unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by unc2three on Sept 10, 2017 6:28:17 GMT -5
Hey guys and gals, my name is Chad from Massachusetts and I came across this site on Google looking up info on how to polish geode slabs. I'm a total newbie to the hobby and to the process so I'm hoping to get info and help along the way. Thanks and appreciate all info I receive.
Chad
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by unc2three on Sept 10, 2017 5:59:18 GMT -5
Thanks for info Pauls. I tried looking for cerium oxide Compound polish and tin oxide but can't seem to find it locally. I looked at Lowe's and they said they don't have it. Any idea where I could find some? Or is it a specialty thing I need to get online?
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by unc2three on Sept 10, 2017 5:51:40 GMT -5
If the rotary machine pad is bigger than the geode slab, it might be cupping over it(especially when rotating), thus focusing on the edges even though it appears flat? That makes sense illusionist, it is bigger than the geode, thanks for the reply. I'm new to this and don't really know what I'm doing yet lol
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by unc2three on Sept 9, 2017 20:24:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply Colorado cliff. I went back down to 120 grit but that apparently wasn't enuf, what would you recommend for a course grit? 80?
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by unc2three on Sept 9, 2017 12:57:09 GMT -5
I would say you are starting off with too small a grit try going with an 80 or 100 grit and a fairly flexable backing disk then move to like a 220,400,600 grit progression and a final polish with a polishing powder like cerium oxide, tin oxide, or one of the other polishing compounds.As for your slabs being totally flat I doubt it they may look that way but hundredths of an inch will make a difference. Thanks for the info Minerken, I will try starting over with the harder grit, thanks for the help
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
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Post by unc2three on Sept 9, 2017 11:39:05 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I'm new to the board and new to polishing geode slabs in general. I have done lot of research on how to do it etc. I can't really afford a lapidary machine so I started with a car buffing hand rotary machine. The slabs I bought were already cut and were already very smooth with slight saw marks. I attached 600 grit sandpaper to the wheel and sanded for about 10-15 minutes. I then went to 800 grit and it was starting to get shiny, the edges are polished perfectly but I'm not getting the shiny polish look all over the rock, just the edges. I then used 1200 grit and it was a little better. But I don't understand why the edges are polished and the rest of the rock isn't. The slab is flat and even with the polishing wheel so it's not favoring the edges. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Chad
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
|
Post by unc2three on Sept 9, 2017 11:37:38 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I'm new to the board and new to polishing geode slabs in general. I have done lot of research on how to do it etc. I can't really afford a lapidary machine so I started with a car buffing hand rotary machine. The slabs I bought were already cut and were already very smooth with slight saw marks. I attached 600 grit sandpaper to the wheel and sanded for about 10-15 minutes. I then went to 800 grit and it was starting to get shiny, the edges are polished perfectly but I'm not getting the shiny polish look all over the rock, just the edges. I then used 1200 grit and it was a little better. But I don't understand why the edges are polished and the rest of the rock isn't. The slab is flat and even with the polishing wheel so it's not favoring the edges. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Chad
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unc2three
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2017
Posts: 8
|
Post by unc2three on Sept 9, 2017 11:32:50 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I'm new to the board and new to polishing geode slabs in general. I have done lot of research on how to do it etc. I can't really afford a lapidary machine so I started with a car buffing hand rotary machine. The slabs I bought were already cut and were already very smooth with slight saw marks. I attached 600 grit sandpaper to the wheel and sanded for about 10-15 minutes. I then went to 800 grit and it was starting to get shiny, the edges are polished perfectly but I'm not getting the shiny polish look all over the rock, just the edges. I then used 1200 grit and it was a little better. But I don't understand why the edges are polished and the rest of the rock isn't. The slab is flat and even with the polishing wheel so it's not favoring the edges. I'd post a pic but not sure how yet. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Chad
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