jerrys
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2014
Posts: 263
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Post by jerrys on Jul 19, 2014 9:41:06 GMT -5
How does one polish 6" x 6" slabs of UT septarian nodules? Normally, I would use the vibrating laps with grit. I have concern the grit will cause undercutting. How will the calcite handle the heat of high speed dry sanding?
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donkeyrokman
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2014
Posts: 78
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Post by donkeyrokman on Jul 19, 2014 10:49:02 GMT -5
The big problem is that you have three different hardness levels: Calcite Limestone Aragonite
Undercutting is a real concern. Plus, if you have any crystal vugs, it's super easy to pick up bits of crystal and scrape them across the surface, creating more problems.
I use a pneumatic, water-fed die grinder with diamond polishing pads, and that makes fast work of Septarians, but not too many folks have access to that kind of equipment.
I would normally suggest asking Loy Crapo from the Bug House in Delta, Utah, but he died a couple of years back. His son-in-law took over production, and even though he doesn't have Loy's many years of experience, he probably knows a few tricks. His name is Russ. I don't want to post his cell phone on line, but the store number is 435-864-2402.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 19, 2014 11:09:02 GMT -5
I've done septarians on a disc sander, (The upright stand mounted type), using an aluminum backing plate with no padding. I used the peel off discs used for metal prep all the way to 1200 grit without water. Just work slowly so as not to overheat them. I finished them on felt with no padding and cerium oxide.
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Jul 19, 2014 19:46:13 GMT -5
I use my jiggle pan and have had great results. 220, 360, 600 then tin on carpet. I have not done tons of them but so far so good.
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