porscheman
09-13-2008, 09:45 AM
I've read many postings on the Bot forum about successfully carving/machining soft stone such as marble, limestone, etc. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried onyx? I'm working with a client that is installing onyx countertops and backsplashes and they would be thrilled to see some V-carved results in their project. But I don't want to bring up the topic if carving it is out of the question.
I'm a woodworker, not a stonesmith, so I don't know how the hardness of onyx would compare to these other soft stones that the Bot can carve. Is there an online resource that shows the relative hardness of different types of stone? During past vacations in Arizona (at rock/gem/mineral shows), I've seen tons of shaped/carved onyx items like chess sets, turned vases, etc, so I'm thinking that it might be relatively soft, but I figured I'd check with the experienced folks on this forum.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
John
I'm a woodworker, not a stonesmith, so I don't know how the hardness of onyx would compare to these other soft stones that the Bot can carve. Is there an online resource that shows the relative hardness of different types of stone? During past vacations in Arizona (at rock/gem/mineral shows), I've seen tons of shaped/carved onyx items like chess sets, turned vases, etc, so I'm thinking that it might be relatively soft, but I figured I'd check with the experienced folks on this forum.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
John