Thread: stone

I have been toying with the idea of making scales out of stone ,primarily agates and crystals
The only thing holding me back in AUS is I cant get hold of 1/16" and 3/32" diamond drills,would anyone have a source for these items in the US any info would be greatly appreciated
Kind regards Peter

You can always use an abrasive and a piece of wood. How were you planning on mounting the agate? If it is on a metal base , for support, using an epoxy; place a heavy paper in between. I've seen some thin obsidian crack because of the stress from the epoxy pulling on it.

Rick

As an old rockhound the idea is fascinating but I would have some reservations about stone scales. I would be concerned about dropping them and breaking them. Unless they are very thick they would be fragile. Also fashioning them would be a real labor of love. Your breakage percentage will be high and you need the right lap wheels to polish them right. Of course if its a hobby thing and you just want to make a few you have my endorsement. Keep us informed.

Oh yes diamond drills. Any lapidary source should carry them as would many jewelry supply houses. Off hand you might check Otto Frei and also the tool shop at Timezone.com which I believe is Frei and Borel

Thank you for the info ,it certainly is appreciated
Kind regards Peter

My main concern would be the balance. Stone scales would be too heavy for proper use. One reason why I hate the DOVO SS scales on the Satinedge.

Originally Posted by bg42

I have been toying with the idea of making scales out of stone ,primarily agates and crystals
The only thing holding me back in AUS is I cant get hold of 1/16" and 3/32" diamond drills,would anyone have a source for these items in the US any info would be greatly appreciated
Kind regards Peter

Back to your original question, Peter, If you're still interested after all the discouragement :

http://www.dadsrockshop.com/diamond_drills.html
http://www.amazon.com/DIAMOND-DRILL-.../dp/B000JKV1SG
http://advantage-drillbits.com/glass.html
http://www.artglass1.com/diamond-tools-drills.htm
http://www.preferred-industrial.com/
http://www.kor-it.com/
http://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-tool.com/


The local tool store orders specialty items too I can check with them also, if you need. Let me know.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

My main concern would be the balance. Stone scales would be too heavy for proper use.

That's why you want to put them on a wedge!

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

One reason why I hate the DOVO SS scales on the Satinedge.

Told you so.

X

I was young, inexperienced and preferred flash over function. Learned quite a few lessons since then. I don't think even a wedge would be heavy enough for stone scales.

Originally Posted by FUD

Back to your original question, Peter, If you're still interested after all the discouragement :

http://www.dadsrockshop.com/diamond_drills.html
http://www.amazon.com/DIAMOND-DRILL-.../dp/B000JKV1SG
http://advantage-drillbits.com/glass.html
http://www.artglass1.com/diamond-tools-drills.htm
http://www.preferred-industrial.com/
http://www.kor-it.com/
http://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-tool.com/


The local tool store orders specialty items too I can check with them also, if you need. Let me know.

Thanks very much I have emailed a store that has the correct size drills ,or pretty close to them
thanks very much for your POSITIVE help ,will let you know how I get on
kind regards Peter