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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 21, 2023 19:33:43 GMT -5
I just finished this cabochon and was looking at the reflections and it dawned on me that maybe some beginners don't know about using reflections. I use reflections of lights on the surface of the cab to not only check for scratches, but to make sure the dome is shaped evenly. If the dome has flat spots or is uneven, then the reflections will "dip" or look skewed as you're moving the cab around (thus the reflection moves around the surface). If this doesn't make sense...ask questions.  |
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agatewhisperer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2020
Posts: 836
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Post by agatewhisperer on Jun 21, 2023 19:58:45 GMT -5
Great example. I don't do this enough tbh. Or sometimes I'll find a soft spot in the rock doing this where the light takes a dip in the reflection... Usually it's a little too late for me when that happens. 😅
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 21, 2023 21:00:41 GMT -5
Yup, chasing the reflection on the stone. One of the easiest and quickest ways to make sure everything's even. Nice stone and great video showing the chase, Jason!  |
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Post by Pat on Jun 21, 2023 21:45:03 GMT -5
Good idea! Thanks.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 21, 2023 23:50:17 GMT -5
Great example. I don't do this enough tbh. Or sometimes I'll find a soft spot in the rock doing this where the light takes a dip in the reflection... Usually it's a little too late for me when that happens. 😅 Thanks Alex!  I don't normally take it over to the pool table...I just happened to tonight. The pool table light has four fluorescent bulbs...so it gave a good "linear" pattern for the example. Normally I just use my single bulb light to check things out... I've finished my fair share where I saw a "spot" after 14k...and thought...it's "good enough"! LOL Yup, chasing the reflection on the stone. One of the easiest and quickest ways to make sure everything's even. Nice stone and great video showing the chase, Jason! Thanks Robin! I told Tela I might finish up a wrap tonight. Instead, I did another cab, then went next door and played Yahtzee with my mom! LOL Thanks Pat! It was my one good thought for the day! LOL |
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 22, 2023 12:37:51 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing this, Jason! It will be a great reference for when I 'think' I'm done with a cab. Would the reflection show different for different shapes? When you say 'dip' does that mean the reflection will look like a wiggle line - not 'straight' like it does in your video?
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realrockhound
Cave Dweller 
Chucking leaverite at tweekers
Member since June 2020
Posts: 4,495
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Post by realrockhound on Jun 22, 2023 12:39:41 GMT -5
Good to see you cabbing again.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Jun 22, 2023 12:56:22 GMT -5
I agree... Plus it's good to see that strong grip on that dop stick - don't want to drop it 🤣
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realrockhound
Cave Dweller
Chucking leaverite at tweekers
Member since June 2020
Posts: 4,495
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Post by realrockhound on Jun 22, 2023 13:31:54 GMT -5
I agree... Plus it's good to see that strong grip on that dop stick - don't want to drop it 🤣 I could tell he was griping it hard by the heavy breathing. “Cab… I am your father”. jasoninsd You know I’m just giving you crap 😂 |
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 22, 2023 18:38:15 GMT -5
The greatest value of this technique is when someone will be using it to evaluate your work. I use a combo method for dopping. The cab may be dopped but I also use my fingers directly on the stone and when in doubt I use my fingertips to validate the shape. Looking at the cab from point to base and base to point is good feedback.
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dshanpnw
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2020
Posts: 1,160
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Post by dshanpnw on Jun 22, 2023 20:19:44 GMT -5
Wonderful technique, thanks.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 22, 2023 20:44:37 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing this, Jason! It will be a great reference for when I 'think' I'm done with a cab. Would the reflection show different for different shapes? When you say 'dip' does that mean the reflection will look like a wiggle line - not 'straight' like it does in your video? You're welcome! The reflection will change depending on the shape of your cab and the shape of your dome (high or low domes). What you're basically looking for is any kind of "skew" in the shape of the reflection. Normally, I have a one-bulb lamp that I use at the cabbing machine. This creates a "circular" reflection (versus the linear pattern in the video). What I'm looking for is any kind of "skewed" spot in the circular reflection...or a "dip" in the linear reflection. Imagine poking your finger into the side of a blown up balloon. How that "skews" the shape of the (somewhat) circular balloon is what I'm trying to describe seeing in the reflection of the light. It tells me the dome isn't curved (or rounded) evenly. Good to see you cabbing again. Now I just need to get some "glamor shots" done! LOL I agree... Plus it's good to see that strong grip on that dop stick - don't want to drop it 🤣 I did just about have a death grip on that sucker! LOL I agree... Plus it's good to see that strong grip on that dop stick - don't want to drop it 🤣 I could tell he was griping it hard by the heavy breathing. “Cab… I am your father”. jasoninsd You know I’m just giving you crap 😂 After I posted the video, I heard my breathing...it was kind of creepy! LOL The greatest value of this technique is when someone will be using it to evaluate your work. I use a combo method for dopping. The cab may be dopped but I also use my fingers directly on the stone and when in doubt I use my fingertips to validate the shape. Looking at the cab from point to base and base to point is good feedback. Great idea! Wonderful technique, thanks. Thanks Doug! All in a days' work! LOL |
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Post by 1dave on Jun 22, 2023 22:27:36 GMT -5
It all begins with the slab. Thick slab = high dome, thin slab = no dome.
Fractures, pits, elemental changes (what makes the stone interesting) soft spots.
Where to sand, where to treat or leave alone.
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Post by perkins17 on Jun 22, 2023 23:52:17 GMT -5
This is one of the first things I was taught as a cabber. It's a good idea to post, I don't think I've ever seen it posted on here before, although it seems like a lot of weathered veteran cabbers knows it. |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 23, 2023 0:53:24 GMT -5
It all begins with the slab. Thick slab = high dome, thin slab = no dome. Fractures, pits, elemental changes (what makes the stone interesting) soft spots. Where to sand, where to treat or leave alone. I've cut plenty of "thick slabs"...but ground the heck out of the cabs to get a low dome! LOL This is one of the first things I was taught as a cabber. It's a good idea to post, I don't think I've ever seen it posted on here before, although it seems like a lot of weathered veteran cabbers knows it. I don't remember ever seeing it on here...talked about...but never posted as an example. I saw the reflection of the linear bulbs last night...and well...a light bulb went off! LOL  |
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Post by parfive on Jun 23, 2023 1:42:20 GMT -5
Gave a quick look but I can’t find Bobby’s original post w/pics . . . Quickie dome check, H/T to Bobby1 . . . If you have a 2-lamp fluorescent shop light over your bench, it’s easy to see how well you’re shaping the dome. Cab’s still wet, and you just check the reflection of the two lamps as you tilt the cab back and forth. Take a look both ways – N/S and E/W. |
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dshanpnw
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2020
Posts: 1,160
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Post by dshanpnw on Jun 23, 2023 6:35:01 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing this, Jason! It will be a great reference for when I 'think' I'm done with a cab. Would the reflection show different for different shapes? When you say 'dip' does that mean the reflection will look like a wiggle line - not 'straight' like it does in your video? You're welcome! The reflection will change depending on the shape of your cab and the shape of your dome (high or low domes). What you're basically looking for is any kind of "skew" in the shape of the reflection. Normally, I have a one-bulb lamp that I use at the cabbing machine. This creates a "circular" reflection (versus the linear pattern in the video). What I'm looking for is any kind of "skewed" spot in the circular reflection...or a "dip" in the linear reflection. Imagine poking your finger into the side of a blown up balloon. How that "skews" the shape of the (somewhat) circular balloon is what I'm trying to describe seeing in the reflection of the light. It tells me the dome isn't curved (or rounded) evenly. Good to see you cabbing again. Now I just need to get some "glamor shots" done! LOL I agree... Plus it's good to see that strong grip on that dop stick - don't want to drop it 🤣 I did just about have a death grip on that sucker! LOL I could tell he was griping it hard by the heavy breathing. “Cab… I am your father”. jasoninsd You know I’m just giving you crap 😂 After I posted the video, I heard my breathing...it was kind of creepy! LOL The greatest value of this technique is when someone will be using it to evaluate your work. I use a combo method for dopping. The cab may be dopped but I also use my fingers directly on the stone and when in doubt I use my fingertips to validate the shape. Looking at the cab from point to base and base to point is good feedback. Great idea! Wonderful technique, thanks. Beautiful cab of Owyhee. Thanks Doug! All in a days' work! LOL |
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 23, 2023 7:00:40 GMT -5
Thank you, Jason!!! That makes total sense. I'm hoping to get some cabbing in on Sunday - I have 4 or 5 preforms sitting waiting so I've got no excuse! Will use this video as a reference!!
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 23, 2023 8:10:42 GMT -5
Gave a quick look but I can’t find Bobby’s original post w/pics . . . Quickie dome check, H/T to Bobby1 . . . If you have a 2-lamp fluorescent shop light over your bench, it’s easy to see how well you’re shaping the dome. Cab’s still wet, and you just check the reflection of the two lamps as you tilt the cab back and forth. Take a look both ways – N/S and E/W. Definitely not a "new" idea...just wanted to show a video about it. Thank you, Jason!!! That makes total sense. I'm hoping to get some cabbing in on Sunday - I have 4 or 5 preforms sitting waiting so I've got no excuse! Will use this video as a reference!! Oh...there can ALWAYS be an excuse Peta...trust me! LOL |
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 23, 2023 9:20:52 GMT -5
jasoninsd - lol - you are 100% correct and the exact reason why I haven't even looked at the slant cabber in two weekends lol. Time to knuckle down though!
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