aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on May 1, 2024 19:27:55 GMT -5
So I'm cutting a bunch of rock all different types my 16in h is getting a worm out I'll definitely need to make a vacuum catch bucket for the clean out but on another note I have all sorts of slabs piling up and not a great way to store them I was hoping we could chat about how ya all get them in one place and how to keep them from being mis matched /forgotten. I'll also have some rock slabs for sale bought a couple guys collection and I have hounded some great banded agates as well. Any way storage ideas let's goo! Plz and thank you of course.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
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Post by rockbrain on May 2, 2024 9:03:14 GMT -5
I use plastic shoe boxes. You can see through them a bit. I put a tag on the end with the type of slabs and you can stack them on up. Last ones I bought at Home Depot but you can order them from Walmart by the 10 pack for less than $12.
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Post by Rockoonz on May 2, 2024 9:49:59 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on May 2, 2024 10:04:05 GMT -5
I use plastic shoe boxes. You can see through them a bit. I put a tag on the end with the type of slabs and you can stack them on up. Last ones I bought at Home Depot but you can order them from Walmart by the 10 pack for less than $12. I do something similar, but I use bigger bins that stack. They are strong and I have been pleasantly surprised by the handles that fold down into the bin to provide a lip for stacking. They have held up well despite the heavy weights. I got the medium ones.
Sterilite 16628006 Medium Stacking Basket, White Basket w/ Titanium Accents, 6-Pack
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Post by rockjunquie on May 2, 2024 10:05:48 GMT -5
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Post by HankRocks on May 2, 2024 12:14:43 GMT -5
Don't have a great method, especially for the smaller slabs as I just fill the plastic shoe boxes. For the larger slabs I have used an assortment of re-purposed plastic containers that my wife sends to the garage. Tried organizing by type, but it breaks down with too many one off's. Problem now is that to impose a system would require a lot of table space to lay them all out.
I sold slabs for the first time this past February. Filled 2 square plastic containers about 15" x 15" maybe 5 inches tall. One had the larger slabs in two stand up rows and the other had the smaller ones in 4 rows. The large slabs were individually priced and the small were a set price for each with a discount for multiples. Both containers get set out on the table as is. One thing I have done since the Show that as I cut slabs, say 5 large slabs from the same rock I will put 2 or 3 in the sell container after they have been de-oiled. Did find 2 more square containers in garage attic and will start filling those as Show slabs.
One thing dawned on me about a year ago, pack as many sell items in flat plastic trays with lids. Most small to medium sized items will work that way. Get to the show, lids off and underneath the container on the table. Have about 40% of my show material in ready to set out containers and hope to get to about 70 to 75%. Set and pack up becomes a lot easier. The only items that will resist that method will be the larger pieces, minerals and large polished geodes, wood or agate.
Always looking to streamline the processes, especially since the force of gravity is getting stronger!!!
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on May 2, 2024 15:16:23 GMT -5
Yep, plastic shoe boxes with lids. I actually use these for both slabs and smaller rough. Most slabs fit upright, like photographs. For high end slabs, I buy a brick of craft foamie sheets. You can get a lifetime supply for 20 bucks. I cut these down and put them between the nicer slabs. For slabs that are too big, I just lay them down and again if it’s high end material I add foamies. Yes, I cushion my rocks.🤓Only real rock people would understand.🤓 I bought my plastic shoe boxes about 15 years ago and they’ve held up great. Sterlite brand. I don’t have to transport them though. But I’m glad the plastic hasn’t degraded cause the boxes aren’t getting cheaper.
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Post by Rockoonz on May 2, 2024 15:32:33 GMT -5
Yep, plastic shoe boxes with lids. I actually use these for both slabs and smaller rough. Most slabs fit upright, like photographs. For high end slabs, I buy a brick of craft foamie sheets. You can get a lifetime supply for 20 bucks. I cut these down and put them between the nicer slabs. For slabs that are too big, I just lay them down and again if it’s high end material I add foamies. Yes, I cushion my rocks.🤓Only real rock people would understand.🤓 I bought my plastic shoe boxes about 15 years ago and they’ve held up great. Sterlite brand. I don’t have to transport them though. But I’m glad the plastic hasn’t degraded cause the boxes aren’t getting cheaper. Foamie sheets!! When you travel with slabs you don't know how many times someone says what's the price on this little slab, and I know the other half has a price on it. One of the dealers I see regularly here has the slabs upright with labeled divider tabs for material types. |
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on May 2, 2024 16:11:51 GMT -5
Rockoonz Multiple labeled divider tabs are a good idea. I’m not that organized yet but it would be nice to be. I put one 3x5 card in the front of the clear box with a description on it. rockbrain and rockjunquie I’m liking those Walmart boxes. I never shop there. Don’t know why. Might be I’m subconsciously worried about becoming a Walmart meme some day… 🤣
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
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Post by rockbrain on May 2, 2024 16:54:38 GMT -5
Not sure since that's not the brand I've used. The ones I got are the Sterilite brand and I think they'll hold up pretty good. I hauled slabs and displayed in them at the last show I did. I bought several at Home Depot thinking they were a bargain and then happened to be in Wally World (which I really try not to do) a couple of days later and say them cheaper. It wasn't that big of a deal as I get 10% of at HD. Rockoonz Multiple labeled divider tabs are a good idea. I’m not that organized yet but it would be nice to be. I put one 3x5 card in the front of the clear box with a description on it. rockbrain and rockjunquie I’m liking those Walmart boxes. I never shop there. Don’t know why. Might be I’m subconsciously worried about becoming a Walmart meme some day… 🤣 Inside the box is a good idea. I put labels on the outside. Pretty broad categories, big agates, small agates, Mexican agates..... |
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aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on May 3, 2024 10:05:54 GMT -5
Aww c Mon it's quite entertaining to shop at Walmart. Though I'm not in any major "hoods 😂. I guess I'll go show box route I already have some foamies from fly tying (fishing hobbies the other mistress). A couple good rocks slabbed up could really fill them up quick though. Any of you slab sellers display them wet or have a squirt bottle on hand, the fellas I see up here only sell slabs with a way to get them wet, I mean we can always pick em but dry mouth is a bummer.
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