Stone Ring

by jlepack in Workshop > Metalworking

31738 Views, 305 Favorites, 0 Comments

Stone Ring

temp_1339883635.jpg
Make a simple ring out of a regular rock found around your house.
Tools I used to make this ring.

Wet tile saw
Drill press
Diamond coated core bit
Flat lapidary machine

You will also need a rock.

Shape Your Rock

temp_-1277790193.jpg
temp_1911387775.jpg
temp_-1571468093.jpg
temp_826951850.jpg
Start by cutting 2 flat sides on either side of your rock. They need to be flat for the next step.

Cutting the Finger Hole

temp_-1839865282.jpg
temp_130663705.jpg
temp_52387204.jpg
temp_684335614.jpg
temp_1994331210.jpg
temp_2108666076.jpg
temp_-927682708.jpg
temp_355776607.jpg
temp_-1851726490.jpg
temp_1947738118.jpg
temp_-642454902.jpg
temp_2109898282.jpg
temp_759517381.jpg
Next we need to cut a hole in our rock which will be the finger hole in the ring. I use a 3/4" diamond coated core bit in my drill press. I also use a plastic container filled with water. I have the rock inside the container submerged under the water. Water cools the core bit and the rock while providing lubricant for the bit. Water also eliminates any dust. I hold a piece of scrap wood under the rock so I don't drill a hole in my plastic container.
Takes about 5 minutes to drill the hole. Don't force the bit, let the diamonds cut through the stone. Left the bit up out of the stone a few times while drilling the hole. It helps keep everything cool.
Once the hole is made you can pop out the stone plug from the core bit.

More Cutting

temp_-1749999575.jpg
temp_1195484971.jpg
Back to the tile saw. I used a black marker to draw a basic ring shape on the stone. Trim the excess material away with the wet tile saw. Take your time as the ring is more delicate now with the hole drilled in it.

Start Grinding / Shaping

temp_1975131582.jpg
temp_-209958491.jpg
temp_1990575061.jpg
temp_666340220.jpg
It's time to start shaping the stone ring. I use a flat lapidary machine that I built myself. It uses 6" diamond coated flat lapidary disks of different grits. Start with a course disk. I'm using an 80 grit disk. slowly shape the ring by grinding against the spinning disk. make sure your water drip is on to allow for cooling and dust control.

The Ring Is Almost Finished

temp_-1726779313.jpg
temp_1267813263.jpg
temp_479831958.jpg
temp_589897588.jpg
temp_1163038201.jpg
Continue to grind / shape the ring till you are happy with the shape. I have the finished ring next to a plastic coke bottle cap for size comparison. You can continue to polish your stone ring with finer lapidary disks to achieve a high shine or wear the ring as it is.
This is a truly unique ring and I'm sure will impress your friends.

Please vote for me in the ring contest here on instructables