hoolligan1938
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2022
Posts: 253
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Post by hoolligan1938 on Apr 5, 2023 17:02:13 GMT -5
I need some instruction on the best way to cut moonstone for sheen. It seems rather soft and a few pieces I've tried to cut have shattered or chipped. I use a continuous rim 7" diamond blade in a tile saw. If you have any secrets for a good smooth cut, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks,
Jim
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Post by manofglass on Apr 6, 2023 10:45:28 GMT -5
I don't like moonstone but I have cut it Make the first cut coat the stone I used 330 epoxy let it set 3 days make the next cut coat the back side of the slab let it set 3 days for the glue to dry www.kingsleynorth.com and Amazon.com carry 330 epoxy Blades I use is MK 303 and Dewalt XP4
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hoolligan1938
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2022
Posts: 253
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Post by hoolligan1938 on Apr 7, 2023 17:12:25 GMT -5
Thanks, manofglass. Come on folks, surely others have some information about moonstone and will share it with me. Don't tell me that manofglass and myself are the only people on this forum that have cut and shaped moonstone.
Jim
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Post by manofglass on Apr 7, 2023 20:43:40 GMT -5
Rock&gem July-August 1971 Has a article on cutting Wisconsin moonstone
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Apr 8, 2023 12:02:18 GMT -5
I tried once. Soaked in CA and let dry. Ended with a bunch of crumbled chips. Was not worth my efforts. I tile saw may be a bit too fast and aggressive for moonstone. If thats all you have I would find the thinnest blade you can and work with your water tray as full as possible, while feeding as slow as possible.
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hoolligan1938
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2022
Posts: 253
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Post by hoolligan1938 on Apr 8, 2023 17:20:47 GMT -5
Thanks, Stefan. The tile saw is all I have and can afford, so it has to do for me. Manofglass - I'll see if I can find a back issue of Rock and Gem for that article. You will probably see my request on this site for the back issue. I will contact Rock and Gem and see if they have an issue and can copy it and send it to me.
Jim
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Apr 8, 2023 17:36:40 GMT -5
hoolligan1938 Thanks for this thread. Even though I have no advice/expertise I would appreciate advice on this topic as well. I bought some large moonstone rough that needs to be cut before tumbling. I didn't realize it was problematic to cut! I have a 6" Hi-Tech Diamond trim saw that I use with water.
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Post by manofglass on Apr 8, 2023 18:14:49 GMT -5
Moonstone is to soft to tumble you have to treat it to hold it together you can cab it after it's treated
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Apr 8, 2023 18:23:11 GMT -5
Moonstone is to soft to tumble you have to treat it to hold it together you can cab it after it's treated Ahh good to know . . . I don't cab, so not sure what I'll do with it now?
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Post by manofglass on Apr 8, 2023 18:28:50 GMT -5
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Apr 13, 2023 7:24:49 GMT -5
I tried tumbling moonstone and it was a major fail. Bruised, cracked. I did send it back through the process about a year later with tons of cushioning and media and it helped somewhat - can see some shine and flash, but nothing to be done about the shatter cracks that were in there from the first tumble. I've never cut it though - very temperamental rock IMO - same with labradorite...at least when it comes to tumbling. Good luck!!
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