Using Electroplated Diamond Discs
Hi and thanks for getting some electroplated diamond discs from me.
I thought I should write up a quick user guide for them to give you an idea of how to use them to full effect. Note this will be mainly in terms of their use in opal cutting. For a video demonstration feel free to check out any of my carving videos on the YouTube channel “Roys Rocks”. Remember to always use water and try not to contact your skin with the bur as electroplated diamond tools are quite aggressive and can be abrasive to your skin.
I hope this very brief guide helps but if not, there are many videos on my channel using these exact burrs so check it out and ask me any questions you have.
Thanks and have fun carving,
Roy (YouTube: Roys Rock)
Stay Safe
I recommend, at minimum, safety glasses, lubricating with water, and wearing a P2/N95-grade mask, even when cutting wet (P100 is best). Vision and breathing are very important to us humans, so look after your eyes and lungs. Also, for carving, I always recommend using a flex-shaft attachment on your rotary tool, since water and electricity do not mix, and you don’t want to give yourself a zap.
When Cutting
I use these cutting discs to slice any rough that has too much material to grind through or to turn larger stones into multiple smaller stones due to cracks and other imperfections.
A quick example of this may be seen in this short video CLICK HERE.
Essentially, you want to keep the disc and stone wet and using a swiping motion, run the blade across the surface. t is much more like slicing bread going backwards and forwards rather than simply pushing the disc into the surface.
This will keep the cut clean, free from chipping, avoid the blade catching and helps keep water in the cut to prevent dust.
When close to finishing the cut you may snap the stone along the cut and use the face of the disc to remove any small remaining stone ledge from the break.
Maintenance
When you are done using them give them a dunk in water and wipe. It is not a highly important step but at least drying the burr after usage can avoid any chance of rust.
Since these are electroplated diamonds, you cannot use a dressing stick to refresh the diamond cutting surface. Electroplated tools are only coated in diamonds so once they are gone the bur will remain smooth when fully worn out and can be disposed of.