Participants usually begin with a high quality white statuary marble from Carrara, in a size dependant upon experience. One moderate size block is provided to each participant and is included in the cost of the workshop. A moderate size is considered to be one that will not move around on the stand while being worked on, but can still be turned by one or two people without special equipment. Larger pieces or other types of marble and stone are easily available from the many stone suppliers in the area, and can also be worked on during the workshop. Usually statuario is preferred for beauty and easy workability. All necessary tools are provided at no extra charge: air hammers, steel and carbide chisels, electric and air grinders, diamond saws, and polishing materials. It isn't necessary to bring or buy any equipment. Safety, maintainence and correct usage are discussed for all the equipment, along with safe procedures for moving stone. Incorrectly used, some tools can be dangerous, such as the diamond saw, therefore these are only used under constant direct supervision until competence is demonstrated.