h2otech
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 74
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Post by h2otech on Sept 23, 2009 13:43:48 GMT -5
Hello all, I have a few Montana slabs that have small cracks in them. I want to cab them but am sure they will break at the cracks. I have read the earlier post on using Opticon. I was told the Hot Stuff worked just as well and was easier. Is anybody familiar with this product and the steps to use it. Any help with this would be appreciated. Thanx Jim
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Sept 23, 2009 14:35:43 GMT -5
Hot stuff will work and keep the stone together but won't do much for hiding the crack. Be careful when using an accelerator if you have hot stuff on your fingers. You will find out the true reason why it's called hotstuff. ;-)
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free4rms
freely admits to licking rocks
My little pet walrus
Member since January 2007
Posts: 839
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Post by free4rms on Sept 24, 2009 7:36:23 GMT -5
Rockdewd is right, you need to be careful when using any of the super glues. I would recommend getting something like Attack or Super Solvent at one of the lapidary supply places. This will dissolve any super glue very fast. If you get your fingers stuck together, you will wish you had some.
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 25, 2009 8:38:42 GMT -5
The sad fact about Montana agate is it is always fractured. You really need to cut around the fractures. The CA glues (Hot Stuff, Starbond, etc.) will fill fractures and dry clear. The fracture will still be there and may be less noticeable. They come in different consistencies (very thin, medium, gel) and will fill more but penetrate less in thicker consistencies.
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h2otech
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 74
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Post by h2otech on Sept 25, 2009 8:56:54 GMT -5
Would I need to heat the stone with the CA glues? Also do you think the Opticon method is better? Thanx again for your help, Jim
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Sept 25, 2009 12:10:49 GMT -5
No heat required for CA. I've seen people heat Opticon but do it outside because of the fumes. With either method be sure the stone is as dry as you can get it. If you are doing a bunch of pieces put them in the oven overnight at the lowest setting. If you are just doing a stone or two then putting them under an incandescent light bulb for an hour or two. Let the stone cool a bit then apply whatever method you choose.
BTW acetone will remove CA glues. If using opticon or another epoxy then you need Attack or paint stripper containing methylene chloride. The paint stripper is the cheaper option. Be sure to use these chemicals with good ventilation.
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aunuts
fully equipped rock polisher
Some days are gold, some are rocks. Either is cool.
Member since March 2006
Posts: 1,110
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Post by aunuts on Sept 25, 2009 13:34:00 GMT -5
my advice for Opticon is don't follow the directions. I clean my rocks well with acetone, then mix my opticon following the directions THEN I mix it 50/50 with acetone. Let your rock sit in it overnight, then take it out to dry. By thinning it like this, it permeates the rock much better, is easier (no heating), & dries faster. I've always ended up with good stable stones this way. Jo
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Post by Tonyterner on Sept 26, 2009 14:23:58 GMT -5
I use CA (cyanoacrylate) glue all the time with great success. I use the thin on tight cracks and the thin then thick on bigger cracks or pits. It won't hide the cracks as others have said but it does a great job of holding the rock together. I buy mine from a place in California called Starbond. It comes in 5 viscosities and in black as well. As others have said watch the fumes. I'm constantly getting them in my eyes and trust me that is something you don't want to do.
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h2otech
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 74
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Post by h2otech on Sept 29, 2009 14:34:42 GMT -5
Thanx to all for the information. Jim
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