abalone and mop

[cgwbear]

hi folks, don't know where else to go w/ this, so will start here. do any of you have experience w/ rendering large abalone/puau shells, or m o p, into scales. i have read all about the health risks (the stuff is like asbestos), but have never found instructions on how to go about rendering them. here in san diego i have collected boxes of them and would like to use them. any links would be great. thanks in advance..............h

 

[Shakudo]

The best way to prepare shell is to cut them into slabs with a diamond trim saw and then wet flat lap them to the thickness that is needed .there are no problems with dust when worked this way. you might want to check with the gem club at balboa park,at one time they had a fairly complete lapidary shop availible for members.

 

[cgwbear]

thanks very much for the help................b