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Categories : 7--Lapidary
Equipment, Appraisal & How to Sell, Specimen Care, Tumbling, Carving, Cutting, Faceting, Polishing, Jewelry making, Photography and Showing Off!!!
7--Lapidary
Equipment, Appraisal & How to Sell, Specimen Care, Tumbling, Carving, Cutting, Faceting, Polishing, Jewelry making, Photography and Showing Off!!!
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| Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post |
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| Equipment? | 141 | Mar 27 2009, 2:07 AM EDT by Oregonrockmom |
| Agates agates agates | 90 | Aug 5 2008, 12:02 AM EDT by pvjjh |
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| retiredoldfogee | Vibrating Tumbler | 10 | Nov 13 2009, 9:17 AM EST by jakesrocks | ||||
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Thread started: Nov 10 2009, 1:05 AM EST
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Hello All,
I purchased an 18 pound Vibrating Tumbler this weekend. Can I get some tips on how to keep the Bowl from wearing out so fast? Thanks, Aaron
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| SecretNinja | Slab Saw Love | 13 | Nov 12 2009, 2:17 PM EST by SecretNinja | ||||
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Thread started: Nov 11 2009, 10:22 AM EST
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Hi Guys and Gals!
I'm in Portland, OR, anyone want to sell me some time on their slab saw? :) I'm cutting chalcedony and pet. wood. :) Thanks! :)
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Keyword tags:
Slab Saw
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| havermap | Stone carving question | 3 | Oct 25 2009, 9:49 PM EDT by havermap | ||||
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Thread started: Oct 23 2009, 10:07 PM EDT
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Hello all,
Tomorrow I am going to a local alabaster mine. My plan is to bring out as much salmon-colored alabaster as I can (ok, probably some pencil gypsum - because I can't resist it). That said, I have never done any lapidary work. I would like to carve a small tealight candleholder from the alabaster. Probably, because the local Geology Prof told me that's what he'd do with it. So, I've been looking online and I like the looks of the alabaster and halite tealight holders. My plans are to keep the outside rather natural chunky-looking. How do I drill the hole for the candle? Do I just keep using increasingly larger drill bits in the drill press? How do I keep it flat at the bottom of the hole? I don't believe I want to drill all the way through. Sorry for all the "stupid" questions. Thanks
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| Rocks-in-my-pockets | Frantom Equipment | 2 | Oct 20 2009, 10:59 PM EDT by pvjjh | ||||
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Thread started: Oct 20 2009, 6:54 PM EDT
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Father in-law pass away about year ago, his children were going thro his stuff to see what they wanted to keep and get rid of. Father in-law interduce me to his rock collection about 25 years ago. He had all different kinds. Well, no one wanted his rock cutting, grinding, polishing, and one other piece. They were going to sell it at a yard sale for what ever they could get for it, just to get rid of it. I ask my husband Mike if I could have it, since dad you to cut rock for me to make what he thought was silly, was fairy house for gardens. Mike ask his siblings and they say sure, she could have it all. So home I go with 4 or 5 pices of rock machine and lots of rocks. Father in-law has several pices of rocks cut in thin slices for belt buckes or bolo ties. They are beautiful, but what Im wanting to do with these rocks is incorparate them in to a glass lamp shade im making for my lamps which are due for new lamp shades. I think after 30 years I should replace the lamp shades. I wanted glass lamp shades and after finding out the cost of them, I look in to a class on making my own. The glass instructer was very incurageing and thought adding dad slice rocks into the shade would look beautiful. So that is what Im going to do.
The only thing I know nothing about the make of Frantom or where to buy materal or the polishing wheel, or any kind of equipment for these machine. Could some help me in letting know where I can find replacement parts. Thank you for your time. Terry
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| retiredoldfogee | Gorgeous Amethyst Color. | 10 | Oct 16 2009, 3:11 PM EDT by atterberry | ||||
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Thread started: Oct 9 2009, 9:48 PM EDT
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That is so gorgeous, if I ever found a piece like that I would be going back every week.
Aaron
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| SecretNinja | Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities (page: 1 2 3) | 41 | Oct 12 2009, 10:50 PM EDT by SecretNinja | ||||
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Thread started: Sep 29 2009, 12:29 PM EDT
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Hi my lovely Washagonian (washington/Oregon folk) dirt nerds, I need your help. I have searched the site and the web but I have not found a good solution to my dilemma.
I have some GREAT Zeolite and Quartz specimens however they are nicely nestled in some pretty tough basalt. We got them out of hiding with chisels and big whackum smackum hammers but now how do we get the rest of the matrix off? This is the first time I have hunted and prepared this type of material so I'm just, well call it clueless. :) Is this where I break the dental pic out or is there a better method? I am also aware of once I free my quartz crystals, to soak them in an acid bath to remove any staining but I'm not that far yet. What about the zeolites? I do have some furry zeolites so those will just be separated and removed from the host rick and put way way up high where the cat cannot reach them but what about cleaning the smaller crystalline zeolites? Will an acid bath eat alumna silicates? Thanks you guys! You’re the best!
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Keyword tags:
quartz
removing matrix
zeolite
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| haleysdream | Fairburn set in Sterling | 0 | Oct 5 2009, 9:28 PM EDT by haleysdream | ||||
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Thread started: Oct 5 2009, 9:28 PM EDT
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Wow, that's beautiful !
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| pvjjh | Ok I finally got to page updates, there is wood, rocks and stuff (page: 1 2) | 26 | Sep 29 2009, 1:43 AM EDT by dbsagates | ||||
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Thread started: Jan 11 2009, 11:23 PM EST
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I have finally got back on to edit pages and have started getting caught up ojn the last several months of pictures and stuff. Here are the links to the new pages thus far. There are several pages under treasures just hit the next page thingy at the bottom of the page.
Paul Wood working Bazaar setup pics and inlace: http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/page/Wood+Working+pg+3 Purchased saw and rock collection: http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/page/Treasures+pg2
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| tool_for_a_fool | Anyone have a Rock saw in washington? | 1 | Sep 25 2009, 1:21 AM EDT by pvjjh | ||||
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Thread started: Sep 24 2009, 4:38 PM EDT
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So i've got alot of geodes from walker valley, and as of recently i've been finding alot of amazing material. But I need one of your guys help if possible... Any locals on here have a rock saw 8 inches or bigger that can cut some of my geodes/vugs? I could kick ya down some cash for you cutting my stones or possibly part of some of the specimens. we can talk it over... but please if you live anywhere near or in snohomish county and have a saw drop me a message.
-Nate-
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| pvjjh | A Tumbling Question (page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... last page) | 193 | Sep 23 2009, 7:11 AM EDT by WizardOfTheStone | ||||
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Thread started: Mar 3 2009, 4:48 PM EST
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Ok I have a question. When polishing stones in tumblers many people use buffers of sorts to help protect the rocks from hitting each other and affecting the polished surface. For instance, I primarily use the plastic pellets. I know companies sell a bunch of different types of media to go into the polishing phase of tumbling. I remember Tom mentioning he uses 3 different sizes of ceramic pallets when polishing sometimes. What is the best or I guess your recommendations as to what buffering or polishing media to use and on what types of rocks and I guess also why? I guess that is really 3 questions in one. lol Does it matter as to the type of polish being used - cerium, linde, tin etc,- the type of tumbler be it a rotating drum or a vibratory unit?. Do you use different amounts of water during the polishing phase with different buffering media and why?
Man that is a bunch of questions. lol Sorry about that, however, I am curious as to what different people use and why. Just thought it might help out some of the beginners and me for sure. Thanks. Paul
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Keyword tags:
buffers
polishing
polishing rocks
tumblers
tumbling
vibratory tumblers
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| rockhuntress | chiastolite (page: 1 2 3) | 42 | Sep 11 2009, 12:48 PM EDT by jakesrocks | ||||
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Thread started: Aug 9 2009, 9:15 PM EDT
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i am the very proud owner of 13 oz. of chiastolite ranging from tiny pieces to what i've read is called a "wand" which is about 2.5 in. long and 1 in. around. i want to tumble these, but my first question is: because these are very smooth, do i need to start with the 60/90 grit, or should i go to the 120 grit? with my 3 longer pieces, should i take them to be cut into thinner slices?? or should i leave these as big, big, big pieces and just polish them?
thanks!!! nan, aka "rockhuntress"
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| dnyboy | Lapidary Equipment (page: 1 2 3) | 43 | Aug 27 2009, 11:51 PM EDT by gamaliel114 | ||||
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Thread started: Jul 4 2009, 2:04 AM EDT
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Hi Folks new guy in the hobbt just starting out and have no equipment looking for a saw and 6 wheel grinder any thoughts or maybe pointing me in the right direction any help appreciated Thx
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| Peejeeweejeewoo | Ring | 2 | Aug 26 2009, 11:36 AM EDT by dbsagates | ||||
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Thread started: Aug 25 2009, 2:09 PM EDT
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This is really a beautiful ring. Wow.
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| Peejeeweejeewoo | TeePee Canyon Agate Pendant by dbsagates | 2 | Aug 25 2009, 2:40 PM EDT by jakesrocks | ||||
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Thread started: Aug 25 2009, 2:15 PM EDT
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This too, is a beautiful piece of jewelry ... how much? :)
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| beeleever | Native American Power Animals and Jewelry | 1 | Aug 12 2009, 4:53 PM EDT by gamaliel114 | ||||
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Thread started: Aug 12 2009, 4:03 PM EDT
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I just got back from a camping vacation to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and four to five times saw black bears roaming during the daytime. One was a mother and cub and the other times just cubs. This was the first time I've seen bears in person while hiking, camping, or driving. When I saw them many times I thought they might be my power animal. During Shamanic Journeys before, a mountain lion was my power animal. During one of my journeys I became the puma. This time I relate strongly to the black bear. From past down stories, supposedly, I have Creek Indian blood in me from way back. My dad is the Native American side. When he hooked a rug once, it had all Native American symbols on it. Predominate was the Thunderbird. My dad loved carving stone, cutting and polishing them, and making jewelry from his gemstones. He made elks tooth earrings for my mom once too. I truly admire especially inlaid jewelry created by Native American Artists. That is one of my dreams to create beautiful jewelry someday.
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| pvjjh | A slab polishing Question(s) (page: 1 2) | 22 | Aug 12 2009, 3:06 PM EDT by washingtoncougar | ||||
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Thread started: Aug 7 2009, 7:48 PM EDT
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Ok I have to get serious sometimes. After starting the Tumbling thread I thought it is time to start one about polishing slabs. OK here goes. How does one or you folks go about polishing slabs or cut geodes etc without the help of a flat lap? What types of equipment to you use and what types of media you use and where you get such media? If there are any suggestions of vendors for media that are not already on the list, I will add them to the Resource page. I ask this, not only that I couldn't find much information when I did a search, but I am one without a flat lap and have way to many saws and cut slabs laying around here that need polishing. Cutting and polishing a cab is no problem, it is the flat or larger pieces that I am have difficulty in grinding flat and polishing.
Thanks, Paul
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| Rockhound5555 | THE GREAT SAW ADVENTURE!! | 12 | Aug 2 2009, 11:26 PM EDT by pvjjh | ||||
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Thread started: Jul 25 2009, 2:19 AM EDT
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I HAVE POSTED A ADVENTURE IN TRIP REPORTS. HOPE YOU ENJOY THE STORY AND PICTURES.
SORRY I'M STILL HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THINGS WHERE I WANT THEM IN THIS WIKI. SHARON
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| gamaliel114 | Cutting geodes | 17 | Jul 29 2009, 11:02 AM EDT by dbsagates | ||||
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Thread started: Jul 22 2009, 8:31 PM EDT
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My son has this little geode he wants me to cut in half he got from his grandmother
http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/photos/album/96295/Funday/photo/6775673/son%27s+geode I was wondering what was the best way to cut it (if it matters), across the seams or parallel with them.? ~Zeke
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| WizardOfTheStone | In Light Of Site Changes.. (page: 1 2) | 26 | Jul 27 2009, 6:05 PM EDT by gamaliel114 | ||||
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Thread started: Jul 25 2009, 10:25 AM EDT
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I really didn't notice an area to post "Site Suggestions" so I figured I start a thread:
1) I feel the forum needs more of structure, meaning categories for ones post IE Off Topic area.. Site Suggestions area.. Gem Mine Reviews area.. Rock Tumbling area.. etc.. This way instead of view everyone's post all in one long line. I can click a selected category and goto the forum topics I'm interested in. 2) Is there away to move or relocate the "block" or "listed Pages" on the left side of the page?.. this seem to be taking up allot of room..I say this because many of the posted.. tend to run the pages off to the right, out of view.. Typically most screens are 15'' - 18'' wide.. But even with my 22'' screen the blogs, post and pages are way to big.. True It could be an use error in the aspect of adjusting image size and text.. 3) Seeing as how this wiki is no longer associated with the show.. or is it.. is it possible to reduce the size of the ads at the top of the page?.. If there isn't an issue with keeping the Kristen treasure hunting image.. thats great.. But the travel channel ad is rather big.. bigger then most other sites with this same type of markup or format. 4) Also, It would appear that when I attempt to link words or images to an off site storage service.. The link doesn't work.. it simply redirects to something similar located at the Wiki.. Is there away to correct this issue.. Basically I would post a smaller image here.. But when a User clicks the image it would redirect to sites like Photobucket, Flickr and My personal favorite Virb. True.. this wiki wants images posted here and even stored here.. But happens when "storage" runs out.. If any.. The constance flow and upload of images does use up bandwidth etc.. and that leads me to the next question.. (Page 2)
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Keyword tags:
concrete saw
lightbox
photography
saw
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| WizardOfTheStone | Learning The Trade: "Dop Sticks, Dop Pot and a Doll Bench" (page: 1 2) | 33 | Jul 25 2009, 11:25 PM EDT by dbsagates | ||||
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Thread started: Jul 14 2009, 9:36 AM EDT
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N/A
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Keyword tags:
Citrine
Doll Bench Alterations
Dop Pot
Dop Stick
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