I’m going to turn some ebony knobs (thanks FWW for the Knob article) and want to put in abalone inserts. I’ll cut them with a diamond hole saw left over from tiling bathrooms (another life) and inlay into a turned recess. I’ll flatten the backs with the disk of abalone hot melt glued to a stick using the belt sander to grind flat.
I have no idea how to make the front of the inlay flat with the wood and to sand/polish and then finish the abalone. Any advice, especially from the guitar makers?
I have a number of abalone shells left from a trip to anchor bay. Everyone caught their limit of big abalone and we had a feast that night. Needless to say, we were all full a balone!
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Oh Oh, do some research.. If I remember correctly, abalone dust has much the same effect on the lungs as asbestos.
Sincerely;
The Tool Guy
Yes. The dust causes a disease called "silicosis" that destroys lungs over time. I don't know if it also causes the same lung cancer that some asbestos causes (mesothelioma??).
Also, cutting concrete, dry cutting tiles, sand blasting, cutting granite, and many other activities can release small particles of silica. I use respiratory protection AND the dust collection system.
Well, since I developed adult onset asthma, I use dust collection and a dust mask for all woodworking. I'm glad to see that others have some knowledge of the risks that accompany wookworking in its various aspects. Not to mention driving!
Abalone is toxic. It's not just the dust but the fumes as well. Granted, I'm no expert. You can smell it when you grind/ sand it. It stinks pretty bad. Maybe a fan blowing it out the door?
I've worked with it for jewelry. It sands and polishes just fine. After you go down in grits to where you want to be as far as finish you might want to lay on some wax or clear coat to protect it. Your choice. I liked my jewelry shiny and protected. I plan to make some more some time. Alas, all of my work is gone.
The nicest part of the shell is the heart in my opinion. That is where the muscle attached in the middle of the shell.
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