coastfam
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2007
Posts: 7
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Post by coastfam on Feb 18, 2009 9:00:19 GMT -5
I am wondering how to make ring bands from stone and getting proper ring sizing. I'm assuming that one would use a diamond core drill, but I don't seem to be able to find any sizes that are equal to ring sizes. Any info/help would be appreciated on what the proper procedure would be to accomplish this. Thanks.
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 18, 2009 9:59:51 GMT -5
Most core drills are sold by outside dimension. You would have to measure the ring size you want and see what size that corresponds to. You would need at least two. One for the center hole and one for the outside.
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rockdude
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 187
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Post by rockdude on Feb 18, 2009 10:01:04 GMT -5
Hmmm...that would be nice to have, a set of "ring-sized" core drills. Of course polishing might add a half-size or so. 3/4 inch is about a size 9, 5/8 is just slightly under a 6. Maybe you could find a carbide tapered stone to get the size closer after drilling an under-sized hole for starters. Good luck.
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Feb 18, 2009 21:30:23 GMT -5
This site doesn't have any info about core drills and sizing yet it's still interesting. If I had time, I would try to make a few ring myself. www.ringofartist.com/
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,278
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Post by mossyrockhound on Feb 19, 2009 1:22:54 GMT -5
That's a very interesting website mentioned by RocknCritter. It even gives a tutorial on how to make a stone ring. The guy's rings are very original and his prices are so good, that he shouldn't have any trouble selling his rings. Garry
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Post by Woodyrock on Feb 19, 2009 2:11:39 GMT -5
You could make your own tube drills in any size you needed versus buying them. By making your own, you are not limited to size. Ahome made tube drill will not be as good, as a sintered diamond drill you buy, but it will be much less expensive. The basics of making a diamond drill are first either buying, or making a brass, copper, or steel tube the diameter required, then cutting slots in it to be charged with bort, or twenty five mesh diamond. You cut the slots with with a piece of hacksaw blade sharpened to a knife edge. You then rub in a mixture of bort, and flux, packing the mix in as tight as posible. Then silver solder it. I try to do some drawings, or photographs in the future. Woody
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Feb 21, 2009 17:32:28 GMT -5
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lsmike
spending too much on rocks
Maxwell's demon lowers tumbling entropy
Member since January 2007
Posts: 468
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Post by lsmike on Mar 18, 2009 22:32:44 GMT -5
Some Q and As.1You really need a drill press for this.A rotary tool is not up to the job except for very small holes [beading etc. ]2, You need a rock for the band that is TOUGH,not just hard or it will crack easily.I lfound a scale by googling mineral toughness[geocities something].,Five steps are used from poor to exceptional.quartz is only good;topaz[hardness 8 mohs] is poor[!]but nephrite jade is exceptional.3.I can't see bringing a drill press into my apartment.Any sugestions?A plunge router? Mike.
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Post by Woodyrock on Mar 19, 2009 0:03:42 GMT -5
Mike:
Since you will boring holes in gem stone which is not going be be very thick, you do not need a full sized drill press. Harbor Freight has a small one that would fit both your apartment, and requirements to bore stone. Check HF's web site and have a look. BTW, it is not very expensive either. Woody
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 19, 2009 2:19:30 GMT -5
some sites also give inner diameter of core drills, but isn't it the outer diameter we want?
I'm assuming you drill the core for the hole inthe ring, and you grind down to the actual outer edge of the ring. Getting two corings to align on the same axis might be tricky unless you can immobolize the slab between drillings.
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