Kim Coggin tells us:
If you are just getting started in the craft, there are a range of basics tools that you will need. First, I highly recommend a book what we wallers call “the Bible”. It’s Dry Stone Walling: A Practical Handbook by Alan Brooks & Sean Adcock. Outstanding source of information for DIY, wallers, trail builders, landscapers and others.
Next, the Basic Item List: Safety glasses, Gloves, Mason String, Measuring Tape, Line level or string level (sometimes called a spirit level), Line Pins, Batter Boards,
And, Chisels & Hammers: To get started you will need a Pointer, Tracer and hammer suitable for striking steel. Make sure your chisels are Carbide Tipped, they are tougher and will last longer. A bit more expensive but worth every penny. I recommend any of the carbide chisels that are sold in TST store. They are all good quality.
As time goes you may want to extend your inventory, with items like a hammer drill and a Professional Walling Set from Trow & Holden. Trow & Holden gives you a massive tool set with all the hammers and chisels frequently used by professional wallers. Or mix and match brands. I have Rebit Chisels and Trow & Holden hammers. Love them all.
Judy Rand adds:
If working with schist, like the quarried stone from Goshen, I recommend the 4-lb. carbide Stone Buster set from Trow and Holden.
I’m 5’ 3” and weigh 115. I first purchased the 3-lb Stone Buster set, thinking, at my size, it would be less wear and tear for me to use the 3-lb set, but after I tried the 4-lb set at a stone shaping workshop, I found the 4-pounders easy to hold and swing and got the job done in less time. I recommend the 4-lb Stone Busters from Trow and Holden for trimming and shaping schist.
Victoria Merriman gives a few more tips:
I second the 4 lb stone busters suggestion! I use them on almost every job, with everything from sandstone to granite. And yes, really nice for separating the layers in schist and other layered stones.
I also just got a 2.5 lb bell hammer and love it. I struggle with carpal tunnel and tendinitis and this hammer feels easier on my hands somehow. Maybe it’s the grip, or maybe it delivers force more efficiently due to the shape? Anyway, it’s wonderful. The bell hammer is used to strike a chisel so it has a different purpose than the stone busters. It’s such a great striking hammer because anywhere the hammer lands on the chisel delivers a good impact, unlike regular hammers which have a smaller striking surface.