Naturally when I went googling for lapidary equipment I ran into the national association of lap grinders and stripers.
Be that as it may

Does anyone have advice for a novice stone grinder.

I jumped in with 2 feet when I tried my hand at some luthier and new varnishing skills and within 2 years one of my violins found its way to a museum, so I have confidence that my eye for detail will help in my new endeavor.

I have some valuable boulders of opal from Koroit that I will eventually attempt to cut after gaining some skills on some lesser American opal slabs.

Mudcat haveing a wealth of craftswomen and men I thought it would be wise to ask you about dangers and rewards.

Don H