Collection: Diamond Spherical Grinding Wheels

Diamond Spherical Radius Grinding Wheels – Electroplated for Cabochon Shaping & Glass Carving

Our Diamond Spherical Radius Grinding Wheels feature a precision-radiused profile for shaping concave surfaces, cabochon domes, and curved stone forms. Electroplated diamond abrasive on a steel hub delivers consistent cutting action across the full curved face. Available in 6" and 8" diameters with a 5/8" arbor bore, in grits from 60 (aggressive shaping) through 600 (pre-polish smoothing).

🔥 Shop Diamond Spherical Wheels – From $70.00

Available Sizes & Pricing

Diameter Width Arbor Grit Range Price
6" 1-1/2" 1" 60 – 600 $70.00
8" 1-1/2" 1" 60 – 600 $90.00

Grit Selection Guide

Grit Stage Application
60 – 80 Rough shaping Aggressive material removal, initial dome forming
100 – 180 Medium shaping Refining dome profile, removing coarse scratches
220 – 320 Fine shaping Smoothing surface, preparing for pre-polish
600 Pre-polish Final smoothing before polishing pads

Compatible Applications

  • Lapidary cabochon shaping — doming agate, jasper, obsidian, turquoise
  • Concave surface carving on gemstones and decorative stone
  • Glass carving and curved surface grinding
  • Ceramic and porcelain radius grinding
  • Fits standard 1" arbor bench grinders and lapidary machines,comes with bushing to 1/2",3/4",5/8"

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is a spherical grinding wheel used for in lapidary?
    A: A spherical (radius) grinding wheel has a curved face profile that grinds concave surfaces and dome shapes into stone. It's the primary tool for shaping cabochon domes on agate, jasper, and other lapidary materials — the radiused face creates the curved top surface of the cab in a single grinding pass rather than requiring multiple flat-wheel angles.
  • Q: What grit spherical wheel should I start with for cabochon shaping?
    A: Start with 60 or 80 grit for rough shaping and aggressive material removal, then progress to 100–180 grit to refine the dome profile, 220–320 grit to smooth the surface, and finish with 600 grit before moving to resin smoothing pads. The full sequence from 60 to 600 grit on the spherical wheel prepares the stone for polishing.
  • Q: What is the difference between the 6" and 8" spherical wheels?
    A: The 6" wheel ($70) is ideal for smaller stones and tighter radius work, while the 8" wheel ($90) provides a larger grinding surface for bigger cabochons and faster material removal. Both use the same 5/8" arbor and grit range — choose based on your machine size and the typical stone size you work with.
  • Q: Can I use a spherical grinding wheel on glass?
    A: Yes — the electroplated diamond abrasive cuts glass effectively. The spherical profile is particularly useful for grinding curved decorative glass surfaces, glass cabochons, and concave glass forms. Use water cooling to prevent heat buildup and extend wheel life.
  • Q: How do I maintain a diamond spherical grinding wheel?
    A: Always use water cooling during grinding to prevent heat damage to the electroplated diamond layer. Dress the wheel periodically with a dressing stick if it becomes glazed. Avoid running the wheel dry — heat is the primary cause of premature diamond loss on electroplated wheels.