where to get abalone with different radius

[Dave Bagwill]

Where would I get a 1/8" abalone that is cut to a smaller than usual soundhole size? In other words, I need a circle that is 2-3/8" from the center of the soundhole to the inside of the abalone, and 2-4/8" from the center of the soundhole to the outside.

Any ideas?
Thanks

[John Parchem]

I do not have an answer, but I was taught to crack in straight pieces around the hole. It actually has less viable lines than gluing in a series of curved pieces. While it sounds hard to do it actually is quite easy.

[ken cierp]

Ditto John

[Dave Bagwill]

So if I understand you: I have in effect a ring of abalone with a 2 1/2" radius, so a 5" diameter and If I wanted a 4 1/2" diameter - wait, I can't use a ring that is shaped to a different radius - each broken piece will have the radius of the larger ring.

In other words, take a section of the large ring, and break it into 3 pieces - then if you join the pieces together smoothly, not leaving a gap, the ring will be same size - too large.

I'm needing a smaller ring in diameter, not in length.

[ken cierp]

You break it into as many pieces needed to make it fit. I understand that some flood the Abalone with CA and scrape it back resulting in a seamless inlay.

[John Parchem]

Yes, you let it break as you are pushing it to the channel with something like a big nail or drift or anything that lets you push it in the channel. You can use long straight pieces and just crack your way along the channel.

Ken post a video of Robbie O'Brien installing purfling, same idea for a rosette.

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=252&p=1329&hilit=pearl#p1329

[Dave Bagwill]

I've worked with abalone before, I know how to break it to make it fit a channel - but the channel has a given arc to it, and if the abalone has a different arc it will not fit.

If your ring is 9" long, and your channel is 8" long yes, it can be made to fit. That's not my problem.
Ah well let me think more about it, I don't think I'm being clear.