1. Home
  2. Beading Crafts
  3. shaping Abalone HELP?!

shaping Abalone HELP?!

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

Reply to
Beth
Loading thread data ...

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:

formatting link
The other method that I find the best is to use a grinder with a 60 gritgrinding wheel. The one I use is here:
formatting link
Extra grinding wheel and buffer wheel is here:
formatting link
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

Reply to
Harry

Reply to
Harry

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.