      @ZombifiedWatermelon Рік тому +1

      The outer decorative layer (which is almost all gone, proving my point) was made of Limestone. When built the Pyramids were smoothly sloped with polished sides, probably coovered in Hyroglyphics. Only the Granite core survived 3,000 years.

  • @andywoo808
    @andywoo808 Рік тому +5

    Amazing to see how it’s done.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @tararuaman
    @tararuaman Рік тому +2

    Some people knock this process, and think (thought) that it was still done by hand. There are many things now done by machines that was once done by hand, you are not yet aware of. Skill is still needed no matter the task. Imagine the cost if he got it wrong. Fascinating to watch.

  • @johnburton7633
    @johnburton7633 9 місяців тому +5

    What a fascinating process to watch. It is beautiful to watch a super skilled craftsman/woman putting their skills to work and for us to witness it. This guy would have my custom no problem. Hope i don't need it soon though. 🙏

    • @night_al
      @night_al  9 місяців тому

      I hope so as well. Thank you for the kind words and thanks for watching!

  • @diamond6256
    @diamond6256 Рік тому +4

    AWESOME VIDEO. I always wondered how this was done.

    • @night_al
      @night_al  Рік тому

      Thank you and thanks for watching!