Anyone have any tips for cutting through the backside?

Steve1236

Hero Member
Sep 14, 2017
702
971
Az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
This piece has glitter like Schiller effects or maybe galaxy like Schiller effects but it's through the backside of the agate, anyone have any good tips on how to cut botryoidal but in reverse?:dontknow: 20190622_082711~2.jpg 20190622_084239~2.jpg 20190622_084734~2.jpg 20190622_084546~3.jpg
 

dsrtdwg1

Full Member
Sep 3, 2015
182
300
Brawley
Detector(s) used
Equinox 800, Gold Monster 1000, Keene 212v Puffer Dry Washer
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I watch Mark Ruiz on youtube. I am sure you have already seen his channel, he seems to know what he is doing. Good luck, I would like to see some of your pieces posted here when you start cutting.
 

Upvote 0
OP
OP
Steve1236

Steve1236

Hero Member
Sep 14, 2017
702
971
Az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Can't find a video anywhere on how to cut reverse botryoidal, I heard Mark say good fire agate will have fire on front and backsides but I can't find one he's cutting in reverse, screw it I'm going in.....
 

Upvote 0
OP
OP
Steve1236

Steve1236

Hero Member
Sep 14, 2017
702
971
Az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
This is as far as I will go with the bits I have, this is unbelievably difficult to cut!
20190623_083644~2.jpg 20190623_083340~2.jpg
 

Upvote 0

MrLee

Sr. Member
Mar 25, 2012
492
273
Tokyo & OC
Detector(s) used
Google Earth, BS Detector, $$
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Not sure exactly how/what you are trying to cut, but what about a dremel or belt sander? I use both when wanting to expose something.
 

Upvote 0
OP
OP
Steve1236

Steve1236

Hero Member
Sep 14, 2017
702
971
Az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I'm using a dremel attachment, 300grit is as fine as I have but the pointy ones I need I've already burned through the bits lol, you know how you cut botryoidal free form, well this one I'm carving little holes getting as close to the fire layer as possible from underneath instead of keeping it bubbly or botryoidal like you would from the topside or how everyone else cuts it lol, NOT EASY!:BangHead:
 

Last edited:
Upvote 0
OP
OP
Steve1236

Steve1236

Hero Member
Sep 14, 2017
702
971
Az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I tried to see what it would look like if I just smoothly grinded a flat surface with a 300grit bit in the upper right side and after just a few swipes that green Schiller effect went away, I wouldn't recomend anyone cutting it this way unless you have tons of patience.
 

Last edited:
Upvote 0

IAMZIM

Bronze Member
Apr 23, 2011
1,567
2,160
Butte City, Montana
Detector(s) used
ace 250/garret pinpointer, garret AT Gold
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I'm using a dremel attachment, 300grit is as fine as I have but the pointy ones I need I've already burned through the bits lol, you know how you cut botryoidal free form, well this one I'm carving little holes getting as close to the fire layer as possible from underneath instead of keeping it bubbly or botryoidal like you would from the topside or how everyone else cuts it lol, NOT EASY!:BangHead:
I imagine because of the hardness, they are going to be tough to cut, much less polish!
 

Upvote 0
OP
OP
Steve1236

Steve1236

Hero Member
Sep 14, 2017
702
971
Az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
It doesn't help I bought cheap bits either, I went through three 300grit pointy bits just on what I did lol.
I'm itching to go prospecting but it's too darn hot, those sapphires you found were sweet, that 1.5 was nice!
 

Last edited:
Upvote 0

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Top