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Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 5, 2023 22:24:33 GMT -5
Was the fingernail polish remover what you used to wipe down your slabs? I think polish remover will have some kind of skin friendly additives that could be glycerine or oil, you really want to use straight acetone as a cleaner. Lee, I was thinking that too when I saw the picture. But then I saw the bottle said 100% acetone. That would indicate no additives, wouldn't it? |
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 5, 2023 22:28:01 GMT -5
Was the fingernail polish remover what you used to wipe down your slabs? I think polish remover will have some kind of skin friendly additives that could be glycerine or oil, you really want to use straight acetone as a cleaner. It's straight acetone. No fillers. Only the good stuff.  The stuff sold for acrylic nails is often 100% acetone. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 5, 2023 23:12:52 GMT -5
rockjunquie sounds like the right stuff, and no huge containers to deal with.
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Post by susand24224 on Mar 6, 2023 0:10:57 GMT -5
Thanks for doing this! I've never used a vacuum chamber, nor have I used cactus juice. Looking forward to learning a lot from your efforts!
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 6, 2023 7:05:42 GMT -5
rockjunquie sounds like the right stuff, and no huge containers to deal with. Let me tell you... I absolutely abhor those cans with the turn top that you need a screwdriver to open. HATE THEM. I bought a case of these bottles for 15 on AZ and I'm happy with that. Bought it in 2019 and have plenty left. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 6, 2023 7:06:15 GMT -5
Thanks for doing this! I've never used a vacuum chamber, nor have I used cactus juice. Looking forward to learning a lot from your efforts! I'm hoping it will be a game changer for me. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 7, 2023 14:47:37 GMT -5
I'm trying to dial in my toaster oven temps for stabilizing. The oven is small. Didn't want to get one of those that hangs on the rack, so I got an infrared (still in the mail). I plan to put some slabs in the oven heat it to the supposed temp and take a reading of the actual slab. In this way, I can figure out what temp my oven needs to be on.
If the oven is too low, it won't cure. Much higher than 200 (for CJ) and you get bleed out- meaning the CJ will start seeping out of the slab. So, it's important to get it close.
Do you think all rocks heat at the same rate given the same thickness?
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Post by jasoninsd on Mar 7, 2023 15:26:07 GMT -5
I'm trying to dial in my toaster oven temps for stabilizing. The oven is small. Didn't want to get one of those that hangs on the rack, so I got an infrared (still in the mail). I plan to put some slabs in the oven heat it to the supposed temp and take a reading of the actual slab. In this way, I can figure out what temp my oven needs to be on.
If the oven is too low, it won't cure. Much higher than 200 (for CJ) and you get bleed out- meaning the CJ will start seeping out of the slab. So, it's important to get it close.
Do you think all rocks heat at the same rate given the same thickness?
That's an interesting question! I don't know...and I'm sure there will be someone along that does...but my guess would be "no", they don't heat at the same rate. I would think different materials retain heat differently due to the density and actual molecular properties of each material. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 7, 2023 16:37:42 GMT -5
I don't think the heat transfer rate will differ enough to worry about, but if you're concerned you might separate the primarily silica agate/jasper stuff from other materials. Metal ore related may act different. If you are going to sticker them and stack them it will take longer. Definitely preheat your oven, the basic thermostats in those little ovens will overshoot the mark.
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Post by chris1956 on Mar 7, 2023 17:08:08 GMT -5
I have vacuum stabilized for about the last year but haven't done it on slabs. I think the videos I originally looked at recommended Opticon for slabs. Don't remember why. I don't know why the Catus Juice wouldn't work on the slabs. If you cut them using oil, you will need to clean really well with soap and water and then maybe acetone too. I always wash the rocks in soap and water and then dry in toaster oven before I put them in the resin and vacuum chamber. Below is a link to the video on stabilizing rocks that I originally found. Sorry for the late reply.
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 7, 2023 21:18:20 GMT -5
I have vacuum stabilized for about the last year but haven't done it on slabs. I think the videos I originally looked at recommended Opticon for slabs. Don't remember why. I don't know why the Catus Juice wouldn't work on the slabs. If you cut them using oil, you will need to clean really well with soap and water and then maybe acetone too. I always wash the rocks in soap and water and then dry in toaster oven before I put them in the resin and vacuum chamber. Below is a link to the video on stabilizing rocks that I originally found. Sorry for the late reply. I have had the worst luck with opticon, it never cures correctly for me. All my slabs go through kitty litter followed by Zep Purple degreaser. If used for anything that involves glue or resin they also get a short soak in acetone. If dopping or gluing up ends for the saw I just wipe with alcohol. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 8, 2023 10:10:09 GMT -5
I have vacuum stabilized for about the last year but haven't done it on slabs. I think the videos I originally looked at recommended Opticon for slabs. Don't remember why. I don't know why the Catus Juice wouldn't work on the slabs. If you cut them using oil, you will need to clean really well with soap and water and then maybe acetone too. I always wash the rocks in soap and water and then dry in toaster oven before I put them in the resin and vacuum chamber. Below is a link to the video on stabilizing rocks that I originally found. Sorry for the late reply. Thanks! I've seen that one and others by the same person.
Opticon is better for cracks, CJ is better for porous rocks, and I am hoping, for small, shallow, not-through hairlines. I will be using Art Resin for cracks and small voids. Although I have opticon and Hxtal, I think Art Resin will be easier to work with.
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fencejumper
Cave Dweller 
Member since May 2021
Posts: 449
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Post by fencejumper on Mar 10, 2023 9:34:30 GMT -5
Welcome to the jungle💪
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 10, 2023 12:20:13 GMT -5
SET BACK!
I got my digital infrared thermometer. There is no way in HELL I will be able to use the cheap toaster oven. I can't even begin to tell you how messed up it is. You get what you pay for, I guess. So, back to AZ to study the ovens. I need one that will go to 200 and lower. Lower because some of them run hot and I need to be able to turn it down. I have to bake at as close to 200 as possible. Many don't go that low. I also would like a 2 hr timer. Most are 1. I finally narrowed it down to this. (Old fashioned knobs are a benny!)
ALSO, Paul fencejumper advised me to soak slabs in degreaser for abt a week before trying this. Most slabs are cut with oil.
SOOOOOO, this weekend doesn't look too promising. Damn! I'm rarin' to go.
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Post by liveoak on Mar 10, 2023 12:59:43 GMT -5
Here's another one to consider- although it only has a 1 hour timer - but it's cheaper
Patty
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 10, 2023 13:05:42 GMT -5
Here's another one to consider- although it only has a 1 hour timer - but it's cheaper
Patty
Thanks- I looked at that one, too. I can't remember why I didn't choose it, but it looks like it would work. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 10, 2023 13:11:38 GMT -5
It has issues losing heat where the doors meet- sometimes they don't meet right. Tired of lemons... Ugh.
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Post by liveoak on Mar 10, 2023 13:20:46 GMT -5
True & if you're going to spend $, better to just get the one that will work the best with less frustration. Nothing too good to cook rocks correctly  OK, I'll sit back and wait
Patty
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 10, 2023 13:23:53 GMT -5
True & if you're going to spend $, better to just get the one that will work the best with less frustration. Nothing too good to cook rocks correctly OK, I'll sit back I wait
Patty
Well, I waffled. I canceled the other order and got the one you pointed out for almost 100 less. I just hope it works out ok. It won't be here for a flippin' week, though! |
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,201
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Post by rockbrain on Mar 10, 2023 13:37:53 GMT -5
That sucks that you had to buy and oven too. I got a cheapo from the thrift store. The thermostat is WAY off. Like 25 degrees at least, but it will down to 100 or so.
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The stuff sold for acrylic nails is often 100% acetone. 
... to the New Guys from The ChatBox V.2 Crew