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Post by Pat on May 22, 2015 21:19:30 GMT -5
If using the small crock pot, don't forget to unplug it when you are away from the bench overnight. The water for the PH down will evaporate pretty quickly even with the lid on and the pot could crack. I refresh mine with distilled water and one batch lasts a long time with me pickling several pieces daily Yes, I have done this several times. Not recommended!. Unplug, but leave the lid tilted so it doesn't get stuck. We put several ho-hum rocks in the bottom of a tuna fish/cat food strainer (all plastic), to make it easier to pick up small items in the pot. Very hard to get flat items off the bottom of the flat pot. The strainer makes it easier to lift items out of the pot. radio, why are you using distilled water? Do you pieces come out cleaner? Going to look into Santa Fe Jewelers and Indian Jewelers. Thanks, radio.
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 22, 2015 21:47:07 GMT -5
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Post by radio on May 23, 2015 7:45:16 GMT -5
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Post by radio on May 23, 2015 8:04:07 GMT -5
If using the small crock pot, don't forget to unplug it when you are away from the bench overnight. The water for the PH down will evaporate pretty quickly even with the lid on and the pot could crack. I refresh mine with distilled water and one batch lasts a long time with me pickling several pieces daily Yes, I have done this several times. Not recommended!. Unplug, but leave the lid tilted so it doesn't get stuck. We put several ho-hum rocks in the bottom of a tuna fish/cat food strainer (all plastic), to make it easier to pick up small items in the pot. Very hard to get flat items off the bottom of the flat pot. The strainer makes it easier to lift items out of the pot. radio, why are you using distilled water? Do you pieces come out cleaner? Going to look into Santa Fe Jewelers and Indian Jewelers. Thanks, radio. Drill a 1/8 inch hole in the lid so it won't vapor lock on you anymore and still doesn't allow much evaporation . Just one less thing to try to remember to do like tilt the lid(cheers) I use a pair of steam tweezers to retrieve items from the pot >> www.sfjssantafe.com/items.php?Gid=039&ItemSet=Tweezers&DepId=toolsI use distilled water as it seems to not break down the PH down like tap water. I noticed that after a few times of topping off the pickle pot with tap water I had to mix a new batch. I now top off with distilled and haven't mixed a new batch in at least two months. Keep in mind I use mine 5-6 days a week and pickle several items each day. I always add items to my shopping cart, then call in my order as I don't like to send credit card info through the computer. Tell Wendy or Kristen at SFJS that Arlen from Sho Me Silver sent ya. They are a small family owned business and are fantastic to deal with. I don't say that about very many places I spend so much money with
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ol3m3
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2006
Posts: 85
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Post by ol3m3 on May 23, 2015 20:37:48 GMT -5
Before going out and buying a lot of equipment find a local lapidry club and get some lessons, talk to the members and find out what equipment you will need for the type of work you want to do. When I first started out I bought all kinds of stuff that I never use.
The suggestion about going to Quartzsite is a good one, plan on spending the entire winter season, there are a number of reasonably priced RV parks in town, and for a cheaper alternative you can spend 6 months in the desert at the BLM Long term visitor areas for $180. No hookups or electricity, but the BLM does provide trash dumpsters, a dump station and fresh water.
The Gem and mineral shows start in early January and are a great place to pick up used equipment, there are also dealers that will have new equipment, that are usually fairly reasonable on the prices.
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 23, 2015 22:30:24 GMT -5
I am unable to spend much...
...fixed income. Hence food stamp reference.
The disposable propane sounds doable.
I also discovered there is a local gem and mineral club. The people that have the Cabmate pointed me towards them. The club meets monthly. Shows every 3 months.
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 23, 2015 22:53:57 GMT -5
My plan is to get the lapidary tools this month (June). Go to the sunstone mine for a couple days and then start cabbing and carving when I return! Also study up on working precious metals during breaks!!! :cool:
Then get the silver smithing stuff in July...!
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ol3m3
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2006
Posts: 85
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Post by ol3m3 on May 24, 2015 13:27:03 GMT -5
Does the club you are thinking about joining have any facilities? Many clubs will have a shop with equipment for the members to use, and will offer classes. Sounds like the club you are looking at is more of a social affinity group, will have to approach individual members for classes
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 24, 2015 15:23:16 GMT -5
Not sure... I'll check
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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 12, 2015 22:08:46 GMT -5
Hey guys, a great pickle that is more or less "green" is simply vinegar and dissolve kosher salt in till it's a saturated solution. (No more salt will dissolve). Works great and dirt cheap,
Tom
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