|
|
Post by frane on Sept 6, 2009 21:18:55 GMT -5
I realized there were far too many pics in the other thread so I figured I would divide them up. Here is a batch that I had cut preforms out of and well, the black is softer than the rest of the stones so some decided to change a bit. Over all, they turned out nice. I got this stuff from Jamie.   These are all purple burro creek. Most of these are preforms, cabs and end cuts. One, I call "The Finger"...    And the other side  These are all preforms that I tossed in. Most did really well!  I was starting to cab this one and it kept flying off the dop stick so I just put it in the batch.  I think I am going to have to cab this one. I wasn't sure about it before and it really turned a bit lighter than it was and looks great. It just needs a little shaping!  I took this little piece off of a rock that Northshorerocks sent me. It sure looks like Mary Ellen Jasper to me!  These came from a batch I bought from 1rockdigger. It sure is pretty stuff!   Thank you for looking! Fran |
|
bouldergal
freely admits to licking rocks
Glacier Meadow
Member since July 2007
Posts: 783
|
Post by bouldergal on Sept 6, 2009 21:34:37 GMT -5
Wow! The shine is amazing. The Mary Ellen Jasper and the one that "flew off the dop stick" sure are pretty. You must use dop sticks all the time....you have FINGERNAILS!!!! ;D
Susan
|
|
|
|
Post by NatureNut on Sept 6, 2009 22:15:01 GMT -5
Fran, you got a killer shine on them and they look great!
|
|
|
|
Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 6, 2009 23:29:38 GMT -5
Fran, the shine on those is magnificent! They look like they all have a coating of acrylic on them or something. Very, very nice.
I have a question. You said you started some in the TV-5, but it broke, and you went to the UV-10. If I understand right, the UV-10 holds about double what the TV-5 holds, right?
I'm trying to figure out about how many preforms I should put in my vibe, which is a "Benny's Blue". I don't want a load that is "all" preforms and spacers, and I don't want to put preforms in with stuff like agate and quartz, or even jasper, rough. I don't know the true capacity, but the instructions say 4.5 - 6 pounds of rocks. I know it works best when I "overfill" it. I guess I should fill it with something - like beach rocks, then take the bowl and weigh it.
I wonder if I could load the bowl about 1/3 with soft beach rocks, 1/3 ceramic filler, and 1/3 preforms. Do you think I'd be doing harm to the preforms, or is there a chance that might work? I'd love to be able to get a gleam like yours!
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by frane on Sept 7, 2009 7:42:18 GMT -5
Tom, the best thing to do would be to throw in some softer rocks. Not a lot softer or you will have a big mud problem throughout. What I didn't show was the batch of aventurine that always split and pitted when I tumbled it before so I threw them in when I needed filler. They even look better than they did last time but they didn't shine much. I actually tumbled a lot of rock to get the edges off, threw in a bunch of preforms worked a total of two batches up through the 1000 grit just to make sure they were nice and smooth, then I put the best of the batch in the polish load after a couple of good ivory snow rinses. I did something a little different this time with the rinsing. I added in 1/4 cup of hot water and the ivory snow. Let it run a few minutes to woosh it around. Then I slowly added the stones a handful at a time until I had them all in. I didn't seem to have so many fractures and bruised areas on the stones. I did the same for the burnishing afterwards, only I added a little borax to the mixture. Might be luck or I may be onto something. I also ran the 1000 grit for 2 days, adding water as needed. When they came out of that rinse, they were already shining so I knew it would be good.
Hope that helps.
Fran
|
|
NorthShore-Rocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,004
|
Post by NorthShore-Rocks on Sept 7, 2009 11:52:28 GMT -5
Fantastic batch Fran! They look wonderful.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Sept 7, 2009 13:22:51 GMT -5
Beautiful stuff, awesome job!!  |
|
|
|
Post by Bejewelme on Sept 7, 2009 19:51:55 GMT -5
Great batch Fran!!
I like the er....um.....finger!!!! LOL
Keep up the great work, your patience always pays off!
Amber
|
|
|
|
Post by Noosh9057 on Sept 8, 2009 16:15:47 GMT -5
Very very nice.
Roger
|
|
