My Agates Are Cracking

[xcvator]

Couldn't/didn't see any cracks before I started.

80 grit, then 150, then 320 and I stopped when I saw all these cracks appearing and bits breaking off of the edges.

Were they there all along ?
Did I get them too hot when dopping ? Hot enough to keep the wax soft for a minute or so.
They didn't feel even warm when grinding them

Do I need to get a very strong magnifying glass to check for this sort of thing before starting to grind stones ?

 

[kemjak57]

When I saw the title I thought wow that must be painful.

 

[limpalot]

Try a reallll good moisturiser. **** mate I recone that would be painful. 8.(

 

[goldtrapper]

Very pronounced cracks. Bugger. I would check with a magnifier first.
Or shine a light through them.

 

[jimnyjerry]

A good light shone through agates can show up cracks then you need to work around the areas that are not too badly damaged. A percentage of agates from Agate Ck have pressure cracks and fractures from bouncing around etc. Start gently at 100 when shaping then a longer time at higher diamond wheels getting shape right. Long process but worth while 80 can really damage the surface and stress the stone

 

[LONEWOLF]

Hows your back jerry? Bob told me. .... Hope you stay away from ladders for awhile.... Sounds like you were very lucky...

LW...