3 Responses

1. jube

   December 8th, 2009 at 10:16 am

   1

   The basic tools to use are those used for making cabochons. Such as several thicknesses of dopping sticks dowels about 3-5 inches long and Green Wax to hold the item on the stick. (heat the wax until it becomes very soft and put a dollop on the stick you choose. To break bond pu it into the freezer and it will become brittle. Save the pieces because it is reusable.
   You will also need a grinding wheel to shape the stone. Find a local artisan that makes stone jewelry and he/she can set you up. Usually, at craft fairs.
   Do not chisel it because it is a form of glass. Grinding and polishing is the way to go. The medium to use aluminum oxide. Finish the piece with red, gray or yellow rouge that all come in thick sticks and are graded for grit.. and are very affordable.
   I have been making this kind of jewelry for over thirty years and have been a silversmith for the same length of time.
   Have fun and good luck.

2. wayne s

   December 8th, 2009 at 4:56 pm

   2

   Obsidian is very fragile, but you might try to rough cut the desired shape and tumble polish it to give it is final finish. A wet grinding wheel may help you to get the shape you want.
   If you have large quantities you may want to get a few pounds broken into small pieces and with a tumbler you can polish a whole batch of them. Obsidian is very hard to get a nice finish, but if you do use the tumbling method you have to use all the same material to tumble. If you put any other stone such as quartz you will have scratches on the obsidian. Tin Oxide is a good polish for obsidian.
   Hope this helps.
   Wayne

3. artfulma

   December 8th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

   3

   as for carving it mounted diamond bits in high speed grinder