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[Neural]

If I want to send a friend some opal to cut by hand, using wet-sand paper and water, do I need to tell them to get a mask as well?  I'm so lost on all this stuff as it's been a few years since I did any of it.  I don't even remember if I wore a mask when cutting opal on my Genie. :(

[hummingbirdstones]

Jon, I think if you're cutting opal by hand, it probably wouldn't hurt to use a mask.  On the Genie, we don't mask up unless we're cutting something "toxic", i.e., malachite, tiger eye, anything with metal in it, etc.  The water from the machine keeps the dust down enough otherwise for us.  If you're really concerned, wear a mask.  It's not going to hurt and will probably help.   

[Phishisgroovin]

I flood my machine when i make anything with tiger eye or the like, no dust will ever be created my my machine while grinding toxic rocks.
I don't wear a mask while flood grinding, i hate masks.
I mean, the bottom of my wheels are always submersed to the top of the ridge, even while using the very very worn out 600 belts.

[hummingbirdstones]

I hate masks, too, but I'll don one (and so will Vince) if it's toxic.  There will be NO FLOODING in my studio.     It's a pain in the you-know-what to keep clean as it is. 

[Phishisgroovin]

LOL!
Im not spoiled enough (no garage) and have to go outside and play LOL, wait i mean frowning with bottom lip dragging my floors....

I do get to play inside now a little bit with my flex shaft!

[sealdaddy]

If I immerse the opal when cutting by hand, and wetting the sandpaper...is there much need for a mask?
I keep a breeze blowing on me, But if I see dust, I'll have a paper mask at the ready.

I'm very new at this...what do y'all think?
Safe, or No?

[hummingbirdstones]

Sanding the stone under water will prevent dust from flying in the air since it will be wet.  You should be fine if you do that.