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Post by frane on Feb 20, 2012 21:31:42 GMT -5
I do what chuck does. I stand behind the saw and pull the rock slowly toward me. I say slowly but it is really hard to go as slow as you should. Things that I wish I had known before starting: Wear a plastic bag or apron to keep water and mud off you. Standing behind the saw helps but it is still good to do the following: A full face shield is a good idea. Rock chips fly so fast, even eye protection really will not stop one from nicking your face. A full shield is a little more money but well worth it! Ear plugs are a bonus too! Have a bucket of water next to the saw to just drop slabs into. When you finish your cutting, drain the water and prepare to be surprised at how many you cut! Oh, if you ever see sparks, you are going way too fast. Sometimes when you have to rotate a rock to cut a slab off, it can really be tricky. If you have a block or large flat end dowel to guide the turn by keeping it firmly on the slab side you are cutting, you will have better luck keeping the slab strait. Best thing is to just have fun! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 20, 2012 21:22:12 GMT -5
Gotta love the picture jaspers! I never get tired of them! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 20, 2012 21:21:09 GMT -5
You sure find some beautiful materiel there! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 20, 2012 21:20:11 GMT -5
Beautiful saw and that wood is amazing especially the green! Great price! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 20, 2012 21:17:14 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! I think after these 20 I will switch to wood glue or something. It really does help to have that wood block! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 20, 2012 21:16:13 GMT -5
OK that is a WOW treat when you wet them! I am shocked at how much color shows then! Beautiful! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 19, 2012 7:23:11 GMT -5
OK, I finally glued a bunch of rocks with flat sides to wood blocks so I can get some good slabs without the rocks slipping in my saw. Used gorilla glue as suggested somewhere here but I can't remember what to use to remove the rock from the wood block. I cut it away on the bruneau but ended up with splinters of wood and a coating of glue on the stone...Does anyone know the secret? Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 19, 2012 7:20:27 GMT -5
I always tell myself I am going to pick a favorite and you virtually make that impossible! All are wonderful and I rarely see such a solid piece of Shattuckite! You do have top quality stuff! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 19, 2012 7:18:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the information Lee! That bruneau slab is the last one I cut. I had glued it to a wood block and that ended up thicker than I wanted but has beautiful orbs. I guess I really need to photo some slabs and post them. Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 19, 2012 7:15:47 GMT -5
You did a wonderful job on both Krystee! Great shine! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 19, 2012 7:14:49 GMT -5
Wow Chas! That is a beauty! I am with Krystee. Too bad it is a secret location! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 19:09:51 GMT -5
I finally finished a few cabs. It has been crazy at work and I have had little spare time and even less to play with rocks. I worked these over and over once I got to the 280 Nova and I was making SLOW progress! Finally got them worked all the way through. Goldstone. I think I got this from Stonesthatrock Tigereye, blue and gold tones and the picture does not do it justice. Randy sent me this slab If I remember correctly, these are cherry orchard. I think I got this slab from Blairrock. This is from the slab that Beef sent me I can't remember what this one is or where I got it but looks like a sage bush with a desert background and white clouds... A moss egg that I got from Maryann... ithink this is one she gave me as a freebie with my order. The picture does not do it justice! Now, if my fingers will work, I may get a few more done. Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:58:55 GMT -5
Those are GREAT! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:56:37 GMT -5
Now that is a beautiful group!!! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:55:39 GMT -5
I would say you two finished top of your class! Great job on the cabs and the equipment looks like a steal!
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:54:31 GMT -5
As much of a pain as Shuttakite is, I just love it! great job on both! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:53:14 GMT -5
Those are really Sweet hearts! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:52:37 GMT -5
That one looks pretty cool! I can't seem to do big cabs at all so great job! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:51:26 GMT -5
Looks like some neat stuff! Fran
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Post by frane on Feb 18, 2012 18:50:46 GMT -5
AWESOME! That first unknown really is an eye catcher and that stony creek and jadite grab your attention as well! Great job! Fran
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