NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 13, 2009 21:38:21 GMT -5
Here's a piece of the chrysocolla Shannon gave me. I slabbed it a while back and cabbed it today. I can see I really need to work on my technique to get rid of the flat spots, and it should have gone back a few steps to get rid of those darn scratches, but that's how we learn, right? It's approx. 7/8" x 1 1/8" Thanks for looking! Nate
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Post by NatureNut on Aug 13, 2009 22:02:29 GMT -5
Hey Nate that's a nice looking cab. Sometimes I think we should take pics after each belt so we can check for scratches before going to the next stage.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 13, 2009 22:37:40 GMT -5
Thanks Jo. I saw the scratches through my loupe when I was on the 600 disc, and tried to work them out. I was too lazy to throw the 400 back on and get them out as it was getting dark and I was in the driveway. It's still glued to the nail, so I can still take it back. I see after another inspection the dome is more peaked in the center than I care for, so It'll get redone eventually.
Nate
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Post by frane on Aug 14, 2009 21:31:34 GMT -5
I think it is really getting there and will be a great one once it is all done. It has a wonderful mix of colors in it! Fran
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 14, 2009 21:43:10 GMT -5
That chrys is going to be one fine looking cab once you're done with it!
What do you use after the 600 belt in your process? So far, I only go up to 600 on my belts, then it's either toss them in the vibe with other stuff, or try to polish on the 8" disc with a leather pad and polish emulsion in a spray bottle. So far, not much good except for the hardest stones.
Tom
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 14, 2009 22:45:26 GMT -5
Tom, I just built an 8" lap. On it I use diamond discs in 100, 260, 400, 600, and 1200 grit. I'm thinking I may need to go back to using silicone carbide discs with foam under them to smooth out the flat spots, or maybe get some diamond paste and work it on a softer base. I have a 6" disc with a worn 600 grit with the foam underneath. I'll probably throw that on after working out the scratches and see if it smooths out better.
Nate
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 15, 2009 21:42:20 GMT -5
Ok everyone, I re-did this cab this evening. I took it all the way back to the 260 grit plate, went up to the 600 diamond plate, and finished with the worn 600 S/C disc with foam underneath it. I got out all those nasty scratches seen previously, and the foam disc definitely smoothed out the flat spots. I think it was meant to be redone, because there's 2 tiny spots in the upper right where there's some gold (pyrite?) showing through now. It was only on the back before, and I thought it didn't go all the way through. There's a little undercutting on there, especially on the brown spots which worked like mud. You have to look for them though. But all in all I'm much happier with this cab now. Thanks for looking! Nate
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Post by NatureNut on Aug 15, 2009 22:00:28 GMT -5
Nate, now the cab has so much depth and deeper color to it. Nice job! Jo
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Aug 15, 2009 22:09:13 GMT -5
Nice cab, great colors.
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cman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2009
Posts: 207
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Post by cman on Aug 16, 2009 7:19:43 GMT -5
Looks good even though you have to go back to clean it up.
I had same problem this weekend looked with loupe and darn nick from other wheel. I couldn't see it with just reading glasses.
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Post by texaswoodie on Aug 16, 2009 8:00:44 GMT -5
Great lookin cab Nate!
Curt
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 16, 2009 20:54:40 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! cman - them darn loupes, huh? They should be outlawed lol!
Nate
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Post by stoner on Aug 17, 2009 11:21:38 GMT -5
Throw the loupe away and use your fingers! If you feel a flat spot, you've got scratches! Chrysocolla isn't an easy stone to work, so I'd say you did a great job on this one.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 17, 2009 20:56:49 GMT -5
Thank you stoner, much appreciated. I'll try your tip next time I'm working a stone. I hate using the loupe. It makes my eyes go all buggy for a short time after I look through it.
Nate
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Post by Bejewelme on Aug 17, 2009 21:51:36 GMT -5
Nate: Chrysacolla is a tough stone to work and it looks super! We got dollar store magnifying glasses which work a little better for seeing the scratches! You are doing nice work so don't beat yourself up, this is a beauty! Amber
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 17, 2009 22:15:17 GMT -5
Thanks Amber. Good to see ya back on the board.
Nate
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Aug 18, 2009 1:53:50 GMT -5
Nice cab
You got a good shine on it , I have a problem with this stuff as you say it undercuts as well excelent work
Jack Yorkshire uk
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 18, 2009 20:20:20 GMT -5
Thank you Jack!
Nate
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