Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 09/11/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 09/18/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
CABOCHONS II: SLABS & CABS
INSTRUCTOR: LARRY CARBY
This class will serve a twofold purpose. (1). Students will learn the use of the slab saw and to correctly cut slabs. (2). Students will learn to use slabs correctly to make finished cabochons.
SLABBING:
This portion of the class will include the basics of selecting a piece of rough to slab and instructions on the use of the slab saw so that these pieces can then be used in the cabbing room. Students will learn how to orient the rough to the best advantage for that particular piece of stone. Instructions will be given on the cleaning, care, and use of saws and lapidary equipment. Students are expected to assist with cleaning as needed after each use and complete cleaning at weeks end. This will be accomplished with a very heavy emphasis on safety. Students’ time will be divided between the slab room and the cab room. The rough should be a maximum of 6x8 inches (one or two pieces only). Thunder eggs, corundum, and geodes will not be allowed in the slab room. Old clothes should be worn since ALL slabbing will be done in oil. Ear plugs, safety glasses, aprons, and masks will be provided (if necessary). If you wish to use earmuffs, you must provide your own.
CABBING:
Students will now use their slabs on the trim saw, learn to orient the stone, mark, grind, and polish to get the best cabochon possible. They will also be taught how to identify scratches and flat spots and how to eliminate them. Instructions on cleaning, care, and use of lapidary equipment will be taught. This will be accomplished with a very heavy emphasis on safety. All students are responsible for daily maintenance of the equipment used and are required to provide complete and detailed cleaning of that equipment at the end of the week.
Students will be creating calibrated cabochons during the first few days. As students demonstrate their progress, skill and knowledge by the cabochons they have created, the instructor will discuss the art of free form cabochons and cabochon repair. NO student will begin this class with free forms. This class is designed for intermediate students. For this class you will need an OptiVISOR or some type of non-handheld magnifying device. Ear plugs, aprons, and masks will be provided if needed. If you wish to use earmuffs, you must provide your own. If you have slabs of agates or jaspers that you wish to use in class, please bring them. Slabs should be between 5mm and 8mm in thickness for an appropriate dome to be created. Please limit the number of slabs that you bring to no more than (4). Additional slabs will be available for purchase from the instructor.
Class fee includes first preform, printed material, towels, ear plugs, nail brushes and other consumables.
Class Fee: $50
Est Materials Fee: $0 - ?
Prerequisite: At least one Cab I Class
Larry is from Alabama. He retired as a supervisor for Bellsouth in 1997 and Averitt Trucking in 2010. His interest in rocks started from watching a show on gem mining in North Carolina. Larry joined the Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society (AMLS) in 2007. His first experience with cabbing was with AMLS member Steve Adams. In 2009 he started taking classes at William Holland. Larry has taken classes in cabochon I and II, opal I, casting, silver I and silver II. He uses a technique taught to him by a fellow AMLS member to put silver around his cabochons and does presentations to lapidary clubs on this technique. He sells his jewelry at juried arts and crafts festivals in Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.