![]() Sanding the stone is a matter of patience. Once you’re happy with the shape of your stone, you’re ready to move on. After that, it’s just a matter of aesthetics. If you’re not carving a particular shape, the most important thing is that the stone has any unstable portions removed through grinding. Most cabochons will go through a more intensive shaping and polishing process, but the basics are the same as polishing a specimen. It’s a little bit outside of the scope of this article, but all you need is a set of diamond-cutting wheels. Sooner or later the grit wears off or the diamonds burn, it’s just part of the process. But, even with best practices, diamond burrs are disposable. A light touch and low RPMs will make them last much longer. Diamond bits burn quickly when you’re pressing them down. If a stone is getting too hot to handle, it’s a good sign to lower RPMs. ![]() Lower is usually better, but you’ll be fine as long as the bit isn’t slinging mud. While grinding, you should use a low speed on your tool. The last bit is important: you may lose some stone, but a heavily fractured piece will fall apart in your hands when you get to sanding. Use ball burrs to open crevices and remove fractures, and use the grinding wheels for bringing down sharp corners and removing fractured material. It can be tempting to just grind through, but you’ll get a rougher finish and make a mess.įor those just trying to get a “tumbled” look, this step will take less time. You’ll need to wet the piece frequently or it will begin throwing off a lot of dust. Grinding will rapidly remove water from the stone’s surface. You can hold smaller stones in your hand if you’re careful with the Dremel, larger stones may need to be held in a vise. Keeping the stone wet, grind the stone into a rough shape. Step 2: Grind to Shapeĭiamond grinding wheels and burrs will let you shape the stone. Once they’re clean, it’s time for the fun to begin. The dirt build-up can hide fractures that need to be ground out. Pay special attention to deeper crevices. On the other hand, you’ll be grinding any surface scratches a wire brush will create. For soft stones, a stiff nylon brush may be better. The dust from the stone is more hazardous than any dirt the Dremel might send airborne.Ī bucket with warm soapy water and a wire brush will do the trick. Since we’re going to sand, and possibly grind, the stone it’s not important to get them shining. If you haven’t already, you should get your rocks cleaned. How to Polish Stones With a Dremel Step 1: Clean Your Rocks If you have your tools and PPE together, then you’re ready to get started. As long as you’ve got a mask and goggles you’re good to go! This isn’t a particularly dangerous task, the hazards are easily avoided with some basic protective gear. If it doesn’t, get yourself to the local ER. It’s undignified and a bit painful but it works. Take a hint from Ishi and pry open your lids before thumping yourself in the back of the head. Stone splinters will cause a lot more damage. If something gets around your glasses, don’t touch your eye. Stones can chip unexpectedly and the resulting stone can damage your eyes. All you have to do is make sure there’s a looped segment lower than the outlet. Even if you’re far from the outlet, it’s a good idea to create a drip loop to avoid water running down the cord. If you’re using a corded Dremel be careful. If you have access to a flex shaft for your Dremel you can work them directly in the water. ![]() You can use a drip system or dunking the stone in water repeatedly. To keep the dust levels low, you should work stones wet. You’ll need at least an N95 rated mask, and you’re best off with a half-face respirator with the appropriate filters. Don’t use a regular dust mask, they’re meant for sawdust and large particles. You should also use a mask, even if you’re working outdoors. Outside is best, but it’s not possible for everyone. Wherever you’re working needs good ventilation. In any case, it’s best to avoid dust as much as possible. Others can lead to more immediate consequences, like the arsenic in Bumblebee Jasper. In some cases, such as agate, you’ll be creating ultra-fine particles of silica that can lead to silicosis over time. Your Dremel is going to throw off a lot of dust, and most of it is bad for your lungs. Grinding stones is a bit hazardous, even when you’re working by hand.
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