bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Post by bgast1 on Jul 29, 2010 15:42:26 GMT -5
I am brand new to rock collecting. I only have a Dremel tool and various grits of sandpaper that I got from my local auto supply house and won't be able to purchase anymore equipment for a while. I have purchased 3 books on introductory lapidary processes.
Cabachon Cutting (Gembooks) by Jack R. Cox Gem Cutting: A Lapidary's Manual by John Sinkankas Introduction To Lapidary (Jewelry Crafts) by Pansy D. Kraus
Is anyone around here familiar with using a Dremel to polish rocks, cut rocks etc. What kind of polish is actually achievable with a dremel?
Currently the only place I have collected rocks is from the Lake Michigan Beach in Kenosha, WI.
I also cannot find any information on collecting rocks in Illinois. Is it legal to pick up rocks at Illinois State Beach? From what I can gather the law states that specimen collecting is forbidden by law in most federal, state, and county preserves. But does this apply to just picking up a few rocks here and there and putting them in your pocket or does it apply mostly for those folks going out with a rock hammer and a shovel and acutally doing some serious collecting? Seriously, what harm am I doing anyone by picking up a few rocks or fossils. Otherwise, I will probably have to buy anything that I want to work on.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 29, 2010 16:38:36 GMT -5
Welcome aboard bgast1. First I'll give you a link to some info about collecting in Illinois. Try going to cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/page/IllinoisNow as for using a Dremel to work on rocks, First you must remember that you'll be working with electricity and water. If you have the flex shaft attachment for your Dremel, you'll be alright. Regular sandpaper and dremel grinding tools will be of little or no use to you. You'll need diamond grinding and sanding bits. You can buy inexpensive bits at Harbor Freight. All of your grinding and sanding must be done with plenty of water. Otherwise the bits you're using will overheat and be destroyed. There are also diamond slitting disks that can be used to cut very small rocks. These must also be used with water. Your best bet to get started would be to do a google search for rock and mineral clubs in your area, and join one. Most clubs have the proper equipment for lapidary work, and experienced members who can teach you how to use it. Don
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Jul 29, 2010 17:00:24 GMT -5
You can get a beautiful polish with a Dremel it's just more time consuming. They are easier to work with if you have the flex shaft attachment.
There are several on here that do great work with them.
Use SiC (silicon carbide) wheels and paper or diamond disks/burs and paper with water for cooling/lubricant.
Read around here for more ideas and tips too.
As far as taking stones from public lands, the authorities always fall back on "What if everyone that comes here took a bunch of rocks from here every day?"
You could always take some rocks with you and trade them out so you feel better ;D.
Fossils are different story.
Dr Joe
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Jul 29, 2010 17:07:31 GMT -5
I got sniped!! Guess I need to learn to type with more than 2 fingers ;D
Dr Joe
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 29, 2010 17:17:11 GMT -5
Dr Joe, you have 2 educated fingers ? I only have 1, tho I do use another for the shift key. LOL Don
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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 29, 2010 19:00:57 GMT -5
Don, that's how I type too. Funny thing is I'm almost as fast as my retired secretary wife who uses all ten for some reason.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 29, 2010 19:06:49 GMT -5
Back on topic. Dremels can be used for rock carving with diamond burs, etc. They are high speed, low torque and wear out pretty quickly in heavy use. To cut and cab with them would take a lot of patience. You can find diamond mini grinding wheels in various grit to about 600 and then finish with hard felt mini wheels and diamond compound.
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