Cutting CD's

[shutterbug]

Has anyone tried to cut any CD's? I'm thinking of making some of the earrings in the jewelry patterns for my granddaughters and have read somewhere that CD's work. Too avoid breaking during cutting, what would be the best way to layer between a medium? Also, recommendation for a thin but durable wood?

[Clayton717]

I have not cut them myself but have heard of may doing it. John(old dust) posted in the bragging sections of his finishesh cd cuttings. Here is a link to the thread viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6046

[Oges]

Tagua Nut slices also work well for cutting jewellery from, I have cut pendants from them before.

 

The slices are thin and very tough and durable, but quite easy to cut. The size makes it a little fiddly to hold but you can make up a rig for them similar to ones people use to cut coins or compound items.

 

There are a few online places on the net, one of these being: http://www.acaibeads.com/ThinTaguaSlices.html

[Travis]

I think it depends on how the CD is made. Sometimes, the layers of the CD are only attached at the edge. So after you cut them, they'll separate easily. Try different brands until you find one that works.

 

I haven't tried them myself, but I'd try cutting one like normal. If that doesn't work too well, try some masking tape on both sides to reduce tearout. If that still doesn't work, then I'd try sandwiching them between some plywood.

 

Try cutting some DVD-R's too. They have a purple metallic dye that looks pretty neat.