Prior to making any cuts, there are a number of important factors to consider before actually turning on the saw. The following general guidelines will help determine how to cut, your cutting angle and the width of your cuts. Don't Waste Material Before you cut, estimate how many slabs or slices can be obtained from the stone. If you're cutting multiple slices, consider how thick they need to be for your planned use (in jewelry, etc.). Highlight the Most Attractive Features Cut at an angle that exposes the most striking features. Sometimes you will need to make an "exploratory cut" near the outer surface on one side of the stone; this can help you determine subsequent cuts that will yield the best slabs that highlight natural colors and patterns. Remove Flawed Areas Always remove the rough and fractured sections of stone first, but remove the smallest amount of stone possible; if you discover additional fracturing after the first cut, the stone is probably better suited for tumbling filler or use as a display stone in an aquarium.

Square up the Sides Depending on the thickness of the stone, you might need to cut away the rough exterior surfaces on both sides first in order to get multiple interior slabs with flat surfaces. Starting a Cut When cutting away the rough exterior surface, start your cut from the side of the stone where you will be cutting away the most material; this helps the saw blade get a solid entry and "bite" into the stone. This will also create a smoother and more even surface and will make sanding and polishing your gemstones easier later. For a Slab to Drill Through If you're planning on drilling through a slab (called face drilling) to make a jewelry piece, thin slabs are best. Drilling through thick cuts is costly (drill bits are expensive) and time-consuming; if you're planning on using a piece for jewelry, we specifically recommend a maximum thickness of 1/8-1/4". Cutting a Whole Stone Cutting whole stones is tricky, especially if there are no visible features, such as patterns, on the outside to guide you. If there is no visible pattern, cut the stone across its widest point. This will give you the largest possible slabs, if that's how you intend to cut it; it also will expose the maximum amount of surface area if you are polishing the face of each half.

If there is exposed pattern (as often happens with agates), you should cut at an angle that highlights the pattern. Avoid Cutting Very Large Stones If your stone is substantially thicker than the height of the saw blade above the table (which is 2" for a 6" saw blade and 3" for an 8" saw blade), you will have to roll the stone 180 degrees to be able to fully cut through it. Stones that require this might be too large for the saw; cutting them can result in uneven wear on your diamond saw blade--and it could even bend the blade, rendering your expensive diamond blade useless!.