Cutting Tools - Safety First

Cabochons are a unique type of flat stone decoration that has been around for centuries. They are cut in the shape of a dome, with a flat top and a pointed bottom. The cut outs on the front of the Cabochon allow the light to pass through and illuminate the room. This makes the stone very distinctive.

The best-known source of cabochons are Russia, where cut and polished stones of all shapes and sizes are a speciality. However, most people choose to decorate their homes with them as they are a unique and lovely addition to any room.

Use Inexpensive But High-Quality Tools

Cabochon s are best made using simple tools, such as a saw, drill, etc. Using cheaper tools, such as a masonry drill, for this purpose can result in lower-quality products and increased breakage. This is because a masonry drill is not built to cut through hard materials, like stone or glass. For this reason, they are best suited for use around the home or garden. When cutting through soft materials, such as wood or plastic, they can result in the drill breaking before you even begin using it.

Choose A Suitable Cutting Area

To ensure a clean cut, you should ensure the surface you are using is free of any lumps or bumps. Even the tiniest particles near the surface can cause the cut to be less than flawless. When sawing or grinding down materials, especially hard ones like stone or marble, the possibility of surface irregularities is great. Because of this, it is recommended you use a cutting area, such as a bowl or a plate, that can collect the material as you cut it.

Don't Overdo It With The Water

When cutting up a large block of marble or granite, you should always try to avoid using too much water when washing the cut surfaces. Cleaning the cut surfaces with water can help remove any dust that may have settled on the surface during the cutting process. However, excessive moisture can result in the stone being eroded away. Even simply wiping down the surface with a clean, damp cloth can result in the stone being chipped away. In most cases, this can be highly damaging to the stone, so care must be taken to avoid this as much as possible.

Consider The Material You Are Cutting

When cutting through hard or thick materials, you should ensure that the cut is deep enough to ensure there is no chance of the material re-emerging after you cut through it. For this reason, you should always use a spade or similar tool to carefully break the material you are working with down to the right size. Once the initial cut has been made, you can use an ice pick or similar tool to finish the job. The same rule applies when sawing or drilling through wood or metal - you must ensure the cut is as deep as possible without harming yourself or the tool you are using.

Cut Thick Materials On A Slice

When cutting through thick materials, such as wood, glass, or stone, you should always try to take a slice out of it. This way, you can ensure the cut is even and clean. Taking a series of very thin slices from one side to the other can help you check for evenness, especially when cutting through large pieces of wood or stone. The thin slices of material you are taking out should be supported by something so that they don't tear or shatter as you cut them. Taking a series of thin slices removes the possibility of any clogs or buildup, which could result in a less-than-perfect cut. The same rule applies when sawing through metal - take a series of thin slices, supported by a metal cutting guide, otherwise you risk damaging your hands or the blade. Metal cutting guides can be found online or at most hardware stores.

Safety First

As with any other tool or material you might choose to work with, safety comes first. For this reason, whenever possible, you should work in a well-lit area and wear protective gear, such as safety goggles, a hard hat, heavy gloves, and durable clothing. Cutting down large blocks of stone or marble can be extremely dangerous if you aren't prepared for the physical exertion and resulting heat that is generated. Additionally, large deposits of stone can become extremely hot and dangerous, especially when exposed to the elements. For this reason, safety must always be a priority when using any type of cutting tool or material. Wear the correct clothing and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience when using these materials for decoration purposes.