Lapidary on a budget: Using home made copper flat laps

Today I am polishing some gemstones that I cut and shaped on my Harbor frieght tile saw. I'm polishing using my flex shift and dremel, utilizing diamond pastes, home made copper flat laps and some wool wheels. thanks for all the support everyone! #diy #craft #lapidary #crystals #polish #gemstone #cabochon #agate #malachite #homemade #jewelry #how

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Hey Guy... Those look great... especially liked the Malachite and agates. Sweet Stuff!

[@Celestial_Reach]

Thank you! I'm kinda going to start trying to sell the cabs and hope I can use that to get a vevor cabbing machine. Baby steps lol. It's possible to build from a dremel

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

First off thank you for the warning on cutting malachite I had to idea. Your work is amazing. I was very impressed

[@Celestial_Reach]

Thank you! I had no idea either, I'm not sure yet I'll need to do research but I had 3 experienced lapidary see my cabs and reach out to warn me. I'll probably do more tho cause i got a huge slab of the stuff and I don't believe in waste. Just gotta be careful

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

​@@Celestial_Reach I cut many rocks with out wearing anything before I took the time to look into it. I do have some breathing problems, not sure if it is from the rocks I cut or exposure to chemicals at a past job. Just be safe. I would not waste the material either. It is way to nice :)

[@Celestial_Reach]

​@@upnorthadventureswithcccit is too nice. I'll have to behave myself. I need a real cabbing machine

[@debbied7035]

The guys in the county jail used to pick up a small rock or large pebble and spend hours just sanding till it got just the shape they wanted. Evidently various types of sandpaper were a desirable commodity. Not sure if it's still done, it's been a long time since anyone I knew went to jail.

[@Celestial_Reach]

Actually crafting is still a thing in some institutions. I learned this to help me get sober, but before that I learned beading in jail, and thought about how I could do more with my life lol. Now I play with rocks

[@deaultusername]

Warning on cutting malachite is mostly if you are breathing the stuff, just wear a mask. you had it in water so that eliminates the loose dust risk. Its not toxic to handle, people have bathrooms made of the stuff. What exactly is the fear.

[@Celestial_Reach]

Thank you for the knowledge there, I didn't know but decided to err on the side of caution

[@inawichers6018]

What is a flat lap?

[@Celestial_Reach]

Uh, I don't know the exact definition, but a flat plate qe put an abrasive on to sand and polish