| How To Make a Cabochon, page 1 by Paul W. Cinnamon STEP #1: SELECTION OF MATERIAL Select a rock and cut a slice from it with a rock saw equipped with an appropriate diamond edged blade. Clean and check the slice carefully to be sure it has an area free of cracks and flaws which is large enough to make the desired size of cabochon. An alternative to this is to purchase a good precut slice from a dealer or fellow rockhound who has a rock saw. If you have a rock that you would like a slice cut from, many times a fellow club member will cut, mark, and trim it to your needs or specifications in exchange for a slice or two for him/herself. STEP #2: MARKING THE CAB Place a template the size of the cab you desire on the slab and move it around to find the most pleasing pattern or colorful area free of flaws. Mark the cabochon outline on the slab with an aluminum marker or felt tip pen. I prefer the permanent marker type with a fine felt tip point, such as the Sharpie with ultra fine point made by Sanford. The line can easily be removed by denatured alcohol, but otherwise will remain quite visible until removed by grinding; however, I don't recommend using a permanent ink marker on soft porous materials that might absorb the color below the level to be ground away. STEP #3: TRIMMING THE CAB Trim most of the excess material from around the outline with a diamond edged blade trim saw or tile nipper pliers. |