A REFINED SEGMENT CUTTER

The outside curve as well as the inside curve of each pearl segment can be cut on the same sanding drum with a pivoting segment vise, as shown in Fig. 6-32.

The segment vise rotates around a pivot in a small platform that is clamped to the drill-press table. The platform is cut away to hug the sanding drum closely. The segment first has its interior curve ground directly against the drum and has been cut to size with a jeweler's saw as described in Steps 2 and 3 above. The rough-cut segment is secured in the segment vise, which is placed on the pivot, and the segment is thus rotated into the spinning abrasive drum (Fig. 6-33).

The width of the finished piece can be accurately adjusted by moving the platform closer to or further from the drum when clamping it down to the drill-press table. Lower or raise the chuck as needed to expose fresh abrasive.