Ever Cut a Bead in Half?

[aweisbach]

I am interested in slicing large beads in half, in order to make pendants with the halves. I would be interested in any experiences/techniques anyone can provide. If you have done it, what kind of saw (or other method) did you use? What did you hold the bead with? I realize using a marble mold or something like that may be my ultimate work-around . . . .

thanks,
Avi

[FosterFire]

Kristina Logan mentioned this in one of her lectures. She also mentioned that she lost have the bead this way, just an FYI. One method is to make a very skinny lentil shape and grind off half of it. Less chance of losing the whole thing.

[Loreleibeads]

Another option with a round bead is to let it cool out in the open and it will most likely crack. I sometimes do this, and then give the bead a slight tap on a granite counter to separate the pieces (wrap in a towel first so you won't cut yourself or leave particles)
You can then anneal the halves from a cold batch ramp up schedule.
Hope this helps!