|
Post by MyNewHobby on Apr 11, 2009 12:18:52 GMT -5
Now that I have a chance to work in a lap lab (today), there is so much I would like to do.
What is/are the first things that I should be learning to begin with (i.e. sawing, cabbing, grinding .... etc.)
I am going to take a batch of various things to play with and see what I can cram into 3-4 hours.
Any ideas or suggestions?
As always .... Julie
|
|
MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
|
Post by MikeS on Apr 11, 2009 16:17:48 GMT -5
I'd say practice with the saw...cutting the slabs, and then cutting them down as close as you possibly can to the shape you want...it's pretty easy, but it does take a bit of practice...
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Apr 11, 2009 19:38:25 GMT -5
Where I used to live the work shop supervisor would show new people how to use equipment before turning them loose. Everyone was given a piece of petrified wood about 2" diameter to "window" the end. The supervisor would watch and sign off after watching you grind, sand and polish the end. It was a nice way to get used to doming, grinding ,sanding and polishing on an easily held sample that you got to keep after. It showed the supervisor you could safely use the equipment and treated the equipment properly observing safety procedures. I doubt they will urn you loose on a slab saw without assistance but trim saws are easy enough so take some slabs and learn to trim and cab.
|
|
MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
|
Post by MikeS on Apr 11, 2009 20:32:30 GMT -5
good point...I was picturing my equipment...my saw does double duty, both slab and trim...
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Apr 11, 2009 21:31:54 GMT -5
Actually .... it is funny you say to cut as thin (?) or close as possible ...
One of the slices I did ... fell between the blade and table ...
I was told that it was a very good thing it did not fall completely down as they would have had to take the saw apart to retrieve it.
This would have put the saw out of commission .... Woof .... my bad ....
Hey .... I did not do it on purpose!!!
|
|
chrysoturq
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2009
Posts: 6
|
Post by chrysoturq on Apr 13, 2009 21:38:39 GMT -5
I started slabbing large rocks down to a workable size ( about 2"high by 3"long by 1/4" thick). If you already have a slab, I would use half of it by marking it for some desired pattern and use the other half to practice cutting with the cutting wheel or band saw. Once you get the movement necessary for cutting, cut out your carbochon. Then use the other practice cuts to practice grinding with different types of grit so you can learn how and when to use the different types of either vertical grinders or flat lapidary grinders. Polishing should be the last thing you should learn as you need to learn how to cut, grind, and remove imperfections from a rock before you start polishing.
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Apr 15, 2009 18:09:21 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great ideas and input!!
Since I do not have access to the equipment all the time, I will probably try to learn how to clean and polish the halves and slices I got.
I really had a great time and look forward to it again and again.
As always .... I really appreciate and time and assistance everyone gives. Julie
|
|