[Jewelry making - Article 00925] - [Orchid] Watch crystal update and question

[LSHancock]

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All,

    Some of you may remember me asking about obtaining glass (or other
    material) for a watch crystal.  I have been making a watch case that
    is curved and need a curved crystal.  I had off-line requests to
    update the community on how the project was going and wanted to take
    the time to do that.  I also need to ask about polishing glass. 

    First the update.  Most of the responses centered on getting a lens
    from an optician and cutting it down for my watch, or having an
    optician do it for me.  This was an eye opening suggestion (pun
    intended).  I had not considered such a source, however it didn't
    turn out to be a fruitful lead.  It did start my mind thinking about
    other non-industry sources for glass. 

    I had considered finding a glass top to a cooking pan that might
    have the right curve to it but never could find one that would work.
     Then I figured that I could sacrifice a glass Pyrex beaker for the
    project and found that one that had almost the perfect curvature; at
    least as close as I would get to perfect, and it was something I had
    in my shop.  

    The glass occasionally chips slightly as I am cutting it down and
    the surface isn't as smooth as I would like.  But, I can be more
    careful cutting the final crystal and I can live with the little
    surface imperfections.  But, I need to make a slight curve on the
    bottom edge of the crystal at either end and this leaves a little
    frosted area that can be seen too easily from the face.  

    Questions: 

    Should I use mandrels for my flexshaft, get diamond powder to charge
    it with and do the work at the bench or can I use a hard felt laps
    and diamond powder at the polishing motor?  How many steps and what
    grits do I need to obtain a polish.  I don't have any of the
    supplies and would like to have information from someone who has
    done this type of polishing before on glass or soft stones.  I am
    lapidary challenged and don't want to spend any more money on
    equipment than I have to.  Or should I just rough it out and give it
    to a lapidary who can polish the frosted area? 

    If anyone wants to see what the prototype crystal looks like, let me
    know and I will email you a picture of the crystal off-line. It may
    help to figure out what I need to do to get this job done. 

    Any suggestions?  Thanks all, 

Larry    

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