WWA Info Exchange

For Woodworkers By Woodworkers
It is currently Tue Mar 19, 2024 3:39 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1 post ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Turning alabaster
PostPosted: Mon Oct 12, 2015 1:03 am 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2006 10:44 am
Posts: 3951
Location: Skagit Co WA
OK, not wood turning but ...

Some time ago a fellow gave me a rather big chunk of alabaster. I've been considering what I should do with it. Several pages I've viewed show some really cool items like vases & bowls made from the stuff on a wood lathe. Has anyone here tried working with it?

I've got a diamond tile wet saw but it's only got about a 1.5" thickness capacity so I decided to risk sacrificing a cheap back saw I had lying around. To my surprise the alabaster cut quite easily with the saw. Most of the reference pages suggest carbide scraper tools are the first choice for tool material for working with the stone although high speed tools are considered workable.

1. Has anyone in this forum worked with alabaster and if so -

2. Is HSS effective for doing so and ...

3. Any heads up suggestions on the process.

I'm thinking in my case at least, using it as an inlay. It's extremely soft (I can almost scratch it with my finger nail) so is there a way to reinforce or protect the surface.

_________________
Nullum Gratuitum Prandium

Cheers - Dennis


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1 post ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group