[meteorite-list] Another question for the Saw Wizards

[Mr EMan]

Last time I cut with a diamond blade it only would cut the nail and not the skin--wanna give it a try and see if thinner blades can cut skin?

Mike they make a slab holder/jig which comes in few sizes that lets you cut down below 10mm or so. Once you clamp the stone in the jig you clamp it in your saw vice. $20-30 on ebay.

Elton

--- On Tue, 6/30/09, Galactic Stone & Ironworks <meteoritemike at gmail.com> wrote:


> Hi Listees and Stonecutters!

> 

> After using my saw on several occasions now, I wanted to

> share a

> recent experience and ask a related question.

> 

> While cutting a small unclassified NWA stone about the size

> of a

> walnut, my stepson showed up and started

> watching.   It made him

> extremely nervous watching me handhold the small stone

> while I cut it.

>  Apparently seeing my unprotected fingers a half-inch away

> from a

> spinning diamond blade was too much to bear.  He is

> absolutely

> convinced I am going to cut a finger off.  (Shows how

> much confidence

> he has in me!) LOL

> 

> He asked why I don't use some kind of jig or holder that

> will hold the

> stone for me.  I showed him my rock vise, which is

> made for use with

> this particular saw.  But the vise is only good for

> larger stones, or

> elongated stones.  It's not much good for holding very

> small

> acorn-sized or walnut-sized stones.  So, I bravely go

> where no fingers

> should go.  He asked what I would do if I cut off my

> finger, and I

> nonchalantly said I would drive myself to the nearest

> emergency room,

> wait my turn, get it sewed back on, and then go home with a

> big

> bandaged hand and type a one-handed email to the list about

> the

> episode. ;)

> 

> So, my question is - how do you cut very small stones on a

> 6" lapidary

> saw?  Do you hand hold them?  Do you use some

> kind of jig?  And how

> many digits do you still have on your hands?

> 

> Honestly, I am not terribly worried about it.  I am

> experienced with

> power tools and saws, so I'm not being reckless.  But

> if there is

> something I can do to make my wife and family feel better

> about it,

> I'd do it.

> 

> Best regards,

> 

> 10-Fingered Mike (for now)

> 

> 

> -- 

> .........................................................

> Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)

> Member of the Meteoritical Society.

> Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.

> Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and http://www.glassthrower.com

> ..........................................................

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