sleuthgal
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 46
|
Post by sleuthgal on Feb 17, 2011 16:47:45 GMT -5
Hi everyone, Need some tips on cutting rough boulder opal. I picked up some nice chunks off of e-bay and don't want to waist any of it. I will also need some pointers on cabbing it as well. Hope it's not to difficult to work with. I just love the stuff. Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.
|
|
drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
|
Post by drjo on Feb 17, 2011 18:32:03 GMT -5
I'm just giving 3 bits of advice and then the boulder opal guys can take over. (I cut Honduran Opal).
1). Don't chase the color.
2). Go slowly, checking often.
3). Don't chase the color.
Don't feel bad if you immediately get hooked, it happens to the best of us ;D
Dr Joe
.
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Feb 17, 2011 20:49:29 GMT -5
the quality of the brown matrix on boulder opal varies a lot from muddy to hard as iron. strategy will depend on the hardnes of your matrix, the shape of the stone, the size of the stone, and whether you will be using a tile saw, or a trim saw with a clamp.
can you give more info on your setup and a pic of the rough?
|
|
sleuthgal
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 46
|
Post by sleuthgal on Feb 17, 2011 20:59:24 GMT -5
I will be using a 10" trim saw with a clamp, the pieces are about 3-4" in diameter roughly speaking. I don't have any way of taking and posting photos at this time.
Will oil hurt the opal or saturate the stone? Thanks for the feedback.
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
|
Post by stefan on Feb 17, 2011 21:09:25 GMT -5
Boulder opal can be so much fun to cut. There may be a layer of color or you may have pockets scattered throughout. I don't use oil to cut (tile saws only) so I'll let others answer that. As for cabbing. Well ilike to start out with a very worn 100 or 120belt and work with a very gentle touch. The matrix is very messy so make sure to wash the stone often. Always keep in mind that color will appear and disappear in the blink of an eye so work slowly and check often. I use diamond paste to polish and it works great on opal. Just be careful not to overheat the stone
|
|
jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
|
Post by jcinpc on Feb 17, 2011 21:32:50 GMT -5
|
|
jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
|
Post by jcinpc on Feb 17, 2011 21:36:00 GMT -5
oh yeah, freeform is always best with this stuff good luck and have fun post plenty of pics. I have been away form here since August last year because BO ruined me, it was no fun to cut and work other rocks , so maybe your post will get me back into it
|
|
sleuthgal
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 46
|
Post by sleuthgal on Feb 17, 2011 22:12:18 GMT -5
;D Thanks JCINPC, yes I did buy from OUBLA and I love, love, love the pieces I rcvd. WOW!!!! fantastics photos, thanks for all the great input. Very appreciated!!!
|
|
|
Post by gr on Feb 18, 2011 1:05:42 GMT -5
great pics jc thx!
|
|
cdfcal
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2011
Posts: 59
|
Post by cdfcal on Feb 21, 2013 9:14:36 GMT -5
Good information, thanks the great topic!
|
|