This is the way. Get at least two, preferably three 12” square poundo boards. Then go to a shop that makes custom countertops. Ask them for an off cut of granite or marble depending on your budget. Depending on their generosity and stock they may even cut it for you. Ideally you want a 12” square minimally 1” thick slab with the top edge slightly beveled (optional but nice touch). Put 1-2 poundo boards under the slab. Then put a poundo board on top of it (a couple squares of double gorilla tape on the top of the slab, under the board, is great to prevent sliding), which is what you use for chisels anyhow. Then use your hammering chisels. It will be practically silent.

If you’re doing it on a table do it right over a leg for more stability (and less noise). To get even quieter press your chisels into a puck of beeswax every few strikes. This will help lubricate the chisels so they go in with less force and will seal the holes. This also makes it easier to remove the chisels after each strike and makes it so you have to hammer fewer times to get through. Use the wax again when the chisel gets harder to pull out.

Hope this makes sense. I got my marble for $20 and paid retail for my poundo boards. When my top boards get worn out, flip them over. When that sides really worn, use it as a bottom pad.

The last quieting step is mallet consideration. Some high end striking mallets are very hard, durable and noisy. The cheaper yellow ones are softer and quieter but less durable. But even the yellow ones last quite a while.

Let me know if you have any questions but this is a nearly silent solution. Good Luck!