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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/18/2009 6:59:11 AM
Posts: 3,
Visits: 7
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Just getting started into cutting and shaping rocks and stones.. The dremel has always been a staple of what I would use. But because 90% of the time I would use a "diamond" blade.. The blade itself needs the be kept cool.
At first I was just dipping the stone in some water then touch the blade.. this would temporary cool the stone and allow for cutting. My wife was able to bring home a "pan-a-vice" which I now use more then ever.. But I was still facing the cooling issue.
Being a southern Boy, at my breaks I would grab a pack of nabs (crackers with cheese) and the ole stand by Pepsi.. While holding the 20oz Pepsi bottle.. I thought.. Hum..
Taking some "tie wraps" and creating a harness to hold or suspend the bottle from nail mounted on the wall, then locating a "flux" bottle, cutting out the bottom of the flux bottle just large enough to fit over the Pepsi's opening.. then finding some small rubber tubing... I was able to create a "I V" drip system leading down into a collection tray.
The collection tray was made up one of those Plastic shoe storage boxes found at Walmart.. But two was needed to create an enclosed area to work. Cutting a whole in one end of the two shoe storage boxes.. I was able to set the Dremel in the vice and then run through the Hole in the boxes..
One thing was missing.. My arms are not what they use to be.. Having two forms of CTS and some nerve damage, I'm always wearing splints or braces. So simply "holding" the stone was not an option anymore.
it's Not all bad news after creating the drip system and drip tray.. I found an old "doll bench" in the trash.. (I know Dumpster Diver, But like to call it "Scrounger" instead) I was able to remove the back rails.. thus leaving the seat part with allot of holes in a row..
This gave me another idea.. and old paint brush (which had a hole in the handle and the dowel rod would fit into) allowed me to create a "jig" which my "dop" stick was able to set into while cutting..
Sure the angle was not perfect.. But I was finally able to "Emerald Cut" a very clear Citrine I've been holding for few years.. Now I just need to find someone to polish it..
Bird Watcher, Squirrel Follower, Deep Thinker, Twiddle Tinker, Seeker Of Roads Less Traveled, Finder Of Dead Ends, Jeep Commander Driver, Loving Husband To One, Father Of None, Reality Escape Artist, Dremel User
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/18/2009 6:59:11 AM
Posts: 3,
Visits: 7
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Post Update:
I also wanted to relay the email that Dremel sent me a few weeks ago.. Basically I sent an email to Dremel asking if they would feature my Stone cutting/crafting as a "how To" they decline my offer and even informed me that the "Dremel" is not intended to be used in the way I'm using it, and in fact they urged that I do not use the Dremel near water..
Although I stated above what I did.. the Dremel is resting in a Pan-A-Vice and is attached to the "extended cord" So that the main unit is no where near water and in fact suspended from the ceiling.
So, True I would never attempt something I or Dremel feels dangerous and all of the "precaution" have been taken care of before wet cutting or sanding.
But does bring up a good question or suggestion.. thou it could be in another area of the forums. If and when Dremel Deems a unit which is water resistant or water tight.. then and only then I'll re-post the "wet" cutting or sanding article.
Bird Watcher, Squirrel Follower, Deep Thinker, Twiddle Tinker, Seeker Of Roads Less Traveled, Finder Of Dead Ends, Jeep Commander Driver, Loving Husband To One, Father Of None, Reality Escape Artist, Dremel User
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