Found a really nice pece of Abalone on the beach today...lots of Oyster shells on the nearby beach but this Abalone is a real find and I would like to make some round discs out of it about 1/4" in diameter any thoughts on how to do it...I tried to cut some oyster shell and it crumbles even trying to file it...there is probably some commercial way as we have all seen pearly inlays...anyone know the secret to make the little discs?
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Just don't put your dremel motor underwater, Tony. That will probably void your warranty! (grin)
Wet sanding could keep the dust down, but be sure you toss the old used sandpaper before the slurry dries out. That dust can get EVERYWHERE. Good luck and keep us posted.
Tony Owen said:
...never thought of working the stuff under water!
I came accross a bloke today that said the same thing that the filings can cause scilicous of the lung.(probably spelt that wrong)..the fibers are quite similar to asbestos.... But he said that he has had some success with grinding and filing the shells in a big tub of water...might have to purchase a flexable extension for my dremel...never thought of working the stuff under water!
If you cut shells, do this outside or have a vacuum attachment clamped right next to the shell. You do NOT want this dust gathering in corners of your shop. ABSOLUTELY wear a top-grade dust mask, those cheap disposables just won't do. Shell fragments have VERY sharp edges, and are as bad as a 2-pack a day cigarette habit.
I love abalone, but I can order it and let someone else deal with the dust.
Tony, Abalone makes for beautiful in lay ,,, but the dust is extremely dangerous,, that is from a retired jeweler,, extremely good dust masks are retired and diamond blades and polishing is beyond that and a pain .. wood inlays are much safer.
Replies
Just don't put your dremel motor underwater, Tony. That will probably void your warranty! (grin)
Wet sanding could keep the dust down, but be sure you toss the old used sandpaper before the slurry dries out. That dust can get EVERYWHERE. Good luck and keep us posted.
Tony Owen said:
I have never heard of any one getting sick from this dust.
I've been in Florida all my life and bought many of craft.
Plus I have been thinking of doing just this same thing.
James
If you cut shells, do this outside or have a vacuum attachment clamped right next to the shell. You do NOT want this dust gathering in corners of your shop. ABSOLUTELY wear a top-grade dust mask, those cheap disposables just won't do. Shell fragments have VERY sharp edges, and are as bad as a 2-pack a day cigarette habit.
I love abalone, but I can order it and let someone else deal with the dust.
Tony, Abalone makes for beautiful in lay ,,, but the dust is extremely dangerous,, that is from a retired jeweler,, extremely good dust masks are retired and diamond blades and polishing is beyond that and a pain .. wood inlays are much safer.
Allan