CABOCHON I
INSTRUCTOR: PAUL ROBERTS
The basic techniques for trimming a slab into a preform, then grinding and shaping, sanding, and polishing that preform until you have a sparkling cabochon ready for mounting will be discussed and/or demonstrated. A trim saw, cabbing machine, and an intarsia grinder will be provided for your use. Safety issues, machine maintenance, sealing and stabilizing fractured or pitted stones will be covered as well as dealing with toxic material. Making a composite cabochon or intarsia will also be demonstrated. Your kit will include Paul’s comprehensive step by step manual, four slabs of varying hardness, super glue and epoxy with applicators, and a toothbrush (not for you but for your wheels). A small notebook, a pencil, and a Sharpie will be in the kit, too. In the manual there are charts showing the comparative hardness of stones you are likely to cut, my list of toxic materials, and directions for making simple settings for your stones. Additional slabs will be available for purchase, too, or you may bring your own (no material as hard as corundum and no rough to be slabbed, please). The Class Fee will provide students with a variety of small starter slabs, an original manual of instruction, and other materials for the class. Additional slabs will be available for purchase, or students may bring their own (3/8” of an inch or less in thickness; no chunks to be slabbed).
Class Fee: $50
Est Materials Fee: $0-100
Prerequisites: None