shaping Abalone HELP?!

Apr 12, 2004 2 Replies

Harry... or any of you other genius-types who can help... I have several beautiful abalone shells, a dremel tool with a zillion attachments... and a small "pixie" lapidary unit... no "rock saw".... I am wondering how to cut shapes out of the abalone shell.... do I just use the diamond wheel on the dremel? Should I use a jeweler's hacksaw? That's how I cut out the one is did today.. but it seems that it would be hard to cut out small, even shapes... like Harry's "coins"... The weather is wonderful and I can work outdoors!!! But I do want any advice I can get.



TIA beth


First a word of warning! DO NOT BREATH THE DUST! Wear a mask or work the shell in water! Ok... A jewelers saw is the best to cut shapes. If you want to make round pieces really easy you need some of these:

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The other method that I find the best is to use a grinder with a 60 gritgrinding wheel. The one I use is here:
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Extra grinding wheel and buffer wheel is here:
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You can use a regular grinder, BUT, be very careful of the dust and yourfingers! The small model I use is variable speed and fun to use. Plus it has a flexattachment. Diamond bits MUST be used in water or you will burn them up very quickly. PLEASE... be sure to wear a mask when you use the grinders. If you have any other questions please ask.

Harry

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