A strange request... Near commercial sizes - Black Obsidian

Let me give a few of my thoughts, mnblarneystone. I could do it, if I had the right equipment. A 12" flat lap would work on the finish, taking it in a few stages to a mirror shine. But then I would need the saw, and given the size of the rock before its slabbed, I might be able to get by with a 20" for the slabbing, plus maybe do some research on how to cut the rest to the proper 8" by 10" dimensions. What tool would I need to cut something that's going to be too large to fit on a standard trim saw table? Last I remember, there are some hand tools available that can do the trimming on such a large piece. I doubt a standard cabbing unit could do it. I would love a project like this, but the amount it would take to get the dream materialized may be out of my reach. I could dive into this some more, and check out a local club that may have equipment for rent. Stay tuned.

Washingtonrocks: I have quite a few more Lakers, besides the ones I posted on EBay. Like I said, if I know what people want, I can produce it, given the right tools and materials. It's just that I'm not very creative, like many cabbers and wire wrappers. So instead, I have to rely more on my mechanical abilities, and dexterity running equipment. With that said, would people like stones that are face-polished? Opened, like a geode? Perhaps, cut into mini slabs for wire wrapping? Or, just natural? I know quite a few sell for display, as a natural stone. And then, there is a lot of competition out there, with me being nearly unheard of. I could give some stuff away, if it get my name out and help me establish a reputation.

And above all, thanks so much for lending an ear! If there's still interest, I'll be happy to keep doing research on the obsidian project. Perhaps a group effort, can get the bet won.

Does she realize just how much this "bet" will cost her? To get an 8 x 10 square, 2 inches thick requires cutting 6 surfaces, starting with a boulder large enough to yield the desired result. So figure an average of 10 inches linear per cut, at $1.75 per inch, times 6. That's $105 just to square off the boulder to get one good cut 2 inches thick. ($1.75 is the going rate around here to cut using a 24 inch saw.)
Then you've got shipping for that large boulder, figure a 50 to 70 pounder would cost a buck a pound to ship. Now she's up to $150 to $170.
Then shipping to send it back to you. $220
Then you add your percentage, plus shipping to her, and she's looking at somewhere around $350 for that one piece of metaphysical rock, unpolished.
I've got the saws to cut it, but not the polisher. So that's another bunch of $$$. And more shipping. As obsidian is just volcanic glass, she'd be far better off just buying some black glass locally. Unless the bet is lucrative enough to cover all the costs... but is she aware how much it's gonna cost?
I think that might be the bet....

This guy sells slabs by the square inch
fisherfisheries.com/knappers.htm