Using Electroplated Diamond Burs
Hi and thanks for getting some electroplated diamond bits from me.
I thought I should write up a quick user guide for them to give you an idea of how to use them to full effect. Note this will be mainly in terms of their use in opal carving. For a video demonstration feel free to check out any of my carving videos on the YouTube channel “Roys Rocks”. Remember to always use water and try not to contact your skin with the bur as the electroplated bits are quite aggressive and can be abrasive to your skin.
This kit comes with 10 pieces and the black band denotes the grit, 80 by the ANSI standard.
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I hope this very brief guide helps but if not, there are many videos on my channel using these exact burrs so check it out and ask me any questions you have.
Thanks and have fun carving,
Roy (YouTube: Roys Rock)
Stay Safe
I recommend at minimum safety glasses, lubricating with water and wearing a P2/N95 grade mask even when cutting wet. Vision and breathing are quite useful for us humans so look after your eyes and lungs. Also, for carving I always recommend using a flex shaft attachment on your rotary tool as water and electricity do not mix and you don’t want to give yourself a zap.
When Carving
I use the 80 grit to remove excess material/thick crust, but you must be careful not to go too far. Pull up as soon as you start to see the colour bar in the opal and switch to a higher grit bur or sandpaper and eventually final polish (high grit sandpaper, nova points and/or metal oxide/diamond paste).
Maintenance
When you are done using them give them a dunk in water and wipe. It is not a highly important step but at least drying the burr after usage can avoid any chance of rust.
Since these are electroplated diamonds, you cannot use a dressing stick to refresh the diamond cutting surface. Electroplated tools are only coated in diamonds so once they are gone the bur will remain smooth and are fully consumed and can be thrown out. They are far more disposable so eventually you should upgrade to sintered diamond tools once fully hooked by the hobby.