adrian65
Cave Dweller 
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,790
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Post by adrian65 on Dec 2, 2007 3:02:17 GMT -5
Hello everyone.
Does anybody know if there are some optimum ratios between the dimensions of a cab and its maximum thickness?
Thanks in advance,
Adrian
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Rockygibraltar
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2006
Posts: 1,404
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Post by Rockygibraltar on Dec 2, 2007 3:54:55 GMT -5
The cabs purpose plays a big role in the decision. I like a pendant or belt buckle to have a thin cab in it. On the other hand, some finger rings look great with a nice high dome to show off the stone. Most all of my cabs start out about 5mm thick. This thickness just seem to work out for me.
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Post by bobby1 on Dec 2, 2007 10:13:17 GMT -5
Most slabs are cut at 5 to 6mm. I agree that the purpose for the cab will determine the ideal cab thickness. Another factor is the pattern or image in the cab. You will typically alter the thickness (and the shape) to best emphasize this feature. "Eye" or "star" stones need a high dome to work best.
Bob
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,497
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 2, 2007 10:40:42 GMT -5
Yep, I agree with the above folks. With larger cabs especially, weight can be an issue if they are to be used for a pin or pendant. As Bobby stated though, image is almost everything. Don't want to spoil the beauty of the stone by having it be so thick you have to grind away the pattern or image you're looking for. Fragile stones too, have their own issues, and sometimes have to be thicker to keep them from breaking....Mel
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,790
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Post by adrian65 on Dec 2, 2007 13:56:42 GMT -5
Thanks a lot for the guidelines, folks! It seems that, as in almost every field, experience is very important here.
Adrian
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fossilbrain
spending too much on rocks
Cookie Monster agate
Member since October 2007
Posts: 360
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Post by fossilbrain on Dec 4, 2007 10:56:17 GMT -5
I have to keep re-grinding a.k.a. steepening my angle all the way down to the girdle for thicker cabs with which I want to avoid a small flat place in the middle. Like you said -- experience will improve my technique and eye. Congrats on your machine and cabbing! Duly impressed  |
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