Cutting CD's.

[shutterbugdm]

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?

[mrsn]

cds melt, so you need to have something between layers or you won't get them apart. I have used layers of thin ply, I have heard others use cardboard. You also need to be a little careful sanding, the film comes off easily.

as for thin wods to use for jewelry. 1/8" hard woods work really well. I have used maple, walunt, cherry, wenge, narra, purpleheart, teak and many more. It important to look at the grain direction of each piece of wood in relation to the design you want to cut.

[tux_linux]

you'll want to glue 2 CD together to have both sides shiny.

After that - yes the cut on the CD melts and the CD will not come apart as a cut piece of wood.
But you can "break" it after cutting. and with a little sanding the edges become fine.

[Marcellarius]

plastic melts when getting hot, so in the speed is real slow, does that make any difference?

I have a couple of shiny disk's from a hard-drive, does have anyone experience with cutting this (i think very hard metal)?

[tux_linux]

@ Marcel
I suggest not to use them as they are coated.

The Platter itself is usually aluminium or some magnesium mixture.
To prevent that from oxidation, it's often coated with glass or similar mixtures.

[Marcellarius]

Ok, thanks.
didn't expect glas, they look more like chrome to me.

[wombatie]

I've heard that you have to have the speed turned right down and not to use reverse tooth blades.  I have a stack I want to cut but have not gotten around to it jet, but I will try one day.

Marg

[GrayBeard]

Somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of my 'memory bank' I seem to remember an article in one of the scrolling magazines all about this topic. I believe it must have been about 2.5 or 3 years ago.

~~~GB~~~

[julief]

GB is right - it was a holiday issue.  There was a nativity scene and some ornaments out of CDs.

[GrayBeard]

Thanks Julie...maybe Holiday 2008...seems like it was SSWC issue.

~~~GB~~~

[tux_linux]

SWC 2009 is right.

I have cut polystyrol and other plastics. It's true that the cut melts. But it's simple to break the cut afterwards and with a smallest amount of sanding it becomes a nice one.
The look of a cut CD is quite special - you might want to check your home store for other plastics.