Post by RedwoodRocks on Jun 17, 2006 13:59:06 GMT -5
Here are a few pics of my latest cabs. I tried calibrated cabs, free form cabs, using dops and not using dops and cutting cabs in batches. Basically, trying to find my style.
I have found that freeform cabs are much easier to cut compared to calibrated cabs as I don't have to worry cutting up to the lines. As you will probably be able to see, I cut into the lines on some of the calibrated cabs.
On using dops, I like using dops so that I don't have to worry about grinding my fingernails and the dops make it little easier to control the stone on the wheel. However, melting the wax and dopping the stone does add time to the process.
I have been trying to cut stones in batches because I have to move the water lines and water tray from one wheel to the next. In addition, I have two expanding wheels and 4 sanding belts. Thus, my setup requires moving the water lines (holes in back of the grinder, moving the water tray and changing the sanding belts as I move through the process. Overall, I think batches of 4-5 cabs at one time is about right. 4-5 cabs in one batch allows me to get to the finished product in a reasonable amount of time.
This batch consists of a variety of stones- in the first pic - MH Poppy Jasper, swirlstone, some moss that I picked up at the local rock show....
OJ, Pink Brecciated Jasper and purple/mauve vogesite. I really like the color in the vogesite, even though the purple is hard to see in the pic.
Rooster Tail jasper, Kabamby Jasper and Poppy jasper
Blue lace, White Plume and Quantum Quattro (most Chrysocolla). The big piece of blue lace doesn't have the greatest banding.
More OJ
I need to get one of those magnifying/light setups to use while marking out the calibrated cabs. I didn't notice some vugs and fractures until I started grinding. Also, I need to look closer at the rocks, as what I thought would be a good/great design sort of disappointed me when I finished. Perhaps what I need is a new set of glasses LOL.
I have found that freeform cabs are much easier to cut compared to calibrated cabs as I don't have to worry cutting up to the lines. As you will probably be able to see, I cut into the lines on some of the calibrated cabs.
On using dops, I like using dops so that I don't have to worry about grinding my fingernails and the dops make it little easier to control the stone on the wheel. However, melting the wax and dopping the stone does add time to the process.
I have been trying to cut stones in batches because I have to move the water lines and water tray from one wheel to the next. In addition, I have two expanding wheels and 4 sanding belts. Thus, my setup requires moving the water lines (holes in back of the grinder, moving the water tray and changing the sanding belts as I move through the process. Overall, I think batches of 4-5 cabs at one time is about right. 4-5 cabs in one batch allows me to get to the finished product in a reasonable amount of time.
This batch consists of a variety of stones- in the first pic - MH Poppy Jasper, swirlstone, some moss that I picked up at the local rock show....
OJ, Pink Brecciated Jasper and purple/mauve vogesite. I really like the color in the vogesite, even though the purple is hard to see in the pic.
Rooster Tail jasper, Kabamby Jasper and Poppy jasper
Blue lace, White Plume and Quantum Quattro (most Chrysocolla). The big piece of blue lace doesn't have the greatest banding.
More OJ
I need to get one of those magnifying/light setups to use while marking out the calibrated cabs. I didn't notice some vugs and fractures until I started grinding. Also, I need to look closer at the rocks, as what I thought would be a good/great design sort of disappointed me when I finished. Perhaps what I need is a new set of glasses LOL.
