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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 10, 2019 23:19:42 GMT -5
Hate to say it, Ali, but I think Rick's right about that one. I think there's too much white in the middle of it and I'm not seeing even a glint of fire anywhere.
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Post by MsAli on Jan 11, 2019 0:02:22 GMT -5
I don't consider myself an expert but I've cut a whole lot of fire agate. Good stones usually show color from the beginning although some "sleepers" can often be spectacular if you know how to peel the layers. Very generally speaking, if you don't see promising color after carefully grinding or sawing away the white chalcedony layer, you may have a dud. Not all fire agate is structured the same way and there are numerous exceptions to that rule . But color should be visible at some point during the initial "exploration" process,. After you see it then it's a matter of grinding or sanding along the color contours to reveal the full layer. Some FA's have multiple layers and then you have to decide which one may be the best and brightest. But I've ruined many a stone by over-cutting. It's sad but unless you're willing to pay top prices for obviously colorful rough, you're mostly cutting blind. Maybe you'd be better off starting with windowed rough, where the color is obvious. It's a little more expensive but they'll teach you how the colors run and give you the satisfaction of producing a nice finished stone. Like shrimpin', fire agate cutting ain't easy. ETA: we were posting at the same time. I think I'd give up on that piece and start with a fresh rough. I see no obvious fire layers, nor any indication you'll find one. I could be wrong. I cant see any either The 1st one I did it showed right away. This one has been a lesson in my different bits though, so not an total loss I like the idea of windowed FA, but I've never been one to do things the easy way
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,732
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 11, 2019 1:17:30 GMT -5
[quote author="MsAli "I cant see any either The 1st one I did it showed right away. This one has been a lesson in my different bits though, so not an total loss I like the idea of windowed FA, but I've never been one to do things the easy way [/quote][/p] I wasn't suggesting that you do things the easy way; I thought you might benefit from the learning process. Most windowed roughs aren't close to being finished and there's a lot to be learned from the process of completing one. Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do.
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Post by MsAli on Jan 11, 2019 9:05:07 GMT -5
I'm sorry, I knew what you meant It didnt translate well that I'm sorta dumb sometimes when it comes to work smarter not harder It is a great idea to go that route 1st You've been very helpful and its appreciated so very much
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Jan 11, 2019 12:05:13 GMT -5
That one is a dud, move on to the next.
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Post by MsAli on Jan 11, 2019 12:42:47 GMT -5
That one is a dud, move on to the next. It is now tumbling material FA 3 will be started tomorrow
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Post by miket on Jan 11, 2019 12:46:14 GMT -5
That's a shame...
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Jan 11, 2019 13:29:40 GMT -5
That one is a dud, move on to the next. It is now tumbling material FA 3 will be started tomorrow You'll be able to recognize duds more quickly you work with more fire agate. that particular piece has that wispy pattern that pretty much never contains fire. Makes fun cabochons though. The ones that I dislike are those that have nice stacks of layers, but for whatever reason the layers never developed color...just thick stacks of brown. boo.
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Post by MsAli on Jan 12, 2019 18:11:46 GMT -5
FA #3 is one I got from Billy He may kill me for this It has some gorgeous color and for the most part was done with the exception of some chips and sides rough So my brilliant minds says DO IT I am VERY carefully avoiding the main color spot and working on the chips and sides only Picture 1 is when I got it The rest have been after me working on it for a bit and shown wet
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jan 12, 2019 18:43:47 GMT -5
Naaah - he'll prob'ly only kill you if he really wants it back... .
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Post by MsAli on Jan 12, 2019 19:06:25 GMT -5
Naaah - he'll probly only kill you if he really wants it back... . He just might But he knows I'll send it back to him
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Post by MsAli on Jan 13, 2019 22:34:52 GMT -5
In between reading the new John Sanford, laundry and creating/finishing copper pieces I tackled this one today I'll give it a little more grinding, but looks like another dud
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Post by fernwood on Jan 14, 2019 8:32:23 GMT -5
One from Billy is great. The other one, another dud. Hit and miss.
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Post by MsAli on Jan 14, 2019 9:02:40 GMT -5
Thin diamond blade on my dremel Using 80 grit and then 100 grit bits
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 14, 2019 9:11:18 GMT -5
Yep, agree, another dud.
Onward to the next one!
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Post by MsAli on Jan 16, 2019 22:13:41 GMT -5
Oh my NOT a dud! I found it! Cant tell by picture all that well, but it's there. Ok, so I'm a tad excited I'm gonna keep working on it Problem is it is at such an odd angle. I need to trim away very carefully
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 16, 2019 22:43:49 GMT -5
Down towards the bottom there? Persistence pays off!
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Post by MsAli on Jan 16, 2019 23:09:40 GMT -5
Yep slowly peeking through. Looks like nice red and greens. I need to get off more calcedony on the one side as I see a potential for more there as well
But my eyes are telling me to stop So I've put it away for now
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Post by miket on Jan 17, 2019 10:17:56 GMT -5
Get it!
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Post by MsAli on Jan 19, 2019 19:26:45 GMT -5
Took a break from the others to start a piece that Robin and Vince sent me. It's been windowed so we know there is color. Let's see if I manage to screw it up
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