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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 12, 2010 15:38:46 GMT -5
I started these in the tumbler to get the initial roughness off then moved on the the Genie last night. What a difference, what fun! I know I need a lot more practice, but tell me what you think, please! What is this awesome rock? In know those look like scratches on there but I'll be darn if I can find them when I look for them. other side This one already had this shape when it went into the tumbler. I just finished shaping to make it even. \ This one needs lots of help thanks to my lousy job of cutting it. There are uneven spots on both sides, two different spots. Should I just keep grinding away on it to make it smooth & even or throw it back in the tumbler? Thanks - Donnie
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Post by Toad on Feb 12, 2010 15:44:08 GMT -5
Looks like you'll be a professional cabber in no time.
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pporky
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2007
Posts: 1,932
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Post by pporky on Feb 12, 2010 16:11:54 GMT -5
You have some really nice material and you are making some beauties already, great stuff.
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Post by rockmanken on Feb 12, 2010 16:14:50 GMT -5
The camera always shows my scratches. You need a 10x loupe. $5.99 at Harbor Freight. First one looks like a brecciated picture jasper. On the last one, I would go back on the Genie starting at 220 and work it back up. Ken
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Mudshark
fully equipped rock polisher
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock. Will Rogers
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,083
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Post by Mudshark on Feb 12, 2010 18:00:44 GMT -5
Great job on those.I dry the cabs off after the 220 wheel and check with a magnifier.Once you get past the 220 the other wheels are a breeze.
Mike
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Post by morerockspleaz on Feb 12, 2010 18:12:41 GMT -5
What ever one else said and I just got a Genie in December so just take time to get used to the wheels. I played at first with some scraps and odds and ends. If this is a new Genie did you break the wheels in. If you listen to the sound of the wheels as you work you will hear when the stone is done on each wheel. Maybe I'm weird but the sound changes. Great work. Keep us the good work.
BeLinda
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 12, 2010 18:30:11 GMT -5
No, Belinda, I know what you are saying about hearing it, kinda hums a ya. You can kind of feel it too! This was a used Genie my dad gave me. He bought it used but never used it. One of the catalogs from Diamond Pacific that was with it had the Genie priced at under $700.00. The other catalog was from 2002. So I'm guessing it had been around awhile. Thanks everyone for your input. I really like that stone with the blue in it. It was so easy to work with.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Feb 12, 2010 20:22:24 GMT -5
Under $700? Wow, they sure have gone up!! (I paid $1800 shipped)
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Feb 12, 2010 21:37:21 GMT -5
You've gotten a great start there. Keep on truckin' LOL!
Nate
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idrockman
starting to shine!
Member since September 2006
Posts: 25
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Post by idrockman on Feb 13, 2010 2:05:47 GMT -5
Keep up the good work, just just the 10x magnifier, as I too think no scratches, but low and behold I take a photo and there they are. With practice you will be scratch free.
Brad
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Post by fishenman on Feb 13, 2010 2:36:15 GMT -5
looking good! Keep practicing.
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fossilbrain
spending too much on rocks
Cookie Monster agate
Member since October 2007
Posts: 360
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Post by fossilbrain on Feb 13, 2010 7:39:34 GMT -5
Really, really great stuff to stare at and get lost in, and any minor imperfections are much more evident in photos. I'm like you, I'll see something as perfect in the garage, and have to blow off a few low spots after photography and not worry about it and move on. Those pieces would sell fine in person. ;D
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Feb 13, 2010 14:38:12 GMT -5
did you hold these cabs in your fingers or did you use a dop stick? With a little practice I think you will find that you have more control of the cab with a stick and the scratches will be easier to get rid of. Now get back to work
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damammy
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2009
Posts: 697
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Post by damammy on Feb 13, 2010 15:36:13 GMT -5
In the third picture it reminds me of Mexican lace but I wouldn't sware to it. You are doing great for your first cabs. I think time is your best teacher, Ken brings his cabs to me after he finishes and I always find the flaws. ;D Keep on cabbin and posting will enjoy seeing your work. Donna
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 13, 2010 19:21:51 GMT -5
Warren,I don't have the stuff to do a dop stick, so I held them with my fingers and yes, I will get back to work! Thanks damammy, I'll look for some pics of mexican lace.
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damammy
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2009
Posts: 697
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Post by damammy on Feb 13, 2010 19:36:11 GMT -5
Donnie, when I started cabbin I went to Lowes Hardware and got dowel rods (sticks) in different sizes and sawed them in the right lengths and smoothed them off with a butcher knife. I had dop wax but some people use glue (maybe super glue). Donna
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Post by frane on Feb 13, 2010 20:22:42 GMT -5
You are well on your way. Practice practice and then practice some more. I have noticed that when I think I am done on one wheel, continue for a bit longer, just to make sure. When I rush it through, I always get scratches showing up even when I could swear I had gotten them all. Scratches can also be from the wheels if it has not been broken in before. You may want to use an agate from start to finish to make sure any rough spots are taken care of on the wheels. It really looks like you have some good shine on them! I am looking forward to your next batch! Fran
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