Polishing spheres

Jewelry Discussion
1

Does anyone have advise on polishing a casted 9.5mm solid
sphere? Would I apply the same principle for polishing a cab.
stone? I thought I could glue the stone to an extension rod and
buff it out from there. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,

Rebecca.

2

One thing that comes to mind is a vibrator tumbler jobs? I use a
rotary but I think that may beat the sphere maybe. Wonder if
that would polish it?

Thanks
Kemp

http://www.binary.net/treasure

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3

If you use a convex surface on the end of a rod you could spin
the sphere in compound against the buffing wheel, A hard wood cut
against the grain would do nicely, after grinding your convex
into the wood smooth and heat the wood until it is almost smoking
then quench. That should make the wood hard enough to with stand
the compound. Lignum vitae is a good wood for this purpose, Teak,
rosewood, ebony, birdseye maple or oak would work well for
this…I hope I have been able to help. John ‘the Ringman’

4

Thank you for both suggestions. The tumbling process I
considered after lightly buffing off the center ridge.

I did have a question about the convex surface, though. When
you say spin the sphere in compound against the buffing wheel, do
you mean that the sphere is sitting in compound on the convex
surface or the compound is on the wheel? I know this question
sounds a bit strange; however, I want to make sure I understand
the process before I spend all the time carving the convex
surface. Do you think that this type of piece would be
available through a lapidary supplier?

Thanks for the advise.

Rebecca

5 
, I want to make sure I understand the process ,,,,(in making a
sphere)....before I spend all the time carving the convex
surface.  Do you think that this type of piece would be
available through a lapidary supplier?

Possibly, though they use pieces of pipe to hold the slowly
forming sphere. However, if you really want a convex surface get
a local woodturner to whip one (or more) up in hard or soft wood
as you choose. it would only take him a few minutes. I’d do it
myself if you weren’t 13000 odd miles away! But cheers anyway.

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