Stone Cutting Tools For Jewelry: The Ultimate Guide
Jewelry makers use various tools to craft their pieces, including stone cutting tools. These tools are essential for cutting, shaping, and polishing stones before they are set on jewelry. Stone cutting tools come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of stone cutting tools for jewelry and their specific uses.
1. Saw Blades
Saw blades are the most common type of cutting tool for jewelry makers. They come in different sizes and shapes, including round, oval, and flat. Saw blades are used to cut through thicker stones or to shape them into smaller pieces. They can be made from various materials, including steel, diamond-coated, and carbide-tipped.
2. Diamond Discs
Diamond discs are circular discs with diamond grit on the edge. They are used for cutting, grinding, or polishing stones. Diamond discs are available in different sizes and types, including continuous rim or segmented. The continuous rim provides a smoother cut, while the segmented type is ideal for cutting harder stones.
3. Burrs and Drills
Burrs and drills are used for drilling holes, shaping, and carving stones. They come in various shapes and sizes, including cylindrical, conical, and ball-shaped. They can be used with a hand-held rotary tool or a bench drill. Burrs and drills can be made from steel, diamond, or tungsten carbide.
4. Polishing Wheels
Polishing wheels are used to polish stones after they have been cut and shaped. They are typically made from muslin or felt and can be used with polishing compounds for a high shine finish. Polishing wheels come in different sizes and shapes, including discs, cones, and cylinders.
5. Grinding Wheels
Grinding wheels are used to shape and smooth stones. They are available in various grits and materials, including diamond, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide. Grinding wheels are typically used with a bench grinder, but hand-held grinders are also available.
6. Tumblers
Tumblers are used for polishing and smoothing stones. They work by rotating stones in a container along with a polishing medium. Tumblers come in different sizes and can be used for different types of stones. They can be used with various polishing media, including silicon carbide grit and cerium oxide.
7. Faceting Machines
Faceting machines are used for cutting and polishing gemstones into multi-faceted shapes. They use diamond-coated disks to create precision cuts and facets on the stone. Faceting machines come in different types and sizes, including manual and automatic. They are typically used by professional jewelers and gemologists.
In conclusion, stone cutting tools are essential for jewelry makers. With the right tools, jewelers can cut, shape, and polish stones to create stunning pieces of jewelry. Saw blades, diamond discs, burrs, and drills are common cutting tools, while polishing and grinding wheels, tumblers, and faceting machines are used for shaping and polishing stones. With careful use and maintenance, these tools can be a valuable asset to any jewelry maker.
