Does anyone use a Dremel for small lapidary work?

[tatswell]

If so, which bits do you use?
I'd love to see some photos of lapidary work done with a dremel.

 

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[TeAra]

I have used mine many times when working with smaller stones.
I am not the best but I had to try.

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[gunsil]

Dremels are hobby level tools and they work with very high RPMs. High RPMs aren't the best thing for lapidary work, too easy to burn out material and bits. A good quality flexible shaft machine is a better idea for lapidary work since they have more torque at lower RPMs. You gotta be careful about breathing any dust or spray when working on rocks so a good respirator and face shield or goggles are also needed. Most of the carving of stones across the world is done with a small lapidary lathe and the work is fed into the bit, rather than applying the bit to the work as with a dremel or flex shaft. It is easier to keep the material cooled by water with a drip feed that way.

 

[Eu_citzen]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/rocks-gems/323998-process-carving-garnet.html

Used some cheap chinese diamond bits for rough grinding (600 grit) and wooden sticks for finer work with home made diamond paste.

Oil the shaft of the dremel to keep it alive a bit longer. They do not like water, which you need when working with rocks.