[Jewelry making - Article 01523] - Re: [Orchid] Cutting Ebony

[John Donivan]

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>     It kind of works but takes huge amounts of elbow grease, effort
>     and time. Is there any other (faster/easier) way to do this? 

    Linda - ebony is wood, which is obvious but people forget because it
    seems like plastic sometimes. The worst problem with it, especially
    in sawing, is that it can chip and break like it WAS plastic. What
    you need are wood tools. I use a hacksaw with a larger tooth for
    rough cuts, a jeweler's saw with a big blade, like a #2, #4, or even
    #6 depending on the thickness of wood (those are, of course, above
    zero, not 00, 4/0 or 6/0) for profiling and stuff. A separating
    (cutoff) disk isn't going to get far, and probably will burn the wood
    after awhile. You may find that a strategy like a bandsaw is used
    might be helpful: Instead of cutting a big arc in one try, cut it
    1/4, and then cut off the triangle of scrap, then another 1/4, remove
    scrap, etc. This can stop the sawblade binding and prevent chipping.
    Of course, power will help, but I'm assuming you're not looking to
    invest in a stationary scroll saw. Probably picking the right
    sawblade will do the trick - for 3/8" maybe #4 or #6, depending on
    the detail. Caution: There are 7/8" circular sawblades that look like
    they'll go right on a flex shaft, and they will. They are NOT
    intended for offhand use, and they'll take your finger right off -
    don't do it! 

http://www.donivanandmaggiora.com
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