farrow
starting to shine!
James D. Farrow
Member since April 2015
Posts: 31
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Post by farrow on Nov 1, 2015 7:22:21 GMT -5
When I use my flat lap I like to hold the stone in my fingertips to maneuver it around to grind/polish it.
I find I can , this may sound odd, sense where it needs to be positioned to grind or polish it the right way. Like feeling through the stone.
Anyway, without realizing it I was also grinding away finger nails. Never felt it until I saw blood. LOL!
Wore a good chunk out of my thumbnail and then the skin. 2 other fingernails not as much.
So I decided I need some sort of finger protection. Maybe a rubber glove. But want skin tight.
Regular gloves are to bulky, disposable ones to thin. Found rubber ones that are the right thickness but not tight enough.
Anyone know of any gloves (well I only need one) that will work? Or actually just fingertip protection is all I need.
I can't be the only person this happens to. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
James
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rockpowell
having dreams about rocks
Have been rock hunting most of my life, love cutting rocks, have tons of slabs, just haven't posted
Member since February 2013
Posts: 73
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Post by rockpowell on Nov 1, 2015 7:43:19 GMT -5
When I use my flat lap I like to hold the stone in my fingertips to maneuver it around to grind/polish it.
I find I can , this may sound odd, sense where it needs to be positioned to grind or polish it the right way. Like feeling through the stone.
Anyway, without realizing it I was also grinding away finger nails. Never felt it until I saw blood. LOL!
Wore a good chunk out of my thumbnail and then the skin. 2 other fingernails not as much.
So I decided I need some sort of finger protection. Maybe a rubber glove. But want skin tight.
Regular gloves are to bulky, disposable ones to thin. Found rubber ones that are the right thickness but not tight enough.
Anyone know of any gloves (well I only need one) that will work? Or actually just fingertip protection is all I need.
I can't be the only person this happens to. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
James
I have a bad right fore finger ( was mashed years ago but with plastic surgery is good but still numb ) I went to a stationary store and got those rubber finger nipples, that office workers use or bank tellers use for counting money and use those for little projects, only make sure you get large, I got med, an have to split them to get them on the finger. Just my 2 cents worth.
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farrow
starting to shine!
James D. Farrow
Member since April 2015
Posts: 31
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Post by farrow on Nov 1, 2015 7:52:51 GMT -5
Thanks!
I tried one of those at work but they don't fit right and usually are covered with little bumps. They will just catch the disc and you, instinctively, let the stone go and end up playing Mexican Jumping Bean Ping Pong. LOL!
James
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rockpowell
having dreams about rocks
Have been rock hunting most of my life, love cutting rocks, have tons of slabs, just haven't posted
Member since February 2013
Posts: 73
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Post by rockpowell on Nov 1, 2015 8:11:47 GMT -5
Oh.! another thing I tried was using the Vet tape only cutting it in small strips and warping my finger, It's bulkier too. You can always revert to dopp stick, until the fingers heal.
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Post by Peruano on Nov 1, 2015 9:02:01 GMT -5
James, I'm not sure anything that will give you the feeling and dexterity you desire will "protect" your nails or finger tips, but if you want finger protection from chemicals, grits, etc. you can buy "finger cots" at your local pharmacy. They look like miniature condoms, but are dirt cheap making it easy to throw them away every day or every hour if you need to. I used them a lot after developing a sensitivity (localized to the first two digits of my 1st and second fingers and thumbs to formaldehyde (those are the fingers in most contact with the fluid when handling scientific specimens). I think they are what you are wanting. They certainly are useful when you have or trying to prevent cracked fingers, drying, or chemical burns. Tom
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farrow
starting to shine!
James D. Farrow
Member since April 2015
Posts: 31
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Post by farrow on Nov 1, 2015 9:25:22 GMT -5
Thanks!
Will check those out.
James
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Post by captbob on Nov 1, 2015 10:00:22 GMT -5
How about a seriously odd idea...
You know that stuff you did tool handles in to give them a better grip? I think it's called Plasti-grip and probably sells under different names.
Wonder if that stuff would peal right off skin...? If so, and it's not toxic or otherwise harmful, I wonder if you could dip your finger tips in that stuff, then peel off when you're done.
ETA: Never mind... just found my can and it says to "avoid prolonged contact with skin".
back to the drawing board
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 1, 2015 13:53:23 GMT -5
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farrow
starting to shine!
James D. Farrow
Member since April 2015
Posts: 31
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Post by farrow on Nov 1, 2015 13:56:06 GMT -5
Thanks!
I am going to try those finger cots first. Will keep this in mind though.
James
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 1, 2015 19:21:08 GMT -5
I have the same problem with nails. I have NONE left. Have tried finger cots, plastic tape, leather sleeves (made myself) and band aids. Nothing was satisfactory. Then I bought some green wrapping tape off Amazon.
Saf-T-Tape Sticky Gauze Tape, 3/4" X 30 Yards, Green, 16/Pk
I wrap the most affected joints (usually thumb and middle finger) from the tip of the finger to the first knuckle. Works pretty well. At least I have stopped bleeding : )
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Nov 1, 2015 20:29:10 GMT -5
Let us also be mindful that loosing skin and nails is one thing, but in addition, nerve endings in the finger tips are also potentially being damaged at the same time. I find that I now have difficulty holding things between my thumb and forefinger. Had to quit smoking or risk burning down the trailer.
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farrow
starting to shine!
James D. Farrow
Member since April 2015
Posts: 31
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Post by farrow on Nov 2, 2015 5:46:04 GMT -5
I have the same problem with nails. I have NONE left. Have tried finger cots, plastic tape, leather sleeves (made myself) and band aids. Nothing was satisfactory. Then I bought some green wrapping tape off Amazon. Saf-T-Tape Sticky Gauze Tape, 3/4" X 30 Yards, Green, 16/Pk I wrap the most affected joints (usually thumb and middle finger) from the tip of the finger to the first knuckle. Works pretty well. At least I have stopped bleeding : ) Thanks! Will look into this as well. James
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Post by Peruano on Nov 2, 2015 18:44:34 GMT -5
There is not much that will stand up to being held against a moving diamond surface. . . . so if you are flat lapping and need to grip that slab better without grinding away your fingers, you need to use super glue (cheap Wallyworld black and yellow tubes the best as they are easier to remove) to attach a wine cork as a handle. A pocket knife to roughen the wine cork surface before applying the glue is good. You can cut the wine cork off when you are done. If the stone is small, glue a nail head onto it and then jam a cork on the nail to keep from stabbing yourself when the stone goes flying. This would work also when you are cabbing on the flat lap, but you may want a smaller handle, shorter nail or golf tee. Separate metal from the stone with a bit of heat - not much just enough to soften the glue and allow it to be popped off. This may not be the answer you asked for, but its one approach. Tom
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