[meteorite-list] Cutting meteorites (was, "Hey, I am an idiot for grinding!!!!! ")

From: Walter Branch <branchw_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:17:40 2004
Message-ID: <000e01c3bc9c$073a7ee0$4de8d944_at_wbranch>

Hello List Members,

I experimented with a Dremel a few years ago and I was very dissatisfied
with the results. You can't cool the blade, it vibrated heavily, the kerf
was too wide and the blade was too small, etc...

Hi-tech products makes nice, inexpensive lapidary trim saws. I have used
both the 4/5 inch and 6 inch models (with 5/8 inch arbor - Bob's right,
watch that arbor size) shown here, and I am very happy with the results:
http://www.hitechdiamond.com/saws_buffers.htm

What I would really be interested in is the methods that others use to
polish stone slices. I seem to go through polishing pads fairly quickly.

-Walter

------------------------------------------
www.branchmeteorites.com
Walter Branch, Ph.D.
Branch Meteorites
PO Box 60492
Savannah, GA 31420



----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Verish" <bolidechaser_at_yahoo.com>
To: <meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 2:10 AM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Cutting meteorites (was, "Hey, I am an idiot for
grinding!!!!! ")


> Lest any of the newbies to our List think that we all
> cut our stony meteorites with tile saws or Dremels,
> allow me to remind you what this thread was about
> originally - how to cut small meteorites if you are on
> a very limited budget, or if you don't live near a
> rockhound with a rock shop.
>
> Those that cut meteorites regularly find that the best
> saw is the one with the thinnest blade (coupled with a
> very secure vise).
>
> Those of us who are rockhounds would tell you that a
> "lapidary trim saw" would be the best way to go.
>
> A common "lap trim saw", that could cut even very
> small stones, would be a "6-inch saw". Nearly every
> lapidary/rock shop has one of these. Most come with a
> vice that will hold a stone very securely.
>
> Those "6-inch trim saws" with motors that are higher
> than 1700rpm can take the THINNEST 6" blade that can
> be used to cut a stone meteorite. It is the 0.006"
> diamond blade from Pro-Slicer.
>
> Here is what one looks like:
>
> <http://www.geocities.com/bolidechaser/eB/misc/proslice.jpg>
>
> This kind of blade has what is called, a 0.009" kerf -
> which means that is how wide the cut zone will be.
> Which is usually less cut loss than what a typical
> grind job would produce. That's why I don't bother
> ginding my finds. I reduce total cut loss and I get a
> better window by cutting with my diamond blade,
> anyway.
>
> I always keep a couple of spare Pro-Slicer blades, so
> if you want to try one of these ultra-thin blades, AND
> if you have a 6-inch saw WITH a 1/2" arbor, I could
> mail one to you (for my original cost plus postage).
> I paid $29.50 for each of mine.
>
> Some saws come with a 5/8" arbor!! I only have one
> spare blade left with this size hole, so double-check
> your saws "arbor-size" before contacting me.
>
> Bob V.
>
> *********************************
> Robert Verish
> Principal Field Investigator
> Meteorite-Recovery Lab
> P.O. Box 237
> Sunland, CA
> USA 91041
>
> E-mail: bolidechaser_at_yahoo.com
> website:
> http://www.meteoritetimes.com/index_of_articles/Bob's_Findings_Index.htm
> Phone: (626) 584-7653
> Cell: (818) 599-5071
> Fax: (626) 584-4590
> *********************************
>
> ------------- Original Message ------------
>
> [meteorite-list] Hey, I am an idiot!!!!!
> +++++++ message truncated +++++++
>
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard
> http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree
>
> ______________________________________________
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> Meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com
> http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
>
Received on Sun 07 Dec 2003 03:28:01 AM PST