Zoran
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2005
Posts: 880
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Post by Zoran on Oct 15, 2006 4:33:27 GMT -5
I usually don't dop my cabs. But when cabs are to small I have no choice. These are my dopsticks.  (These are chrysoprase 10x10mm cabs for earrings) I use nails and super glue to dop. I find using super glue is cleaner and easier way to dop then with dop wax. I am pretty sure that I am not the only one that came up with this. Am I right? |
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Post by shek on Oct 15, 2006 8:54:05 GMT -5
What a great idea! I have some small rubies that will be perfect for that technique! I've been wondering how to dop them.  |
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Post by Toad on Oct 15, 2006 9:06:50 GMT -5
What do you do to release the stone? Couldn't solvents be bad for certain stones?
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Zoran
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2005
Posts: 880
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Post by Zoran on Oct 15, 2006 9:51:51 GMT -5
What do you do to release the stone? Couldn't solvents be bad for certain stones? Toad, You don't have to use any solvents. Just leave your cab on dop stick in some hot water (not boiling) around 50 degrees C (120-130 degrees F). I use hot water from bathroom tab. Then use just slight pressure and detach cab from dop stick (I mean nail). Works just fine for me. |
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Oct 15, 2006 22:57:27 GMT -5
ATTA BOY a great idea
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Post by Tweetiepy on Oct 16, 2006 14:12:34 GMT -5
That picture is cool too! Look like snail eyes..... sorry it's Monday and I'm still on weekend mode!
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller 
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Oct 21, 2006 14:09:28 GMT -5
My wife bought some calsilica, dont have a clue if I spelled that right, cabs from Mexico a while back and they had super glue residue on the backs. I took some 16 penny nails, face ground the top of the heads and added 1 drop of super glue. The little fat bottles from Dollar General stores at 2 for a buck are the handiest as they can be reopened many times before closing shut on you. We use a paper clip to punch out plugs in the stem . Water overnight breakes
down glue but, being an impatient old fart, I heat the nail about 1 inch down from the stone for about 15 to 20 seconds with the small flame pointed away from the stone and it usually drops off on a towel I lay down as a backstop. Once in a great while , I get a stubburn piece and simply flick it off with the tip of a lead pencil. Some rock won't take ANY amount of heat so be advised there. The stone does heat up somewhat,(would'nt want someone to drop it down the front of your pants for a couple minutes ) , but haven't had anything fracture on us yet !!.
Now that we have both admitted to using big fat nails and super glue, be prepared for some interesting comments concerning your far distant ancestry.
In my case ,the name Neandertal , if I remember correctly.
From past experience, I keep a bowl of water handy when trying to glue cab blanks and watch Wheel of Fortune at the same time. If ya have a little bad luck, get yer paw in there immediately.
I'am with you, it's a clean, cheap and efficient method of gettin the job done.
Agatemaggot
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Oct 21, 2006 14:16:36 GMT -5
Forgot to mention that we use it on our large cabs. If you flat grind top of nail head so it is smooth, the bond will be strong enough that you will snap cab in half before it will give it up !.
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Post by gemkoi on Oct 22, 2006 13:50:52 GMT -5
Yup, i agree with that method and been using it for years. But only for small cabs like what you have there Z. I do it would wood too, but nails work best. When using wood, i simply take my tile nippers and pinch the glue under tthe stone. It releases like butter. BUt if your keep re-using the same wood without grinding the glue off, it doesnt work as well as the frist few times.
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