Abalone Shell Cutting tips?

K

KnifeMaker.ca

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Jan 1, 2009
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I brought some shells back from Mexico with the intention of making some scales and maybe some inlay pieces with the leftovers.

I have searched the forum and read all I could find. I am aware of the safety hazards and the need to cut/grind slow and wet. Does anyone have any tips to offer on layout and flattening? I was thinking of using an epoxy or resin paste to fill the concave side for better thickness / size possibilites - much like is often done on mammoth bark scales. There is some beautiful ridge pattern on the polished exterior side.

It's pretty stuff and I'd hate to screw it up. ;)

Thanks

Rob!
 
Getting a scale of any size is hard to do. Often, the best way to use it is to cut many smaller flat pieces and make a mosaic scale. Assemble it on a backing of something firm but thin, then sand it smooth ( for jewelry, we used old records). Another neat look is to put a thin piece of something between the mosaic pieces. Ebony strips, MOP strips,, or small pieces of square sterling wire work well. The trick for looks is to make the pieces fit at odd angles, not as squares on a sidewalk. It can be fun to make up geometric designs,too. For something along this line, start with a diamond in the center. Place a piece against each of the four sides. Proceed from there as you desire.

Dang, now you got me thinking about all the abalone shell in the shop from years ago.
 
Think folder size scales, 1"x3" and 1/8" thick or less. (Unless they are huge shells).

Cut with a fine tooth (18-24 TPI) biemetal blade. Grind flat with new 120 grit belt. Coarser grits usually cause chiping along the edges.
 
Funny, I'm right now looking at an 8" red abalone shell I found near Mavericks. I'll be watching this thread for sure.

The only advice I can give is that if you have a jeweler's saw or a scroll saw, you can get less chipping. I only know this from working with other types of mother of pearl, not abalone specifically.
 
Exactly as Don said. It all works well. Forget about the water thing. An adjustable speed can sometimes be helpfull. On the other hand , Rob, placing the polished shell on a dish holding wire tray to stand on makes for a lovely item to have anywhere in the house. Regards. Frank
 
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