![070916 2 Rough (800x600)](http://azoho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070916-2-Rough-800x600-300x225.jpg)
I’m working on a project and would like to document the process here. A customer sent me a piece of Honduran Opal to cut. The goal here is two lovely ovals. When the rough arrived I was pleasantly surprised as I thought it was a slab- it was a little chunk with fabulous green, blue and red pinfire throughout. I’m looking forward to this!
![Another view of the rough rock.](http://azoho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070916-1-Rough-800x600-300x225.jpg)
I had a good long look at the chunk so I could decide how I wanted to approach it. Then it went to the trim saw to cut off a little slab or two. A slab is a little slice of rock.
![Trimmed into a slab and the shape I'll be cutting is scribed onto the top.](http://azoho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070916-3-Trimmed-800x600-300x225.jpg)
In addition to scribing the shape, I’ve added a T. It stands for- top. At this point the top will be the top. These are different sizes because that’s what fit. I consulted with my customer and asked if he wanted them the same or different. His preference is closer to the same to I’ll revise this part.
![Little chink.](http://azoho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070916-4-Piece-800x600-300x225.jpg)
![Another view of the little chunk.](http://azoho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070916-5-piece-300x225.jpg)
Since I’ve never cut this material and there’s more then we need, I’m going to cab that little chunk to get a feel for the material. If felt soft on the saw but until it touches my wheels….I really won’t know for sure.
![070916 6 preform (800x600)](http://azoho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070916-6-preform-800x600-300x225.jpg)
At the preform stage the shape is roughed in. (I know, my grammar could use some help tonight)
As I get the next part of the project worked on I’ll post photos and descriptions so that you can watch it evolve. The whole project will be in this post. 🙂