Using sawdust to build up cabochons

The suggestion has been made to use sawdust to build up the
cabochons. We just recently learned that sawdust (the fine dust) is
carcinogenic. My husband is a woodworker. Because of that, I have
shied away from it. Thought others might like to know to be careful
with it too.

J. S. Ellington

    The suggestion has been made to use sawdust to build up the
cabochons. We just recently learned that sawdust (the fine dust)
is carcinogenic. My husband is a woodworker. Because of that, I
have shied away from it. Thought others might like to know to be
careful with it too. 

In addition, I might point out that sawdust, leather, paper, --just
about anything organic – will absorb water and swell. Which could
either fracture the stone or push it up in the bezel, leaving it
loose in the bezel (and apt to fall out) after it dries out a bit.
(And if you think those rings and sometimes also bracelets don’t find
themselves immersed in the dishwater or shower, then you are a bit
out of touch with reality!)

margaret

I gave up on sawdust, etc, many years ago The best backing I have
found for fragile material is the gasket forming material that comes
in a tube, available at any automotive store It’s heat resistant,
strong adhesive, cures quickly and very flexible, which provides good
cushion How thick you apply it is up to you, of course I generally
use flat backed bezels for this and apply it to the bezel fairly
thickly Lightly press the stone in and let it cure VERY good
cushioning

Best to all,
Wayne Emery

Dear Everybody, As far as sawdust being a carcinogen, unless you’re
using it like snuff, you should be perfectly okay using it to back
cabochons. Red meat is also supposed to be a carcinogen, but i’m not
giving that up, either. :^) susannah