Joppen is the first, coarse step in working natural stone. Using the stone chisel, a rough block is brought roughly to the required dimensions by knocking away surplus material. After joppen the stone is about the right size but still has very rough, irregular edges.
Origin and method
The Dutch term derives from the jop, the heavy stone chisel used for the job. The mason strikes the chisel with a hammer and removes material layer by layer. Joppen takes strength and experience: setting the chisel too deep or in the wrong place can split the stone along a natural fault line.
Joppen is deliberately coarse and is meant to get quickly close to the final size; finer stages then follow to make the surface flat and smooth. It is the rough groundwork before proper facing.
Application
Joppen belongs to the traditional craft of the stonemason and occurs when sizing hardstone, sandstone and other natural stones for facades, thresholds, steps and ornaments.
Points to note
- The harder the stone, the heavier the joppen — hardness dictates the tool and striking force
- A wrong strike can render the block unusable
Related terms
- Natural stone
- Rubble stone
- Hardstone
- Stonemasonry
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