[Jewelry making - Article 00065] - Re: [Orchid] Is lapidary hard on the hands?

[Frif]

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    In a word,, yes!  But I have carpal tunnel problems with both wrists
    even after having surgery on one of them. Having lost some dexterity
    from the surgery, I am in no mood to repeat it.  My option it to take
    really good care of my wrists and talk with my dr about injections. 

    To give yourself the best protection, use braces, good ones, with
    steel shanks and adjustable straps. 

    Pacing is everything!  Short work/ long rest cycles are essential! 

    Angle of cutting/polishing makes a huge difference. Height of the
    workbench is an issue, or your relationship to the wheels/ 

    Then,, use as big a dop stick as you possibly can - grasping small
    things is murder on wrists! 

    The easiest way to make one that will protect your wrists  is to use
    two pieces of dowel fitted together.  I use the first piece of fat
    dowel (normal length, minus one inch) and a smaller diameter piece
    or, a piece of ordinary dop.  Drill out the first, larger diameter and
    longer one, and fit the smaller one into it, sink into the first one
    about 3/4 inch.  Provide enough length to dop the stone, and have
    good vision of your work,    Glue works well after using ordinary
    joining methods.  

    Handles can be shaped, padded, or just taped.  There is a discomfort
    to a straight piece of dowel, so some modification adds comfort and
    staying power to your wrists.  

    I have had to adjust my bezel and prong setting tools in the same
    way - making them fit my hand better and eliminating the small, tight
    grip. 

    A further word about carpal tunnel.  I found an old neurology book
    that sited the use of cortisone injections for some cases where surgery
    is not desired. It seems that some drs still do that with good
    results.      

Frif 


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