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.

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.

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

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!

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

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

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....

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.

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.

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

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

This business will definitely never be in crisis.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 👍🏻

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

No wonder it takes 6 weeks or more to get one made. Its just one dude doing all the work.

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

I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to tombstone engraving, but this wasn't it. Beautifully done.

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.

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.

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

My grandfather's headstone was hand engraved by a great guy. I didn't realize this method was available. Cool to see. RIP Butch. You guys paid him respect. 👍

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

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.

RIP Butch 🫡

Amazing! I never could have realized without watching this how much work is actually involved in making one!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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. 🙏

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!

Excellent craftsmanship. Thanks for the glimpse behind the scenes.

In a business that makes headstones and engraved them, you'll never be short of business.

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!

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!

Spookiest type of engraving there is. It’s literally enGRAVEing!

Wow, you have to wonder how much that cost - even though the engraving is so shallow. Being British I regularly see churchyards with 200-300 even 400 year old headstones that are still legible I doubt that a bit if sandblasting to write someone's name and then painting it black will stand the test of time, sadly.

There are a lot of "experts" posting on here. Instead of saying what you think is better just accept that this was done very well.. RIP Butch..

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.

I never dreamed there was that much work to that but I enjoyed watching this video for sure

Gotta respect the artistic craftsmanship👍🏻

Beautiful craftsmanship!

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 💙💜

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

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

I'm impressed with the man's ability. The skill In engraving I never realize the procedure needed. Thanks for the video.

I never realised the skill and number of processes required to create such a piece. True craftsmanship, and fitting memorial . So interesting.

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

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.

Wow what timing to have this pop up on my KZfaq. My wife and I bought burial plots a few months ago and are going tomorrow to look at headstones. That was great seeing this.

You do excellent work Sr thanks for the video

I was almost shocked. Not only did he did not use stencils for the lettering but there were also no straight edges to level the work. Very impressive and skilled lettering work.

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

Though it’s likely my grave’ll get a military/veteran marker, it would be nice to know that whatever runic inscription my family ends up marking my last site on earth will be made with as much care & attention to detail as these guys show. Nice job.

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

There's a person who died at age 36 buried in a cemetery near me. His head stone is made of concrete. It's obviously homemade, but someone put a lot of time into it. It's sad they couldn't afford a normal headstone.

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

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.

RIP Butch

I have wondered how they were made now I know thank you for sharing

Bery impressive work. Never knew how they eere being done. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

Fascinating! A lot more work goes into making the headstones than I realized.

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

My brother did this exact same thing for many years. He also set finished headstones and monuments. He's got some great stories about his time with the process.

I had no idea that etching a headstone took so much time. I also found this very interesting; great attention to detail. Thanks for sharing.

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

Still a huge amount of work involved.👍👍

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.

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

It’s amazing how quickly they work. I can’t move my arms anything near that speed.

Cool!!! I’ve never seen that process in my sixty years on earth. Great Job!!!

People would die for this amazing service!

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.... 👍👍

You'll never run out of work. And your last customer will be you.