[meteorite-list] Another question for the Saw Wizards

[Mr EMan]

Last time I cut with a diamond blade it only would cut the nail and not the skin--wanna give it a try and see if thinner blades can cut skin?

Mike they make a slab holder/jig which comes in few sizes that lets you cut down below 10mm or so. Once you clamp the stone in the jig you clamp it in your saw vice. $20-30 on ebay.

Elton

--- On Tue, 6/30/09, Galactic Stone & Ironworks <meteoritemike at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Listees and Stonecutters!
> 
> After using my saw on several occasions now, I wanted to
> share a
> recent experience and ask a related question.
> 
> While cutting a small unclassified NWA stone about the size
> of a
> walnut, my stepson showed up and started
> watching.   It made him
> extremely nervous watching me handhold the small stone
> while I cut it.
>  Apparently seeing my unprotected fingers a half-inch away
> from a
> spinning diamond blade was too much to bear.  He is
> absolutely
> convinced I am going to cut a finger off.  (Shows how
> much confidence
> he has in me!) LOL
> 
> He asked why I don't use some kind of jig or holder that
> will hold the
> stone for me.  I showed him my rock vise, which is
> made for use with
> this particular saw.  But the vise is only good for
> larger stones, or
> elongated stones.  It's not much good for holding very
> small
> acorn-sized or walnut-sized stones.  So, I bravely go
> where no fingers
> should go.  He asked what I would do if I cut off my
> finger, and I
> nonchalantly said I would drive myself to the nearest
> emergency room,
> wait my turn, get it sewed back on, and then go home with a
> big
> bandaged hand and type a one-handed email to the list about
> the
> episode. ;)
> 
> So, my question is - how do you cut very small stones on a
> 6" lapidary
> saw?  Do you hand hold them?  Do you use some
> kind of jig?  And how
> many digits do you still have on your hands?
> 
> Honestly, I am not terribly worried about it.  I am
> experienced with
> power tools and saws, so I'm not being reckless.  But
> if there is
> something I can do to make my wife and family feel better
> about it,
> I'd do it.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> 10-Fingered Mike (for now)
> 
> 
> -- 
> .........................................................
> Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
> Member of the Meteoritical Society.
> Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
> Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and http://www.glassthrower.com
> ..........................................................
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