What This Cutter Does for Gem Settings
When you need precise oval shapes for cabochon settings, a dedicated disc cutter saves time and improves consistency. The Pepetools Oval Disc Cutter is designed to shear cleanly through sheet metal up to 20 gauge, producing ovals without the burs or raised edges that traditional cutters leave behind. The set includes six oval sizes, giving you the most common proportions for standard cabochon stones.
Oval Cutter Key Specifications
- Oval (Cabochon) Disc Cutter, 6 sizes included: Can cut material up to 20 gauge with just a 2 lb brass mallet; over 20 gauge we recommend the use of a hydraulic press. This tells you the tool's practical limit for hand use. For most cabochon bezels made from 22–26 gauge sheet, a mallet is fine. Thicker stock for structural backs requires a press.
Oval (Cabochon) Disc Cutter, 6 sizes included - Oval (Cabochon) Disc Cutter, 6 sizes included: Each punch is precision turned on a CNC machine, heat treated to 48–52 HRC, and finished in black oxide. The hardness ensures the cutting edge stays sharp through repeated use. Black oxide resists corrosion, important if you work with patina chemicals or live in a humid studio.
- Oval (Cabochon) Disc Cutter, 6 sizes included: Includes 6 oval shapes: 30x22, 25x18, 24x14, 20x15, 20x12, 18x13 mm. These are the most common oval cabochon sizes. You can match a stone directly to a cutter without additional layout work.
How to Cut an Oval for a Cabochon Setting
The cutter works like a punch and die set. Position your metal over the desired oval hole, place the punch on top, and strike with a mallet. The shearing action produces a clean edge ready for bezel fabrication.
- Select the oval size: Choose the oval that matches your cabochon's dimensions. The set includes six sizes; the laser-etched marking on the base helps you identify each one quickly.
- Prepare your metal: For material up to 20 gauge, a 2 lb brass mallet is sufficient. If your metal is thicker than 20 gauge, switch to a hydraulic press to avoid damaging the cutter or producing an uneven cut.
- Position and strike: Place the metal on the HDPE base over the chosen oval hole. Insert the matching punch and strike it squarely with the mallet. The recessed punch clearing design in the bottom plate makes it easy to remove the cut oval without prying.
- Inspect the edge: The cutter's 5-degree angle on the cutting edge creates a shearing action that minimizes burs. You should see a clean, slightly angled edge that requires minimal filing before soldering into a bezel.
What the Cutter Includes and What You Need to Add
The set comes with the oval cutter, a 6" x 6" 95A urethane cutting pad, and a bottle of PepeLube lubricant. The cutting pad protects the punch and extends tool life. Lubricating the punch periodically helps maintain the shearing action and reduces wear. The cutter is available alone or with a 2 lb brass mallet. If you work with thicker stock, you will need a hydraulic press—the tool itself does not include one.
