working with pearl

Mike Davis

Mike Davis

Joined
Feb 7, 2006
Messages
1,327
i am starting my first folder and i would likr to use pearl slabs for the scales. im using some delbert ealy damascus for the blade and bolsters. i would like to know if pearl can be shaped on a belt grinder.i have some peices that are
.170 thick and am unsure of how to approach this.i know that the dust produced can put a quick end to you and i have my dust collector set up so im working about 1" from the opening of the vacuum.can it be cut with cut off bits on a dremel?
thanks guys
 
Morning Mike,Yes,Belt Grinder,Dremel,HSS Tooling of all kinds.Use water for coolant,dont get too hot & you'll be fine.Pearl is much easier to work with than you would think.It is also not nearly as fragile as it looks-however-make sure that (if using pins) that your pins have enough clearance.Do not machine for a press fit , you will chip the edges of the hole out when pressing said pin in.Make for a nice slip fit & taper with a tapered reamer , then set pin gingerly , not to much expansion or like I said ,it will chip . I have used pins once & screws since then.I am not trying to scare you , it really is easy to work , and tough , just use the correct techniques . Sharp tools are a necessity ( I mean Belts too ) - watch the heat - no press fit - a drop or two of water for coolant when drilling & milling .
 
Not that I've ever worked with pearl, but I would suggest that even if you have a dust collector you should probably wear a respirator. I'm no rocket scientist (though I DO work with one!) but I'd have to imagine that even a good dust collection system still leaves SOME airborne particulate. Not to mention, what if there's a leak in a hose, or a small tear in your collection bag? If pearl is as bad for you as everybody says, why take the chance?

Just my $.02

-d
 
In my old jewelry making days we often would cut profiles and pierce designs with a jeweler's saw (like a coping saw) and hand file. Using water and working by hand kept the dust down.
 
Easy to work with new belts.Avoid getting it hot.Buff with white rouge.As Phyl said,it can be sawn with a jewelers saw.
 
Wear a dustmask!
I shaped some MOP in to a neckless for a friend of mine.
I used my Dremel and it worked fine.
 
thanks guys. my mask is the first thing that goes on when i go out to the shop(old habit). i just want to remove as much dust as i can. i never would have guessed that water was a good coolant but im a newb;) thanks again guys!:thumbup:
 
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