Cutting Meteorites correctly

[golden ray]

While cruising this forum,havn't seen this useful tip!
Have seen people file,belt sand,torch!!! their rocks in order to get a
look inside for possible signs of nickel. None of these methods are
acceptable. Use a diamond circular saw. Even a cheap 'Home Depot'
tile saw will usually do an acceptable job. Make sure you keep a good
steady stream of coolant (water) on the blade. And don't force the
rock into the saw, feed it slowly.
After much use you will find that your blade is not doing the job as
fast as it did when new. The diamond aren't worn down, its the metal
from the blade 'melted' slightly & clogging the cutting edge.
Simply find an old grinding wheel,& carefully cut into it (as if cutting
a rock), 4 or 5 small cuts & your blade will be like new!!!!
Hope this helps someone.

 

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[hvacker]

I've got to disagree. I own a diamond saw of the type used for tile and the blade is too thick so too much is lost. The cut is also too rough and even more will be lost polishing the cut. A jewelers saw is much thinner and finer cut so polishing is less. When dealing with as much as most meteorites are worth a few bucks spent to do it right is worth it. Just saying.

I just realized you might be talking about peep hole and not making slices. I don't think a little peep could hurt.

 

[GTzer]

Still better than the other methods you mentioned. Best to use a lubricant like pella oil instead of water. Hvacker is correct about wasting material.
I cut and prepared specimens for 11 years. Always used the thinnest lapidary blade possible. BUT I never would have cut the most expensive lunar or planetary specimens that way-due to the great amount of waste.