Erich
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2015
Posts: 411
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Post by Erich on Jan 16, 2017 14:28:17 GMT -5
Okay, basic question here; When cutting or buying a slab with the intention of cabbing it what thickness do you want? 6mm, 7mm 8mm or more? Does it depend on what you plan to do with the cab - meaning wire wrap or...? I thought one started to cab with 6mm minimum, though I see 5mm and also much thicker being sold. Please set me straight. I've started cabbing and some of my cabs are pretty thin starting with 6 mm.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,667
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Post by Tommy on Jan 16, 2017 15:10:14 GMT -5
Hi Erich I like start in the 5-6mm range most often but it also depends on the type of material and the shape. I tend to make big cabs so a little extra thickness helps spread the dome across a wider area.
Soft materials - onyx etc. thicker is better and gives you a little extra protection against breakage. 7-8 or thicker is too much on a harder stone - wears your fingers out having to grind all that material away.
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Erich
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2015
Posts: 411
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Post by Erich on Jan 16, 2017 15:29:24 GMT -5
Hi Tommy, Thanks! That puts my mind at ease! Good advice on the softer material too! I generally cut my slabs just at 6mm.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Jan 16, 2017 15:43:21 GMT -5
3/16ths for me. A lot of folks like high domes and use 1/4" or more but the removal of extra material and preform grinding takes took long for me. But then I prefer a shallow dome too....Mel
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<'))))>< Fish
Cave Dweller
Gone Fishing
Member since April 2005
Posts: 1,841
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Post by <'))))>< Fish on Jan 16, 2017 16:40:14 GMT -5
I always cut .25 to .30 thick slabs.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 16, 2017 21:04:00 GMT -5
1/4" (6mm) for me, though I don't mind going slightly smaller or larger. I don't like them too thick, though. But, for groove wraps, you need them a little thick.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 17, 2017 10:54:01 GMT -5
3/16 th's to 1/4"......Depends on the material and what I want it to show...
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jan 17, 2017 11:11:46 GMT -5
What they said. It also depends on the size of the cab you want to cut - a 1/2" tall cab can come from a quite thin slab; a 2" tall cab, start thicker. Also, if it's a material like sheen obsidian where you might want a cat's eye, go really thick, like 1/2" thick at least.
If you're buying slabs, you don't really have much choice - if you want the material, you make do with whatever thickness it is. If it's too thin, you can always either back it with steel epoxy or epoxy another slab on the back like a doublet. Like Mel said, you will soon grow tired of removing the extra material from thick preforms!
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Erich
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2015
Posts: 411
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Post by Erich on Jan 17, 2017 12:27:42 GMT -5
All great feedback everyone and thanks for it!
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