Lapidary / Gemstone Community Forum

I am learning the hard way.  Did not even notice I was grinding my fingernail away!

 headbang18

you've only gone to far when you start polishing bone :)

It happens even when im careful, If it hurts (they can with out going through) put super glue or liquid band aid on it. Then your all set for the next finger  :)

Paul

Start cutting every day.  You will develop hardened fingertips.  Mine have gotten hard enough to turn a pizza in the oven without putting on gloves or using a hot pad......

I've FILED off my fingernails before and didn't realize it till I looked down at my fingers!
I've even hit my fingernails with my scissors while doing intricate cutting.

Keep on hand a supply of bandaids, super glue, rubbing alcohol, gauze, and surgical tape.   You'll be fine.   yes16 hide35 yes16  chuckle02

Here's a good Ganoksin article that might help, if you don't want to dop. http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/duct-tape-uses.htm

I have the same problem- my 2 thumbs and pointer fingernails are stubby!  I don't like to dop my preforms though so it's a sacrifice I have chosen to make.  In time you will become more aware of where your fingertips are in relation to the wheel but it's still gonna happen.  :)

I have recently started using a disc sander designed for sanding rock; that is a whole nother level of awareness (yes, I am holding the stone in my hands when I use that too).

Yep. Cutting frequently will do that, and polishing jewelry will do it too. You reach a point where you are immune to heat, at least right at the fingertips!

If you keep doing it you will notice that your fingernails get a great polish as you move on to the higher grit wheels. You know that you truly have a problem when you go back to the lower grit wheels to remove scratches!