Slab Measuring

[Bluesssman]

I was told by two fellows from my local lapidary club that the way to measure their slab thickness was to just use a tape measure. Well I came up with a different way to set up either a 1/4" or a 3/8" slab on my 24" slab saw. Set one side against the saw blade and move the rock until it touches the other end and you will have the same size slabs each time.

[Taogem]

That would be a fantastic idea to use on my trim saw !

I have gotten use to knowing just how much to turn the handle on my vise plate that moves it towards and away from the blade.

I will without a doubt use you tool on my trim saw though.

Good one 

[stonesthatrock]

i too know how many turns of the handle to get 1/4" slabs but i have to agree i will use it on the trim saw.  Great idea

[theimage1]

I cut a fair number of 2 mm slabs and they don't wrk that well using just the crank, too much play. I'll have t make myself one of these to get the 2 mm slabs. Great idea.

[Bluesssman]

2mm slabs are very thin! What do you do with the slabs?

[theimage1]

I cut mainly "composite" cabochons and I use roughly 2mm black jade as the backing material for them.
The first three images are fantasy jasper with black jade framing ...







I sometimes use 2mm porcelainite, white marble  or red jade as a backing too.


pocelainite frame and back


2 parahna agates with white marble backs.

[Taogem]

I am hanging on to those 2 mm black Jade backing slabs you sent me to use for the same thing.

[Bluesssman]

Another bit of knowledge I have gained from this forum!! 2mm back slabs, now I understand!! Thanks...