How & why you should modify your "77B", 'CUP BURS'? => 16 photos

 Of all of the different burs being used, these 'Cup Burs' can be one of the most expensive. I had the opportunity to purchase these "77B" with a size of #50; these were $66.00 for only 6 burs in a packet. These burs cost $10.00+ each (plus taxes). OUCH!

 For a size of #009, these smaller sizes of burs are $18.00 or $3.00 each.

 Beware that these delicate burs clog very easily with your metal. The manufacturers suggest that these MUST BE KEPT WELL LUBRICATED AT ALL TIMES.

 As I want the teeth of each bur to keep cutting, I will reshape each of them on my oil stone. This process will be an important feature in extending their life.

  By removing the rim of each bur, this will expose more of the teeth as it rotates.

 To achieve this modified angle, it is quite easy; you just rotate the bur on your oilstone at a 45-degree angle. This simple process exposes more of the teeth. How simple is this?

   Please keep your expensive burs well-lubricated.

 In this photo, you can now see the bur teeth being further exposed as it is making contact with the oilstone. The unnecessary metal on the rim is being gently removed.

 When the bur is being used, gently hold the bur at an almost vertical angle. Don't let the 'bur teeth' make contact with any gemstone. I could easily set and clean genuine Emeralds.

 The bur teeth will rotate on the metal claw with a fantastic result. Each claw will be almost round, looking now like a ball.

 When each claw is being rounded, please hold the bur at a slight angle 'away from vertical'.

 Never allow the rim of the cup bur to touch any stone. As I mentioned, KEEP YOUR BURS WELL LUBRICATED.

 

Now you can see the teeth being exposed and ready for rounding of the claws.

 Here is the 45angle that is required in this 'modification technique'.

 Avoid any bur teeth from coming in contact with the gemstone. This is the most stressful area of 'claw rounding'. If there are any shards of metal remaining, you can use a triangular file or a tapered pumice wheel to do any last-minute cleaning.

  This photo displays the 'before & after' modification techniques. I'd use this new technique on any size of "77B, Cup Bur".

 Tell me why there is so much bur-metal being made on any cup-bur? Just get rid of it!!!