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Author Topic: Fingernails  (Read 6568 times)

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drnihili

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Fingernails
« on: February 19, 2015, 12:55:14 PM »

So, working on my first cab.  It's going pretty well except that my index fingernails are ground to the quick and have an AMAZING polish.   :glasses9:  Other than simply being more cautious, does anyone have any advice?  I can't see myself using dop sticks I'm afraid.  :blob1:
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wampidy

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2015, 01:58:53 PM »

Bigger cabs. No ear rings.
Jim
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I threw a stone into the air.
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Gergis

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2015, 02:24:03 PM »

When i cut alot it seems inevitable to facet your nails a little bit..after a few months of heavy cutting you will get better
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Phishisgroovin

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2015, 08:45:48 PM »

if BOTH of your index fingers arent BLEEDING you arent doing it right! :LOLOL: :LOLOL: :LOLOL: :LOLOL:
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lithicbeads

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2015, 05:26:24 AM »

As long as you haven't run out of blood you are doing it right.
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Enchantra

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2015, 08:55:07 AM »

Two words - Dop stick.

MrsWTownsend

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2015, 07:14:28 PM »

I hate using dop sticks.  You just have to train yourself to hold your fingers farther back on the preform while you are working it and come to terms with lovely polished [paper thin] fingernails.    Oh and when you start feeling a strange warm sensation on your nail bed, you are too close.  :D.

You could try wrapping your fingers in tape but for me, then I can't feel over the surface of the stone for uniformity as well.

Rockin' Tapatalk

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bgast1

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2015, 06:58:39 AM »

I have used dop sticks but now I am going to try to cut without the stick. I don't like having to re dop just to finish the back of the cab.
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Bob

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2015, 02:51:41 PM »

I don't dop.  But the smallest cab I can do is about the size of my thumbnail.  If I wanted to do small stones for jewelry I would have to rethink my anti-dopping attitude.

Oh, and my nails are always nicely "manicured" after a day spent at the wheels!
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MrsWTownsend

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2015, 01:48:34 AM »

I have to correct myself.  When I do cabs for earring stud type sizes, I use nails for dop sticks.  I have dop sticks that my husband machined for me with nice knurled handles...  And ones we got form the class we took on cab making a hundred million years ago which are wooden dowels with screws in them.  I just never use them.
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Phishisgroovin

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2015, 09:06:44 AM »

I prefer a dop with my tendonitis
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Phishisgroovin

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2015, 09:07:14 AM »

Also helps me have nice arches and domes
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drnihili

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2015, 09:47:11 AM »

Also helps me have nice arches and domes

I was just about to say that I can see where a dop would be a huge help in making domes.  I've been working on a little piece that has quite a bit of dome to it, and I'm finding it nearly impossible to get a smooth curve by hand.  I think some of that may be my equipment too.  I'm ok on the diamond wheels, but once I move to the expando-drum, everything gets bumpy.  I suspect that may have a bit to do with the drum being not quite true.  Is it normal for them to have a slight wobble, especially at the edges?
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Sandsave

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2015, 11:28:06 AM »

No dops here tried and like my fingers better, and I used to be a hand model.lol as far a good dome goes lots of practice, never let your cab stop moving, you'll get the hang of it.

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lithicbeads

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Re: Fingernails
« Reply #14 on: March 17, 2015, 12:19:53 PM »

Expandos are usually a bit bumpy but so is life.
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