Thread: Looking for advice on working abalone

For you guys that cut,shape, and work abalone.What is the simplest way to do it? I harvested some dead freshwater clam shells along a river within 2 miles of house on a whim.Most had been drying up on the rocks for some time and the exteriors are flaking off revealing a pretty pearl pattern,that I'd like to attempt to inlay. I've read a bit about working it while wet to keep the dust down, and wear a respirator but was curious about the tooling to cut and shape it on a budget.

There are a number of members here that can help you out, i would suggest talking to Max, I believe he has done exactly what you are looking to do and i'm sure he will be more then willing to give you advice.

Indeed, the shell dust is extremely toxic to inhale. The cutting will not be much different than other materials. You can use a piercing saw (jewelers saw). A diamond piercing one is what I would use.

But first you need to clean and remove the exterior crust if any. To achieve this immerse it in spirit of salts for about 30 minutes. This will dissolve the lime, etc.. Be sure to eyeball it cause to long will cause the shell to thin out to much. Less is better. It is an acid. Rinse it well with water. If any remaining crap remains you can use a carborundum wheel to ground the remaining residues off.

It should show you the shell when you're done. Now use a domet or canton flannel wheel on your buffer with some white rouge to shine it up to a high luster.

An easy way to protect and lacquer the shell is by using several layers of clear nail polish. But epoxy or poly can be used too.

Remember the dust is extremely toxic to breathe so wear a mask at all times.

Originally Posted by Maximilian

Indeed, the shell dust is extremely toxic to inhale.

Remember the dust is extremely toxic to breathe so wear a mask at all times.

I used to sit and grind shells all the time when I was younger.

no wonder Im so messed up.

and i played with mercury too. And carbon tet.

why am I still alive?
I wish we had the internet earlier. Be careful guys! dont be like me.
Max, thanks for posting that, I was thinking of messing around with some shells soon, and I would have just kept making things worse for myself.


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