Abalone shell ?

[bikermikearchery]

I need any advise I can get on cutting and shaping Abalone shell.
Trying to repair a vintage piece and have some shell, hard stuff. What do I use to get clean cuts.

Thanks
Mike
BMA

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The best way is to use a diamond saw to cut up the shell. A wet saw for tile works fine. You can cut it on the metal cutting band saw, but it really should be cut wet.The other choice is to cut it on the wood bandsaw with a carbide toothed fine blade and set on the slowest speed ( if it is multi speed). The alternative is to cut it with a hand saw. I use a jeweler's saw and an ")" blade to cot MOP ( which abalone is) into the small pieces for inlay. Wear a good respirator when sawing and grinding the abalone, as the dust is not good to inhale ( but not poisonous as is often stated).