Lapidaryforum.net

Let's Rock => Rough and Slabs => Topic started by: Sandsave on January 21, 2017, 02:08:17 PM

Title: Paua Shell
Post by: Sandsave on January 21, 2017, 02:08:17 PM

I posted a clock in the ID section, the material was identified as Paua shell, so I thought I would try to polish one myself. The freight was more than the shell. Turned out ok

Title: Re: Paua Shell
Post by: yukonjade on January 21, 2017, 03:19:56 PM

I BELIEVE THAT IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE A MASK WHEN SANDING ABALONE SHELL.  :icon_scratch:
 THE COLORS ARE TERRIFFIC

Title: Re: Paua Shell
Post by: Sandsave on January 21, 2017, 05:54:23 PM

I did and plenty of water also, I read up on it before I ordered.

Title: Re: Paua Shell
Post by: Orrum on January 21, 2017, 07:37:01 PM

Please explain your method to grind and polish it. It looks fantastic!

Title: Re: Paua Shell
Post by: Sandsave on January 22, 2017, 05:27:28 AM

Here's what it looked like before. I started on the 220 wheel, took off all the exterior layer until I was at the color. Then the 280 wheel for the remainder, went really slow checking continually for the pattern to show itself.
I think it could turn out better with more practice, I only ordered the one shell so I was being careful, and it's not all the same thickness...

Title: Re: Paua Shell
Post by: Orrum on January 22, 2017, 07:14:10 AM

So it ended with the 280 wheel? Thanks for the hoe to donit. I have several and want to make large inlay for wooden knife scales.