baojiazhi
starting to shine!
Member since October 2008
Posts: 40
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Post by baojiazhi on Mar 2, 2010 16:35:35 GMT -5
I have been cutting and selling cabs for a number of years both online and at some shows. I am interested to know if you prefer freeform or standard shapes? I cut both types but for some reason end up defaulting to cutting circles and ovals. I have a problem designing freeform shapes that I find balanced and attractive. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Mar 2, 2010 16:51:23 GMT -5
Personally I prefer freeform shapes with some exceptions - like I prefer turquoise in round shapes. I don't know why, just that is what is appealing to me. I also prefer fatter cabs than most. It has something to do with feeling the cabs in my hands, I like them hefty...
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Post by krazydiamond on Mar 2, 2010 17:28:30 GMT -5
i like other people's freeforms best....mine suck. i also suck at wire wrapping. so, for the most part, because i use "store bought" mountings, i tend to make standard sizes of ovals.
i did take a silversmithing course, but creating the mounting takes a lot of time and i prefer to spend that time with the stone.
KD
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Post by stardiamond on Mar 2, 2010 17:33:22 GMT -5
The cabs I cut are mini sculptures not designed to be set, are relatively large and I can't cut a decent circle or oval, so I stay away from those shapes. I generally try to pick shapes that are symmetrical including squares, triangles and rectangles. I try to pick a shape that use the best scene available on the material.
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Mar 2, 2010 18:15:36 GMT -5
Good question! Being still new at this, I like to use the templates for the calibrated cabs for the practice of getting them 'right'. I tend to use the ovals a lot, as I like the pleasing shape. But, I have used all the shapes for the practice. I think learning things like getting a nice straight line on the girdle and a smooth dome are very important. And, that straight girdle line is tricky!! I seem to have to work really hard on that. I am also starting to make some freeforms also. Sometimes, it just gets boring using the templates. Plus, like what has already been stated, it is good to study the stone, and cut and grind to maximize the effect of a pattern that is in the stone. I have a couple of stones that I have not cut yet because I am waiting for the stone to tell me what shape it want. lol!! Am I crazy?? Probably,lol. Sometimes, the inspiration just doesn't come, so I go do some other things, like ovals!! You know, there is a place for both, cali's and freeforms. Remember, its' all in the eye of the beholder. I look forward to the replies of the other good folks here, so I will hush now. Thanks again for this good topic!
Mike
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dbrealityrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2010
Posts: 1,084
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Post by dbrealityrocks on Mar 2, 2010 18:21:04 GMT -5
the 1st thing I do is any fractured slabs I hold about 2' off the floor and drop flat. often times I polish to the basic shape of the small pieces. (not for everyone, some can't handle the dropping) Then I go through and mark out ovals and circles then use pieces in between as freeforms. Often times when trimming out the ovals and circles I decide they don't make the best use of complete pattern so I change to a freeform. I also change from circle to hexagon or pentagon when trimming.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Mar 2, 2010 18:50:07 GMT -5
Rocks that are solid colors (patternless) look best as calibrated ovals and circles. Cabs with patterns can go either way, but I personally like freeforms best. Freeforms also look better in wire IMO.
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49er
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since February 2008
Posts: 753
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Post by 49er on Mar 3, 2010 0:57:27 GMT -5
Like both...mostly depends on who I am making them for too. If for wife or selling them to aunt the standard shape, if selling to other or use for myself then freeform.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2010 1:03:57 GMT -5
Both serve their purpose. There are certain applications where a standard shape is the only thing that will do. It gives a nice balanced "even" look that some designs require. And for other applications, like when I incorporate cabs with chain mail......the chain mail border wraps will only work with a circle or oval cab. Then for those customers that want, or designs that call for something "a little different", the freeforms come into play. For those that think standard shapes are boring, take a look at bobby1's cabs and see how NOT boring they are LOL. How an oval cab that is 5" across with insane inclusions can be boring is beyond me. Also, standard shapes may be "typical" but if you havent tried them, you dont know how difficult it can be to keep the shape perfectly even. You know, those ones that start out a circle or an oval but by the time you are done with trying to get them "even" they have become freeforms LOL. Shan
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Post by susand24224 on Mar 3, 2010 1:34:04 GMT -5
They all have their place, I think. Some patterns for me demand a freeform so that many variations can be included without ending up with something that is too cumbersome. The most incredible ones I see here are ones that the rock "dictates" how the cuts are made. I do not have the design capability, either, but I sure do appreciate it when someone else does.
Susan
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Post by Woodyrock on Mar 3, 2010 1:47:39 GMT -5
Since you are selling cabs, you already know you can not compete with machine made calibrated cabs. That is where the freeforms really shine, especially if made from really good material, and the design flows with the patterns in the rock. Woody
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fossilbrain
spending too much on rocks
Cookie Monster agate
Member since October 2007
Posts: 360
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Post by fossilbrain on Mar 3, 2010 2:25:13 GMT -5
3rd world countries sell a slew of sweatshop cabs for ridiculously low prices, anymore, so two things, I think, set non-hack, more valuable craftsmanship apart (good such as yours, no doubt -- I'm sure you look at your work, standard shapes or not, and make it look nice vs. it being indiscriminantly spit out from an automated machine or a zoned out person waiting for lunch) : A) either atypical shapes, be they from a cool template that's not replicated in hundreds of thousands, or freeform based around the design nature put in the particular cut, which leads us into: B) at least intentionally framing the coolness of the natural design in a complementary way, be it(?), even, in a very common oval (hey, no problem in my book) or otherwise... So, basically, some go with trying to freeform to thier own liking (which always realize, we're likely our own, worst critics -- post here and these folks will let you know not to give up on work that was nicer than you thought, if you're like me = self-defeating... people might just buy freeforms from you for great prices you thought not good enough to lay out there on the table -- happens all the time -- you sounded unsure about doing freeform; I know you're already adept at selling typical shapes but I doubt you're worse than me on freeform and I get second looks, LOL... have you put some freeforms out on the table?)... or some use templates like the sticky thread at the top of this forum offers -- Tony Terner provided some awesome examples he drew on his AutoCad and loves sending to people for free in their email as an attachment -- and you can not only just use those, but trace them with pencil onto stone slabs and actually combine & morph them together, creating yet, new designs, altogether. ;D That's where freeform and template actually begin to blur the lines between standard and free (to me.. these are just my opinions) Sometimes, I start with a Tony Terner shape and realize the wheel "wants" me to morph his straight line on one side into either a concave or a con vex curve and I go with it if the preform "likes" it ---------------- There's nothing wrong with standard shapes -- I'd buy one from you all day long if it had personality. Then there's freeforms that always deserve a second look (but then again, how many customers of yours are bias toward originality as might be I? Who cares about "us" if "we're" 1 out of a thousand lookers? Another option is to include a few unusual shapes, even if they're totally templated with a pencil and/or even tweaked at the last minute due to the shape of the wheel and a line or inclusion looking up from you from the preform/slab saying "Hello -- this slight variation would be okay",hehe (yes ,I hear voices) ... then there's the fourth or last option of mixing stencils or templates together -- not altogether freeform by definition but something that can be a creative alternative somewhere between going out on a freeform limb and/or going with 20mm Oval "2B" etc.
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horsinaround
spending too much on rocks
If you don't lick rocks...you ain't cool
Member since November 2006
Posts: 315
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Post by horsinaround on Mar 3, 2010 7:24:26 GMT -5
I have a tendency to cut alot of circles adn ovals my self as my free forms SUCK !!!! lol my moto is "Hire a handicapper they are funny to watch" that is what it is like for me cutting free forms. lol the sad thing is I am handicapped for real..so it makes it even more funny to watch me...LOL... I do know having nicely cut slabs of approx. 1/4" thick helps tremendously when I am cutting and shaping my rocks. I cannot seem to get the correct thickness or evenness with my work force tile saw and the rocks move and I can only cut small rocks..which limits my ability to shape free forms. good luck and keep on rockin Steve
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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 Mar 3, 2010 7:34:36 GMT -5
When you look at my forum name you will see that I have a bit of a bias towards freeforms, but as others have already said, both standard shapes and freeforms have their place. The patterns on the stone will definitely have an influence on which way you want to go on each stone. I think having a variety of all shapes is the key to increased sales, too.
free4rms
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