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.
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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.
I cut amber on my trim saw.
Depending on size it’ll cut really easily with a piercing saw as it’s quite soft
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.
Do you mean those miniature table saws?
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
This is what a trim saw is, various types and brands available, mine is home made, https://www.gemcuts.com.au/lortone-2...otor-water-kit
you can cut it with a tile saw , just make sure to use plenty of water
Thanks, Caroline. What TPI do you recommend?
That's what I was thinking of. A bit outside of my budget right now, but it is on my Santa list.
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
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/buy...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.
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/163508830...id=EB12875558& I used one of these for years before I got my 10" one
What sort of Amber were you looking for .
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