rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 2, 2024 12:34:29 GMT -5
I'm still very much new to making cabochons and I thought I would share what I've made (and learned) so far making them with my flat lap. Since I'm not retired yet, I'm limited in how much time I can dedicate to doing it but I'm seeing progress at least. I just need to get thinner slabs because I'm pretty tired of doing high dome cabs. That's a lot of smoothing work. Here's my list so far. - Don't skip out on the middle grits! So many times I've had to go back because I thought I was done around 600 when I noticed at 3000 there were still quite a bit of scratches at the top of the crown.
- Patience is required
- Go back one line item and read that again
I had to take another shot of the top cabs because the camera did them no favors when trying to get the lot in there. The chrysocolla was the most recent cab I worked on and that material doesn't quite shine like an agate does. Is there a treatment you pros use to get that to mirror up? I should add that it was also an un-stabilized one. I will be doing some stabilizing of it and some malachite in the near future because I really want to see that shine! The triangular ones were super fun to make and the carnelian and moss agate behaved themselves nicely.    Any comments or critiques are welcome, I would love tips as well. Right now the only thing I have for buffing is that Hi-Tech tech 11 pad for the flat lap and some 15,000 grit diamond paste. I tend to turn it up about halfway on the speed knob, get the pad a little wet (turning off the water supply after the start) and start buffing away. Should I use an intermediate between my 3000 grit smoothing pad and this? Thanks in advance for your time! - Rob |
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on Jun 2, 2024 16:22:55 GMT -5
I actually like the chrysocolla with the matte shine. It seems to lend itself to looking nice that way. And I like your hexagon. Don’t often see that shape, it’s kind of fun.
What is your highest grit flat lap? 3000? When I was on the flat lap, I also went 3k disk to 14k paste and honestly kind of had lackluster polishes. I do wonder if something in between or even a cerium oxide flat lap might be good to try in place of the 14k. I feel like I get better results on my cabbing machine which ends in cerium, after 3000, than I did with the 14k paste.
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 2, 2024 21:57:38 GMT -5
I actually like the chrysocolla with the matte shine. It seems to lend itself to looking nice that way. And I like your hexagon. Don’t often see that shape, it’s kind of fun. What is your highest grit flat lap? 3000? When I was on the flat lap, I also went 3k disk to 14k paste and honestly kind of had lackluster polishes. I do wonder if something in between or even a cerium oxide flat lap might be good to try in place of the 14k. I feel like I get better results on my cabbing machine which ends in cerium, after 3000, than I did with the 14k paste. 3000 is as high as my laps go. After that it's buffing pad. I do have a huge pile of felt pads to use with the Dremel so if I can find a way to get a good 6000-8000 grit polish before going to the 14k buffing treatment. I'll have to take a look for it. |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 2, 2024 22:13:20 GMT -5
Rob, you've got some good stuff going on for your first cabs! Couple things... I found out it's easier to do higher domed cabs than lower domed cabs on the flat lap. There's more surface contact with a flat disc and a lower domed cab...so it doesn't get rid of scratches as easily as a low dome cab on the wheels of a cabbing machine. You should NOT be using water on your diamond pasted buffing pad. You should have a "lubricant" on the pad though. I use silicon spray...as it's the same thing as the actual "extender fluid" they say to use. (Yes...I researched it...and it's the "poor man's" way to do it! LOL) |
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 3, 2024 10:09:33 GMT -5
Rob, you've got some good stuff going on for your first cabs! Couple things... I found out it's easier to do higher domed cabs than lower domed cabs on the flat lap. There's more surface contact with a flat disc and a lower domed cab...so it doesn't get rid of scratches as easily as a low dome cab on the wheels of a cabbing machine. You should NOT be using water on your diamond pasted buffing pad. You should have a "lubricant" on the pad though. I use silicon spray...as it's the same thing as the actual "extender fluid" they say to use. (Yes...I researched it...and it's the "poor man's" way to do it! LOL) Thanks! I do have to say, I love to freeform pieces if I can but I understand if I want a cab to fit in a premade finding I need to get my skills up on "standard" cabochon making. I still need to get all the ingredients to stabilize some malachite and chrysocolla I have and it would be lovely just to be able to add a silicone spray to the list. We went to a gem show Saturday and a gentleman was showing "cold forging" techniques. Turns out I can get copper sheets from my local hardware store. Not sure of the gauge though but it could be fun to give it a go before I start going down the soldering route. - Rob |
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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 Jun 4, 2024 10:10:06 GMT -5
rocknrob My wife was really interested in that cold foraging the instructor. I think his name was Tom. Was very helpful. That was a good show. I had a lot of fun I got a couple good deals. I hope you did too. I was there on the monsoon day of Sunday. If you ever go out rock hounding and want a friend to tag along let me know your plans and maybey schedule will align I have had good times at fs 70 and 72 the green water.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 4, 2024 10:16:48 GMT -5
I really like the natural edge ones. If I could give one tip- it would be to slow down. You'll get into a rhythm where you'll have a better feel for the time spent on each disc. (This coming from someone who could never get the hang of a flat lap. You're doing better than I ever did!)
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 4, 2024 16:18:37 GMT -5
rocknrob My wife was really interested in that cold foraging the instructor. I think his name was Tom. Was very helpful. That was a good show. I had a lot of fun I got a couple good deals. I hope you did too. I was there on the monsoon day of Sunday. If you ever go out rock hounding and want a friend to tag along let me know your plans and maybey schedule will align I have had good times at fs 70 and 72 the green water. Thanks for the offer! Once things calm down this summer freelance-wise I think that would be fun to run off and do. I passed up a gem club field trip to Saddle Mtn earlier this year so I've got the itch to dig up cool rocks. I had to go back and ask my wife who is MUCH better with names. She's sure his name was Timothy, he sure did have some nice stuff in the display case too. I didn't walk away with much TBH but that was by choice. I bought $100 worth of slabs (including shipping) from an auction earlier so my play money was already spoken for, for a while at least. - Rob |
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 4, 2024 16:23:56 GMT -5
I really like the natural edge ones. If I could give one tip- it would be to slow down. You'll get into a rhythm where you'll have a better feel for the time spent on each disc. (This coming from someone who could never get the hang of a flat lap. You're doing better than I ever did!) Thanks! I've got a really neat crazy lace seam agate that has several opportunities to try a live edge on it. Those live edge agates are Alimejo which I think I might need to take some kind of addiction resistance program for. They're way too fun but oh so tiny. I also have a couple of carnelians that I got from a club member that have a really neat live edge but will need to spend some time in the tumbler to keep from cutting anyone. I'm a freelance motion graphic designer which is a profession that usually does not do well with things that require patience  . Lapidary is teaching me to be more patient with the process but man I'm a stubborn one and it's taken me 4 months to understand that each stone has it's own timeline. - Rob |
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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 Jun 5, 2024 8:09:19 GMT -5
I just noticed your on a flat slant lap of you want to get into wheels I have a couple options for units collecting dust ide be happy to offer up. Wheels make the hobby so enjoyable. I'm relatively close by in the town of Graham, wa. rocknrob |
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
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Post by rockbrain on Jun 5, 2024 9:07:01 GMT -5
Rob, you've got some good stuff going on for your first cabs! Couple things... I found out it's easier to do higher domed cabs than lower domed cabs on the flat lap. There's more surface contact with a flat disc and a lower domed cab...so it doesn't get rid of scratches as easily as a low dome cab on the wheels of a cabbing machine. You should NOT be using water on your diamond pasted buffing pad. You should have a "lubricant" on the pad though. I use silicon spray...as it's the same thing as the actual "extender fluid" they say to use. (Yes...I researched it...and it's the "poor man's" way to do it! LOL) Thanks! I do have to say, I love to freeform pieces if I can but I understand if I want a cab to fit in a premade finding I need to get my skills up on "standard" cabochon making. I still need to get all the ingredients to stabilize some malachite and chrysocolla I have and it would be lovely just to be able to add a silicone spray to the list. We went to a gem show Saturday and a gentleman was showing "cold forging" techniques. Turns out I can get copper sheets from my local hardware store. Not sure of the gauge though but it could be fun to give it a go before I start going down the soldering route. - Rob Keep in mind you don't have to order the silicone spray from a specialty lapidary place. I got mine at Lowes. |
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 5, 2024 10:24:56 GMT -5
Thanks! I do have to say, I love to freeform pieces if I can but I understand if I want a cab to fit in a premade finding I need to get my skills up on "standard" cabochon making. I still need to get all the ingredients to stabilize some malachite and chrysocolla I have and it would be lovely just to be able to add a silicone spray to the list. We went to a gem show Saturday and a gentleman was showing "cold forging" techniques. Turns out I can get copper sheets from my local hardware store. Not sure of the gauge though but it could be fun to give it a go before I start going down the soldering route. - Rob Keep in mind you don't have to order the silicone spray from a specialty lapidary place. I got mine at Lowes. Hahaha, I picked mine up at Wal-Mart but I still need to go shopping for the stuff I need to stabilize those copper rocks. Maybe a hazmat suit after reading how toxic the copper is in those things... |
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mirkee
starting to spend too much on rocks
Started tumbling a couple of months ago but now have four tumblers. Very interested in the hobby.
Member since March 2024
Posts: 125
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Post by mirkee on Sept 8, 2024 20:45:38 GMT -5
Great to hear of your journey with a flat lap. I assume it's one of the modern Hi-tech 6 or 8. I'm doing pretty good at tumbling but taking a jewelry class at the local college, which is geared towards doing stuff with cabs. I can see why now, as it's so much easier when you have a flat surface. I'm even using bezel wire which has a step, like a little shelf, built in for the cab to go. Now thinking of getting a flat lap to make things easier. Congratulations on your progress!
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Post by Son Of Beach on Sept 8, 2024 21:12:16 GMT -5
Rob, I was on the verge of bailing on my flat lap, and now I'm using it few days a week for a variety of things. Looks like you are well on your way  |
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Post by tribeunited on Sept 9, 2024 13:10:13 GMT -5
Rob - I agree with Khara on the hexagon one - it's a cool little shape you don't often see and I like it. I'm super glad you are sharing your journey - I think coming here for support and asking questions is super smart! I remember when D (my husband) started cabbing, he was having a lot of the same issues you mentioned. I found all of the answers he needed here, just by reading what other people asked and answered. So you're in good hands  (you know that, that's why you're here) Lately, he's been having issues with a wobbly flat lap - you've inspired me to search for that answer here too! Thanks for sharing and asking and interacting Keep it up! Hope to see you cab some sodalite for this months competition too! |
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Nov 15, 2024 19:05:25 GMT -5
I wanted to share an update on my cabochon journey including three of my contest entries. The two in the center are my absolute first and most recent cabochons. I will say one thing about buying slabs from estates and slabbette sales, you do get an ENORMOUS variety on what you can work on. The group shot of course is first.      Keep calm and polish on! - Rob |
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Post by Pat on Nov 15, 2024 19:25:27 GMT -5
I see many different materials, and lots of shapes. Good looking group. Cabbing is fun, and it shows.
Congratulations on your efforts!
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Post by whalecottagedesigns on Nov 15, 2024 20:31:11 GMT -5
Awesome Pirate Treasure Rob! I can see you are having tons of fun :-)
I have two suggestions, the first is for the chrysocolla. It can be pretty similar to something like Malachite and Turquoise, and it took me quite a while to figure out how to final polish those guys. In the old end it was a suggestion from Lapidary Dave which helped. After the 3000 grit (or even the 1200 grit sometimes), you take it directly to Zam on a cotton buff. You know those yellow buffs that look like sheets of cotton stuck together side by side that you put on a polishing machine or benchtop grinder? Or even a cotton buff on a Dremel if you not have access to the other ones at hand. It is quite literally a silver bullet for those types of material!
Then secondly, after the 3000 grit, if you feel you need an intermediate step before final polish for other types of material, if you look on the Hi-Tech website they sell something called final polishing pads which are impregnated with Cerium Oxide. You use them under water. You could just use them after the 3000 grit, and then do a much higher final polish afterwards (something like a high grade Cerium or Tin or Aluminium oxide). Perhaps that would help.
Theo
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Nov 16, 2024 0:02:37 GMT -5
Awesome Pirate Treasure Rob! I can see you are having tons of fun :-) I have two suggestions, the first is for the chrysocolla. It can be pretty similar to something like Malachite and Turquoise, and it took me quite a while to figure out how to final polish those guys. In the old end it was a suggestion from Lapidary Dave which helped. After the 3000 grit (or even the 1200 grit sometimes), you take it directly to Zam on a cotton buff. You know those yellow buffs that look like sheets of cotton stuck together side by side that you put on a polishing machine or benchtop grinder? Or even a cotton buff on a Dremel if you not have access to the other ones at hand. It is quite literally a silver bullet for those types of material! Then secondly, after the 3000 grit, if you feel you need an intermediate step before final polish for other types of material, if you look on the Hi-Tech website they sell something called final polishing pads which are impregnated with Cerium Oxide. You use them under water. You could just use them after the 3000 grit, and then do a much higher final polish afterwards (something like a high grade Cerium or Tin or Aluminium oxide). Perhaps that would help. Theo That chrysocolla was one of my first tries with a soft material and it was tricky to work with. Tricky enough to make me consider stabilizing it. Slabbing it was a challenge in itself as it was very prone to crumbling. After doing that cab I put all the other pieces aside as I wanted to get more experience under my belt before trying the rest. I still have all that stocked away in a bin ready to come out once I'm ready to get my fingers dirty on them again. Thank you for that suggestion. I don't have any zam, nor have I tried to use it yet. I'll take your advice and give zam a crack once I bring it past 3000. The usual progression after 3k takes me to 8000 aluminum oxide and then I do have one of those cerium discs. I'm still getting the hang of it though, maybe I'm using it too dry since it kind of worked on the Thanksgiving cabochon I made. I had the best results when I took it to the Dremel with 15k and 50k diamond paste on a felt wheel but I've seen those kind of results directly from cerium as well. Live and learn, just when I think I have it down there's a new twist to think about. This is another reason why I'm immensely thankful for the variety of slabs I have to work from. It's a great learning experience, even more so when dealing with rocks with multiple materials in them each with various hardnesses. Rhyolite always keeps me on my toes. - Rob - Rob |
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dshanpnw
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2020
Posts: 1,157
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Post by dshanpnw on Nov 16, 2024 8:28:16 GMT -5
That's a great looking variety of cabs, they're all awesome.
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. Lapidary is teaching me to be more patient with the process but man I'm a stubborn one and it's taken me 4 months to understand that each stone has it's own timeline.
(you know that, that's why you're here)
