wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 25, 2023 12:40:23 GMT -5
Aside from that, is there anything I missed? I watched many videos, but I always accommodate that i would have missed 10-20 percent.
Everyone has been very helpful, and hope I have not been bothersome
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Post by 1dave on Jul 25, 2023 12:52:52 GMT -5
It has been a pleasure visiting with you. I hope you get to know more of our members. Jason?
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 25, 2023 13:29:28 GMT -5
*looks at my club soda bottle*
I was sure I didn't put any alcohol in that,.........
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 25, 2023 20:36:00 GMT -5
I cut all 15 and it's was an experience.
Skil 7 saw review: Setup was fairly easy, but I did have a few challenges where the tile blade would loosen. I did get it sorted and it cut beautifully...well for the supplied blade.
That blade is a thiccc boy and I see what people were saying thick blades eat material.
Had to refill to max mark every geode, but that was only a bit annoying. For bigger geodes requiring more cutting, it could be an issue
Now onto the geodes. This is the nat geo 15 pack.
It was 15 and an OK variety. Not as good as the one I bought earlier this year.
Thank goodness the blade was strong, because most were mostly filled in. No showstoppers. If you are buying for a little one, it's varied enough, but if you are looking for something a little spicier, I can't recommend.
The total package was 1 pound more and from the quality, it showed.
Maybe a long time ago, the name national geographic used to mean something. But like their writing, not anymore. I will post images when I take photos.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 25, 2023 20:51:54 GMT -5
I'm usually a GREAT example of what NOT to do!
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 25, 2023 20:56:01 GMT -5
I cut all 15 and it's was an experience. Skil 7 saw review: Setup was fairly easy, but I did have a few challenges where the tile blade would loosen. I did get it sorted and it cut beautifully...well for the supplied blade. That blade is a thiccc boy and I see what people were saying thick blades eat material. Had to refill to max mark every geode, but that was only a bit annoying. For bigger geodes requiring more cutting, it could be an issue Now onto the geodes. This is the nat geo 15 pack. It was 15 and an OK variety. Not as good as the one I bought earlier this year. Thank goodness the blade was strong, because most were mostly filled in. No showstoppers. If you are buying for a little one, it's varied enough, but if you are looking for something a little spicier, I can't recommend. The total package was 1 pound more and from the quality, it showed. Maybe a long time ago, the name national geographic used to mean something. But like their writing, not anymore. I will post images when I take photos. Sorry you didn't get any "showstoppers"! The thicker blades are great when there's any potential "side pressure" put on the blade...but the thinner blades really do save material! 1dave - thanks for posting my story! LOL
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Post by 1dave on Jul 25, 2023 21:03:37 GMT -5
jasoninsd You are one of my favorite people and always welcome
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 25, 2023 21:08:51 GMT -5
jasoninsd You are one of my favorite people and always welcome Awww shucks. Thanks Dave!
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 25, 2023 21:29:20 GMT -5
I think the next time around I will go with another blade, but I have to give mega credit to skil that they supplied a blade. Cleanup of the reservoir was a challenge.
The enigma of cutting your own geodes is that you never know what you will find. The lack of curating good stuff falls on national geographic which has been slowly dying.
The variety is something I look for. If you only have Moroccan geodes you will get bored. Only Botswana agates I will never get tired of.
Everyone gave great advice that did not fail me
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 26, 2023 0:45:40 GMT -5
In looking for stuff to order, I have been searching for varieties versus a whole bunch of the same types
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 26, 2023 0:49:14 GMT -5
In looking for stuff to order, I have been searching for varieties versus a whole bunch of the same types Rather than going with a "grab bag" put together by someone else, why not get a pound of a bunch of different materials? You could group them by their hardness, so you could have a "mixed" batch that you put together...
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 26, 2023 2:12:40 GMT -5
In looking for stuff to order, I have been searching for varieties versus a whole bunch of the same types Rather than going with a "grab bag" put together by someone else, why not get a pound of a bunch of different materials? You could group them by their hardness, so you could have a "mixed" batch that you put together... *looks down in shame* *looks left and right* I don't think I am smart enough to choose good samples and the choices are a bit overwhelming :-(
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 26, 2023 6:42:37 GMT -5
Rather than going with a "grab bag" put together by someone else, why not get a pound of a bunch of different materials? You could group them by their hardness, so you could have a "mixed" batch that you put together... *looks down in shame* *looks left and right* I don't think I am smart enough to choose good samples and the choices are a bit overwhelming :-( Don't feel badly! I'm sorry if what I said made you feel that way...I didn't mean for it to. First...good job for quoting me...that way I get a notification that you were saying something to me...otherwise, I would only catch it by happenstance. Second...and I had to go back to look to make sure I was right...since you're in Trinidad, I'm not sure where you order your rough from. If you are willing to let me know a website where you order your rough from, I'd be willing to make a couple lists of "like" materials that can be tumbled together.
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Post by 1dave on Jul 26, 2023 12:25:43 GMT -5
wargrafix (pretend you can't see this.) jasoninsd - He is NEW! Trapped into the hobby by geodes, Just bought a tile saw. Wondering about - - - AGATES? What happens next determines whether he falls down the rabbit hole with us or not.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 26, 2023 12:55:46 GMT -5
wargrafix (pretend you can't see this.) jasoninsd - He is NEW! Trapped into the hobby by geodes, Just bought a tile saw. Wondering about - - - AGATES? What happens next determines whether he falls down the rabbit hole with us or not. You know it's like Lay's potato chips...you just can't stop with one! LOL
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 26, 2023 13:42:29 GMT -5
Hi all! I am back. Its been a shitty day at work. I saw the response and felt a bit bad. You all have gave me solid advice and extremely calming my stresses about the hobby. Little one got sick, so I have been a bit tired. Once I have a place I can place an order that can ship to my skybox in Miami, for sure I will get it in Trinidad. I buy from Amazon, as I normally buy there, and Have been tempted to buy on ebay. But faced with the overwhelming choices and options and being wary of solid geodes when searching for Mexican geodes ( my favorite), I need to have a place where I can trust the source. Every decision comes with risk, which why I like cutting my own geodes since thats 90 percent the fun. If one doesn't take a risk on e might as well be dead. And having informed choices makes less risky choices. I was probably not clear of what I like, or even dislike. I like a variety of geodes, I dislike the ones which stuff their shipment with Moroccan. Moroccans are nice but a bit bland for my taste. Speaking of agates, I may not have but one....but I can deliver the ultimate agate planet
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 26, 2023 20:17:18 GMT -5
Here are 2 geode halves.
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Jul 26, 2023 20:54:33 GMT -5
In looking for stuff to order, I have been searching for varieties versus a whole bunch of the same types I would order from gemcenterwholesale.com. Get the 95% hollow varieties. Mine run batches are cheaper, but not necessarily hollow. The "Las Choyas Coconut" geodes are awesome.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 27, 2023 0:04:34 GMT -5
wargrafix - Sorry you had a bad day at work! Thanks for posting the pic! So...Dillon gave a good link for geodes. When I put out that offer, I wasn't thinking about geodes...I was thinking about "tumbling rough". I feel badly that I threw that offer out there...but I don't know the first thing about geodes...so I can't be of any help for a source. I'm sorry.
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,020
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 27, 2023 0:16:51 GMT -5
wargrafix - Sorry you had a bad day at work! Thanks for posting the pic! So...Dillon gave a good link for geodes. When I put out that offer, I wasn't thinking about geodes...I was thinking about "tumbling rough". I feel badly that I threw that offer out there...but I don't know the first thing about geodes...so I can't be of any help for a source. I'm sorry. You have zero need to be sorry my friend. If anything I really should apologize. You shared your enthusiasm, and I am really grateful. We are all learning and I think I know I will eventually get into tumbling. Maybe you will find a love of geodes. Then we have a win win. Oh and little one loves her piece of ruby. It does glow well in short wave UV. I know what I getting her for Christmas!
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