Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Allan on June 7, 2011 at 8:50pm

Tony,  Abalone makes for beautiful in lay ,,,  but the dust is extremely dangerous,,  that is from a retired jeweler,,  extremely good dust masks are retired  and diamond blades  and polishing is beyond that and a pain ..  wood inlays are much safer.

Allan

Permalink Reply by Alan Roberts on June 8, 2011 at 4:11am

If you cut shells, do this outside or have a vacuum attachment clamped right next to the shell. You do NOT want this dust gathering in corners of your shop. ABSOLUTELY wear a top-grade dust mask, those cheap disposables just won't do. Shell fragments have VERY sharp edges, and are as bad as a 2-pack a day cigarette habit. 

 

I love abalone, but I can order it and let someone else deal with the dust.

Permalink Reply by William H Bonney on June 8, 2011 at 2:23pm

I have never heard of any one getting sick from this dust.

I've been in Florida all my life and bought many of craft.

Plus I have been thinking of doing just this same thing.

 

James

Permalink Reply by Tony Owen on June 8, 2011 at 5:30pm

I came accross a bloke today that said the same thing that the filings can cause scilicous of the lung.(probably spelt that wrong)..the fibers are quite similar to asbestos.... But he said that he has had some success with grinding and filing the shells in a big tub of water...might have to purchase a flexable extension for my dremel...never thought of working the stuff under water!

Permalink Reply by Alan Roberts on June 10, 2011 at 7:50am

Just don't put your dremel motor underwater, Tony. That will probably void your warranty! (grin)

Wet sanding could keep the dust down, but be sure you toss the old used sandpaper before the slurry dries out. That dust can get EVERYWHERE. Good luck and keep us posted.

Tony Owen said:

...never thought of working the stuff under water!

Permalink Reply by Habanera Hal on June 15, 2011 at 9:21am

Try a 1/4" plug cutter.  Get a set of different sizes from HD or Lowe's.

Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on June 28, 2011 at 4:30am

seashell dust will never leave your body once you let it in, just like asbestos yep.