Cutting Slabs, end to end?

[trb]

I have been cutting slabs by first making an end cut and then cutting as many slabs as I can without repositioning the rock. I am cutting 1/4" thickness but is there a standard? I find that with some rocks I am basically just wasting time and blade because I never hit on anything that bowls me over. However, I've talked to some who say they cut down the middle first to evaluate a rock.

Is one way better than the other, and why?

[seth]

That sure would depend on the material. If you know it is good rough no need to cut the middle. I would do a face cut first. Cutting a stone in half may leave you with less 1/4" slabs. You will then end up with two end cuts to deal with. I cut all my slabs at least 1/4" so I can get a dome.

[Taogem]

I usually have a pretty good idea of what is inside with the exception of picture rock.

Sometimes I am cutting into something that am pretty sure is not so hot, so just cutting into it to see if maybe there is a little something. So will make the end cut, and if as expected will then move on about an inch at a time. Knowing that everything I am cutting is going to get tossed in the field behind the house 

For some earring pairs I will cut slabs to about 4 and sometimes 3 mm otherwise since the majority of my cabs are almost flat faced I cut to 5 mm. Then like Seth, a 1/4" if a nice dome is desired. I do the same as you trb. I cut the end and then like to cut as many slabs as I can without repositioning.

Not being much of a rock hound . I prefer to buy reasonable quality grade material. Sometimes really nice quality. I don't want to spend time cutting into rocks looking for that something that will "blow me away". I want to be blown away just prior to paying for the rough, and smiling after each and every slice 

[Lavenderfish]

When I started out, I used to slice up a whole piece of rough into slabs (3/8" for cabs) only to wish later I hadn't. Either I'd decide afterwards a different orientation would have been better if I'd taken the time to face off more than just one side first (I do now) but moreso cuz I do so many different types of things with rocks now besides just straight cabbing. I only cut off a very thin (1/16") or a very thick slab as needed depending on what the project is, cab, bead, carving, intarsia etc.

Looks like each of us has a slightly different approach, but facing off more than one side if you can will help you "read" the potential pattern or color changes in the rock. Then you can pick the one that looks the most promising and go with it. Or if it's still leaverite no matter which way you cut it, can do like Tao and give it back to Mother Earth :-)

[trb]

Thanks, lavenderfish, I think what you do would work best for me. I am already, for the most part, facing 2 sides to see which approach I like better. So far I've only cut relatively big rocks so I cut at least 3 slabs and leave the rest for the future, though I have cut more of some rocks if I see a more interesting pattern developing further in.

If I understand correctly, the Bruneau jasper bead to the left is your work. It is really beautifully done.

[Lavenderfish]

Yes, that bead was my submission for Tao's orbed material show-n-tell. Thanks so much for appreciating it. My 14-yr old nephew picked it up the other day and looked it over carefully then said, This is a rock? How did it get so smooth!

Ever try to explain cabbing to a teenager in 20 words or less before he starts to look like he's sorry he asked? LOL

[trb]

Ever try to explain cabbing to a teenager in 20 words or less before he starts to look like he's sorry he asked? LOL

Yep, I have seen that look, on young and old alike!

[gemsevermore]

Ever try to explain cabbing to a teenager in 20 words or less before he starts to look like he's sorry he asked? LOL

It takes millions of years to get a rock to look like that. It should take a comparable time to explain the process. LOL