cutting amber into slabs

[dan]

I recently got ahold of a nice 240 gram piece of amber from the Dominican Republic, and want to know how to cut it into slabs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[china]

I cut amber on my trim saw.

[CJ57]

Depending on size it’ll cut really easily with a piercing saw as it’s quite soft

[dan]

Thanks. It's a pretty big piece, maybe 3 by 3 by 4 inches cubed. I did cut a much smaller piece with a piercing saw, but it took me hours to do it. Perhaps I wasn't using the saw properly.

[dan]

Do you mean those miniature table saws?

[CJ57]

You’ll need a heavier blade or even a coping saw but it’s a bit coarse. Beware a fast saw as if almost melts it being resin. The same when polishing on a motor if you use too hard a mop it produces skid marks and gouges

[china]

This is what a trim saw is, various types and brands available, mine is home made, https://www.gemcuts.com.au/lortone-250mm-10-trim-saw-with-motor-water-kit

[J Allison]

you can cut it with a tile saw , just make sure to use plenty of water

[dan]

Thanks, Caroline. What TPI do you recommend?

[dan]

That's what I was thinking of. A bit outside of my budget right now, but it is on my Santa list.

[J Allison]

Another option Is I could cut it for you if you are happy to post it . You can contact me through my website @ www.brightongemstones.co.uk

[CJ57]

Thanks, Caroline. What TPI do you recommend?

Sorry Dan what’s a TPI?

[ps_bond]

Teeth per inch. Or threads per inch in a different context.
Jewellers saw blades aren't often measured in TPI, they're sold by number 8-1 (coarser to fine) then 1/0-8/0 (fine, finer, finest).
https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/buying-guide/a-jewellers-guide-to-saw-blades/

I tend to use 2/0 & 4/0 from about 0.7mm through to 6mm (in steel), but I'm a bit odd that way.

[CJ57]

Teeth per inch. Or threads per inch in a different context.
Jewellers saw blades aren't often measured in TPI, they're sold by number 8-1 (coarser to fine) then 1/0-8/0 (fine, finer, finest).
https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/buying-guide/a-jewellers-guide-to-saw-blades/


I tend to use 2/0 & 4/0 from about 0.7mm through to 6mm (in steel), but I'm a bit odd that way.

Thanks Peter :)
I have no idea but looking at the offcuts I have I used my piercing saw with a blade that worked! If you are looking for consistent slabs I’d take John up on his offer to cut it for you and save you the grief

[dan]

you can cut it with a tile saw , just make sure to use plenty of water

The piece is 4x3x2 1/4 inches. Is that too big to put through a tile saw?

[dan]

Thanks Peter :)
I have no idea but looking at the offcuts I have I used my piercing saw with a blade that worked! If you are looking for consistent slabs I’d take John up on his offer to cut it for you and save you the grief

Thanks Caroline. I may take John up on his suggestion, but I'm also waiting to see if he thinks a piece 4 by 3 by 2 1/4 inches is too big for a tile saw.

[J Allison]

If you have a 7inch saw then you can do it you will just need to turn it round to get the depth of cut , https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163508830517?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338365712&toolid=20006&customid=EB12875558& I used one of these for years before I got my 10" one

[dan]

If you have a 7inch saw then you can do it you will just need to turn it round to get the depth of cut , https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163508830517?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338365712&toolid=20006&customid=EB12875558& I used one of these for years before I got my 10" one

That's much more in my budget range. Thanks. Do you have any recommendations for raw amber suppliers?

[J Allison]

What sort of Amber were you looking for .

[dan]

What sort of Amber were you looking for .

Baltic and Dominican. I've been dealing with vendors on Ebay, but the selections are limited, and include many pieces that are too small for me to work with.

Thanks for the advice about the tile saw. I picked up a cheap one yesterday and it worked very well.

[J Allison]

Do you want to send me a message on my website www.brightongemstones.co.uk and Im sure we can find some for you.
John