joejansal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since August 2009
Posts: 98
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Post by joejansal on Nov 24, 2010 20:00:09 GMT -5
hi all, have been shaping and polishing sea shells for about a year now. thanks to all you great people on this rock site i've learned a lot. my next step is to try and shape the shells into pieces that will fit into frames like a cameo or ring, can anyone tell me what equipment you need to make the dome pieces. i have 2 3lb tumblers, i go through all steps, 5 days 60 - 90 5 days 120, 5 days 500 pre polish 7 days polish. the shells come out great. any info on how to shape and what equipment is needed to do this. as you know shells are soft and brittle. have seen some wampum done by a lapidariest, great looking, was told that a vibe was better for polishing. thanking you guys and gals again for all your help.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Nov 24, 2010 21:00:08 GMT -5
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guitarc
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2010
Posts: 77
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Post by guitarc on Nov 27, 2010 11:08:43 GMT -5
Hey joejansal, I am a newbie so this is not from experience but I have heard and read of the various stones and materials that require extra precautions. As Dr Joe said, lots of water is a must for dust control when working the material. Contrary to what some believe, the water is not just so the blades, tools, or material we are working does not get damaged. Water traps the dust particles we create when grinding and cutting. Rock dust is unhealthy to breathe and the bad thing about shells is that their fine dust particles are sharp edged and the lungs find it difficult to expel them (if they get there). Wear at least an N95 mask or better yet a respirator if you are often cutting and shaping shells. A ventilation system in your work area (if inside) would be good too. I know these things can get expensive but you can't put a price tag on your health and these simple things can make your hobby/profession so much safer Chris
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rockhappy
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 12
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Post by rockhappy on Dec 1, 2010 22:44:10 GMT -5
Hi JoeJansal-
Would you post a picture of the polished shells? I love the idea. My wife and I just got into this hobby and are curious about what else we can polish. Shells sounds great.
Thanks.
-Hol
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