bagofhammers
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2012
Posts: 4
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Post by bagofhammers on Nov 6, 2013 18:49:11 GMT -5
I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before, but how should I go about removing polish from small (less than 1mm) pockets in the surface of a cabochon? Thanks.
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Nov 6, 2013 19:24:35 GMT -5
An ultrasonic should do it, or high pressure water spray, or soak it for a bit and try the time-worn toothbrush and soap.
Much preferable is not to cab pitted stuff.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2013 19:49:42 GMT -5
Remove it before it dries and if the tooth brush (I use an electric) does not get it a tooth pick or water pick is about all I know of. Jim
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 6, 2013 20:36:02 GMT -5
You could soak it in acetone with the pits facing down, the polish should dissolve out.
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Post by orrum on Nov 6, 2013 21:02:39 GMT -5
Dont kill me for saying this but sometimes a black, brown, or gray etc Sharpie does wonders..... Please dont hurt me.....
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jollyrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2013
Posts: 409
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Post by jollyrockhound on Nov 6, 2013 21:26:38 GMT -5
An ultrasonic should do it, or high pressure water spray, or soak it for a bit and try the time-worn toothbrush and soap. Much preferable is not to cab pitted stuff. Should do it you can buy a sprayer from harbor frieght which would shoot water to remove it. I use dawn and an old tooth brush.
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,278
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Post by mossyrockhound on Nov 6, 2013 23:38:54 GMT -5
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2013 19:15:43 GMT -5
Sale: $32.99
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Post by pghram on Nov 7, 2013 22:31:57 GMT -5
I too have used an ultrasonic when necessary. Use some caution, though, as some stones may be damaged.
Rich
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Nov 8, 2013 9:34:59 GMT -5
I prefer stones with character, voids/vugs and natural edges. I switched from polishing compounds to 50000 & 100000grit pads to avoid the problem. Before switching to pads, soaking the stones overnight would help loosen dried polish and a plastic toothpick usually would work to get it out.
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robertm
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2013
Posts: 18
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Post by robertm on Nov 9, 2013 2:13:46 GMT -5
Hi All,
I have had this problem too! After cleaning the usual way with tooth brush and soap, I use a large syringe with a 22g needle ( cut/grind the sharp end to avoid sticking oneself)loaded with warm soapy water and squirt the cavity. It works well and costs less.
Regards RobertM
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Post by Rockoonz on Nov 9, 2013 2:53:16 GMT -5
When working stones with vugs or crystal pockets when I get to the polish stage I take a bar of generic white hand soap and rub it against them so the soap scrapes off into the holes, pack them full. After polishing a little soaking in water and maybe a little brushing and it's all gone.
Lee
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2013 8:36:16 GMT -5
When working stones with vugs or crystal pockets when I get to the polish stage I take a bar of generic white hand soap and rub it against them so the soap scrapes off into the holes, pack them full. After polishing a little soaking in water and maybe a little brushing and it's all gone. Lee Prevent it from getting in there. Now that seems like an awesome way to get it out. I use the pads also but the rock snot still gets in there and turns white when it dries. What is that saying? Prevention is the better part of valor, or something like that. Jim
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Post by bobby1 on Nov 9, 2013 22:12:30 GMT -5
The only method that I use and it is 100% effective every time is an ultrasonic machine using a small amount of dish detergent and 1/2 cup of pure ammonia. It onlt takes a few seconds, too. My method for the last 35 years. Bob
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Post by tntmom on Nov 12, 2013 2:15:36 GMT -5
I accidentally got wax in a druzy and I was told to use denatured alcohol to dissolve it as it is less agressive than acetone. Not sure if that would work with polish though? I haven't tried it yet on my druzy pocket cab but I will be soon.
EDIT: Hmmmmm..... listen to Bobby1! I think he is the one that recently told me about cleaning out the wax from the druzy!!!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 8:58:21 GMT -5
Wow Bob. Anyone that can get within 100 yards of pure ammonia has my respect. I run from Pine Sol. lol Jim
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amyk
fully equipped rock polisher
I'm a slabber, I'm a cabber, I'm a midnight wrapper.
Member since January 2010
Posts: 1,331
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Post by amyk on Nov 15, 2013 0:35:12 GMT -5
I also use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with a bit of dish soap. Thanks bobby, I will try ammonia on the stubborn ones.
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Post by 1dave on Nov 15, 2013 15:30:48 GMT -5
Remember the Lava Lamps?
The wax will float out in hot water.
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