Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Feb 27, 2009 16:32:48 GMT -5
Well, I've been mostly lurking on this board for a while now. Once in a while I get in on a discussion or buy some rocks from members but stay quiet for the most part. Soooo... I have been training myself with making cabs for about 6 months now. It's been a learning process but I am getting better, which is a good thing. So far, most of what I have used are from chunks and not nice slabs. I'm saving the good slabs for when I get a little better. One thing I noticed where I differ from most everybody is I put a defined side on my cabs. I tried to change that and go the route that all the others go but decided I liked the edge better. I don't really show it in any picture but what's the general feeling on that kind of style? I finally worked up the courage to post something, so here they are. These are my most recent works. My photo and lighting skills need a lot of work. Starting with a beach rock of sorts... Laboradite Thanks for looking. All feedback is welcome. I welcome criticism as it's the only way to get better, so lay it on me
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dscratch
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 214
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Post by dscratch on Feb 27, 2009 18:15:38 GMT -5
Nice set of cabs. You've come a long way in 6 months of cabbing. I really like the last one. The patterns on the second one are nice too. All of them look good. Thanks for posting.
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1rockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 286
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Post by 1rockhound on Feb 27, 2009 18:24:48 GMT -5
The edge you are talking about is called a bezel line and alot of people actually do that. I for one do this so it is easier to set in a pendant. If you look in this pic of one of my cabs you will see the bezel line. By the way nice cabs the last one by far is my favorite one of the bunch. Jason
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Post by Bejewelme on Feb 27, 2009 18:25:56 GMT -5
Larry: Good for you that you finally posted! I posted everything I made for the last 4 months good and bad, and guess what? My cabs have gotten better due to all the support and help I have gotten from the very talented people on here! Cabbing is hard, especially when teaching yourself! The people here are so willing to help! I think they look great, I like 2, 5 and 6 best!! I am still struggling and I have a very patient teacher!!! I hope that this board will be a great educational tool for you!! Don't be shy, I'm not !!! It might be helpful to know what type of cabbing machine you are using? And a wonderful cab master, Bobby1 told me "cab what you like don't save the good stuff. " You will find that on the materials that you really like, you try even harder to make a really nice cab!! Best of luck and look forward to seeing more of your work! Amber
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Feb 27, 2009 22:04:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the comments. It kind of shows that the first five pieces were ones I forced myself into by the size and shape of the starting chunk and the last one was one I planned. Now with the new templates, I'm going to finally cut with confidence and make the shapes what I want instead of being forced into it.
Amber, you are right that I just need to work on what I like and not hoard my favorite slabs. Also, I am working on a flat lap at home.
Jason, thanks for the look at your cab. I tried looking to see if others used a bezel side and all I found were the curved edges, though not many people give a shot of the sides so it was hard to tell. It's nice to know I'm not doing something wrong.
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Post by fishenman on Feb 27, 2009 22:19:42 GMT -5
Nice work Larry, hope to see more. Amber gives good advice to work what you like. I never do my best if I don't love the material.
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Feb 27, 2009 22:54:57 GMT -5
Nice set of cabs, I like the second one and last two. Looks like you're getting a very good polish from your last two pictures.
I always cut an edge on my cabs. I draw the edge on the pre-form and don't cut below it. This allows me to cut a uniform dome.
The next set of cabs I do, I'll take a photo of the edge.
Keep up the good work.
HPD
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Post by akansan on Feb 27, 2009 23:49:44 GMT -5
Glad you worked up the courage to post! I really like the set of cabs - and I agree, the second one and last two are really strong.
I'm another bezel cutter - I cut my cabs for wire-wrapping with a straight bezel, and the ones I'm planning on eventually setting with a slightly tapered bezel.
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Post by stonesthatrock on Feb 28, 2009 9:12:40 GMT -5
your work looks very nice. I i think most of the people here cut the sides flat and work the to 1/3 of the stone into the domed shape. i hope i said that correct.
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Post by Titania on Feb 28, 2009 10:04:21 GMT -5
Glad you decided to post! I put edges on all of my cabs, as well. I've seen cabs that don't have defined edges before, but I prefer a nice edge on mine. You're definitely doing well! 2,5 and 7 are my favorites. I really love the deep yellow in #5. Looks like you're getting a great shine on them! Keep up the good work and POST MORE!
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Post by frane on Mar 1, 2009 10:54:29 GMT -5
Well Larry,
Now you've done it! You have to keep posting your beautiful cabs! ;D I like them all but I keep going back to the patterns in your first one...Great! Fran
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Mar 1, 2009 13:48:16 GMT -5
Wow, I came back to this post to look again. I see a really weird face in your first cab, with like a popped out sagging eyeball. Anyone else see that? Freaky man.
HPD
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Post by frane on Mar 1, 2009 15:33:27 GMT -5
Yep, that is why I keep going back to it. Picasso, has nothing on that one! Fran
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Post by sitnwrap on Mar 1, 2009 15:42:45 GMT -5
You cabs look great and looking forward to more of your pics. I'm not a cabber yet so will leave the suggestions to the experts.
I love the beach stone popped out eyeball and all.
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Post by stoner on Mar 1, 2009 16:06:47 GMT -5
Nice work, don't be so hard on yourself, these cabs look great.
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Post by beefjello on Mar 1, 2009 19:16:03 GMT -5
Good job there Larry! The first one has a killer 'Nightmare Before Christmas' look to it Great progression, sweet stones!
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Post by BuiltonRock on Mar 1, 2009 20:25:33 GMT -5
No courage needed. Those are great!!
John
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Mar 2, 2009 0:20:20 GMT -5
Thanks again for the responses. It's good to know I'm on the right track at least. I'm onto my next set so hopefully I'll have more to post soon.
And as far as the face thing goes, that's why I still love cabbing beach rocks. You can look at a cab of good material and many people can guess the name (Mel can guess them all probably). But with beach rocks, it's a nice freedom to know that it's really nothing you can put a name on... it's just a cool rock.
Thanks again for the encouragement!
-Larry
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,777
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Post by adrian65 on Mar 2, 2009 12:36:47 GMT -5
Those cabs are great! Excepting the 4th one which looks like a difficult rock to cab, they all have perfect, smooth shapes. The last one is very nice and original, I like that edge on the dome. The first three ones are my favorites.
Adrian
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catskillrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,270
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Post by catskillrocks on Mar 5, 2009 17:33:19 GMT -5
Larry, those are awesome. You sure have the talent. Glad you posted, now I can't wait to see some of your "good stuff"!
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