Abalone shell, Question on making scales

thartman

thartman

Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
251
I have two Abalone shells that I would like to use for handle scales. I know that when cutting Abalone shells some very dangerous dust is generated and the proper precautions must be taken. Does anyone have any suggestions on what cutting tools or techniques should be used ? Any helpful hints would be appreciated on how to go about preparing scales from Abalone.
Thanks
Tim

Abalone 1.jpgAbalone 2 .jpg
 
Worked ab a bit in HS. I used a disc sander and rag over my face. Just about killed myself. Though the reports of the dust being poisonous has been debunked (from my research) it is a very fine glass like dust. It can cause silicosis and will take a long time to get over it, if ever. You should use proper lapidary equipment cutting with water wheels and saws. You can use a jewelers saw to cut it but still be very cautious with the dust. I would wear a respirator with a good organic filter at very least. The problem with ab it there is very little flat area to work with. You can make a mosaic and get more. Also ab is prone to worms. The shells might look solid but once you cut into it they look like swiss cheese. Yours look ok but the backs are where the best color comes from, at least imho. If the back is full of pin holes you will be spinning your wheels. Good luck and be safe with this stuff.
 
Lower grit belts can make it chip pretty easily, So I would use a fresh 220 or higher when sanding
 
A wet tile saw is probably the most practical way to cut it.
I would save the shells and just buy some of the abalone laminate that Masecraft Supply sells.
 
I have worked a lot of abalone shell. It can be really frustrating to get a good scale out of, and a matching pair can be elusive. Scales over 2.5"X.75" are hard to make.

Work it wet, cut and sand with slow speed, wear a respirator. Whenever possible, work outside.

Like most everyone else, I had been taught that the dust was deadly toxic. I have learned that it is noxious ( smells horrible, and makes you nauseous), but not toxic - basically calcium carbonate. The fineness and sharpness of the dust is the danger. Wash and vacuum everything well after working the shell. If you don't have a diamond wire saw, or a diamond tile saw ( wet saw) and slow speed wet sanding equipment, making abalone scales will be much more difficult. I have heard that some folks use a hack saw with an abrasive blade. A garden hose or bucket of water is a must.

Make the first cut from the outside along the knuckles line (row of bumps). Make parallel cuts across the shell from there. Grind from the outside inward first, and then from the inside outward. The shell is regularly riddled with holes. Some holes can be filled with CA, and others can be left for "character". Sand to 400-600 grit buy hand and polish by buffing with white rouge.
 
I was given the shells by a woman who had collected them with her fiancé and wants me to make a knife using them. With all the concerns with working Abalone I might just need to rethink this whole project. Thanks for all information on working this material safely.
Tim
 
I've also cut up lots of Abalone shells. I used the same method to cut as Tracy did. I used a 18 tper inch metal cutting band saw to do the cutting and then the belt grinder to do sizing etc.. The biggest thing I saw was the shells had to be a huge thickness to recover scales thick enough to use. I always ended up making lots of medalions which the women always thought was okay. Frank
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top