Part 1/6. Opal Cutting by Hand. Soaking the Whetstone

Part 1/6. First in a six part series. Cutting opal by hand, by a beginner. Using whetstones to cut opals requires that the stone be soaked in water until completely saturated, before the grinding starts.

[@shawnstatzer95]

Nice and informative video. I am about to try cutting and polishing my black Australian opals by hand. I will make sure to soak my sharpening stone 10-15 prior to using. Are you able to just use a spray bottle and spray the sharpening stone instead of soaking? Thanks.

[@coolmodelguy6304]

Yes, I started keeping a spray bottle of water close by and used it often. Nice observation!

[@shawnstatzer95]

​@@coolmodelguy6304thanks for the response. I hope that you post some videos on your craft.

[@coolmodelguy6304]

@@shawnstatzer95 - If you can, please let me know how your project turns out, Thank you!

[@shawnstatzer95]

@@coolmodelguy6304 yes, I certainly will.

[@shawnstatzer95]

I was hoping to show you the photos of my Australian black opals that I cut, but I cannot post photos here. I told you that I would let you know. I am happy to have done four by hand. I got some bids on some more opals. I sure wish that I was experienced enough to cut Colombian emeralds. I bid on the ones already cut.