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Heels?
Jan 27, 2009 21:24:36 GMT -5
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 27, 2009 21:24:36 GMT -5
I have yet to cut my first rock, although I have a saw waiting for me (and warmer weather) in the garage. I'm trying to learn what I can before I start cutting. So, my question is: why do people cut thick heels? Is it just to get into the rock a ways so the blade is less likely to dish? If that's the case, why would they use slab grabbers to cut another slab off the heel?
Sorry, for all the questions. It's just a bit of a mystery to me.
Thanks! Chuck
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Heels?
Jan 27, 2009 21:56:11 GMT -5
Post by akansan on Jan 27, 2009 21:56:11 GMT -5
For myself, my main heel is the leftover piece that's in the vice. It's normally between 1" and 2" thick. I have great plans on attaching a bunch of those to 2x4s and cut the remaining slabs off them, but have yet to do any of them. There's just too many other rocks to cut!
Another thing - it also depends on the shape of the rock. If the resultant slab would be too small, I don't even bother. My first cut will be into the rock to give me a slab that's useable.
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Heels?
Jan 27, 2009 23:03:15 GMT -5
Post by stonesthatrock on Jan 27, 2009 23:03:15 GMT -5
i cut everyday, and the reason i cut off the end is so that i can place it in the vise better. Sometimes i have to cut a piece off each end of the rock, so that i can get two flat ends into the vise and cut even slabs. Mine are not generally very thick. Another reason i cut off an end is so that i can see the inside, where i can deside if i want to continue cutting it. Because i do shows, i break up my heels and sell them as tumble mix. ppl seem to like it. ralph and mary ann
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Heels?
Jan 27, 2009 23:17:29 GMT -5
Post by catmandewe on Jan 27, 2009 23:17:29 GMT -5
I use slab grabbers quite a bit, but I use them for the final slabs. The slab grabber is just a way to get a good purchase on the stone clear down to the last little bit. Otherwise you always have about 1 to 2 inches that you can't get cut up. I usually make 3 heel cuts before I put the slab grabber on, but then after that I can cut clear down to the last slab. Sometimes I make a large heel because the material on that end looks too fractured or pitted to make a good slab anyways, so why waste good diamond on that piece? Also with 3 heel cuts I can see which orientation has the best pattern and color, and I usually cut that direction. Once you get going on it, it comes pretty easy, its mostly common sense. Pretty easy to get hooked, you know you are the first person to see the inside of that rock!! Good luck and have fun..............Tony
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Heels?
Jan 28, 2009 7:14:28 GMT -5
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 28, 2009 7:14:28 GMT -5
All of your explanations make sense! Thank you!
I'm sure I'll learn more as I start doing it.
Chuck
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2005
Posts: 1,775
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Heels?
Jan 28, 2009 14:22:20 GMT -5
Post by Roger on Jan 28, 2009 14:22:20 GMT -5
When I cut nodules I cut them in half then use the slab grabber if it's not a dud!..........Roger
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