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Post by lonetreestudios on Nov 15, 2010 15:54:37 GMT -5
So I find myself sitting on a pile (maybe more like a landslide??) of rough that I have accumulated over the years, with the intent of turning it all into works of art and beauty (or at least sludge at the bottom of the coolant tank..) Sound familiar?
So here is my question to all the craftspeople on here....am I better off selling some of the rough off as just that, rough, or slabbing it and selling it that way? How about one step further and offering it already stabilized (if it needs it). To further complicate things, included in this pile is a decent amount of thunder eggs, coconuts, brazilians, and other various agates/nodules from who knows where. Are these worth more uncut (anyone's guess on what they contain), or slabbed up (the good with the bad)? Side note, I am getting decent at figuring out which ones are solid versus hollow, yes, i am an enginerd!).
Just curious what folks are mostly interested in for their craft, slabs or rough, as I am needing to sell some to get some more equipment and start doing cabs and more spheres. Thanks for your input, critiques, etc...
Rodney
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,484
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Post by Sabre52 on Nov 15, 2010 16:17:47 GMT -5
Rodney: I've often pondered that question myself. In the past, when I've done E-Bay stuff, I've always sold slabs. I'd buy the rough, cut a couple of slabs for me, a couple to sell to pay for the rough etc. Problem is, I always run up against saw time and blade cost. I think the price slabs sell for usually barely meets the cost of blade wear and tear ( especially when I used a 20" saw) and then if you figure you have to supervise the friggin saw all day for a few slabs, mess with cleaning and oil changes etc, heck it don't pay at all. I'd rather be out rock hunting, riding my horse or hiking than sit around listening to a saw grind away at rocks all day. I think, if I ever start selling again, it'll be rough as good rough brings good prices now days and you eliminate all the blade cost and time consumption. Proven rough might be a good way to go too where you just face cut the specimen to expose the innards and show the quality and pattern without having to go through all the repetitive slabbing process....Mel
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 15, 2010 16:41:17 GMT -5
I agree with Mel. Face cut rough is best. I only sell rock at Cloud's but face cut rough and really high dollar slabs are always best sellers. To the point the slabs I used to get $1 or $2 for I now cut up demonstrating band saws, etc. Routine rough has to be really low priced to sell or in quantity at 1/2 price, etc. I always cut up some really nice slabs to take as most serious cutters know it is the cheapest way to buy and will pay premium prices for premium slabs.
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Post by lonetreestudios on Nov 15, 2010 16:52:45 GMT -5
Mel, Thanks for the advice, that is what I had rationalized in my melon, but thought I would ask anyway. Now my task becomes identifying what in the heck I have and finding someone that wants it! I may still have a go at spheres as I have the equipment and I think spheres of quality material / large size can compete with the dirt cheap imported stuff....but I may be wrong! Don't get me wrong, I am not totally in this for the money, as I love working with the stuff, but at the end of the day it needs to be self sustaining from a $$$ standpoint.....Rodney
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,484
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Post by Sabre52 on Nov 15, 2010 18:12:20 GMT -5
Rodney: Spending some time at identifying what you have for sale is always a good idea. Most folks see a good identification with a little background info as a plus when buying rough or slabs. I'm kind of a purest myself and will often pass over stuff with no identity as it does not add to my collection. Also, remember, if you do choose to market primo slabs, optimum thickness is about 1/4" for most folks though some do like them thicker and some, like me, prefer 3/16" if I have the choice. Also, learn how to grade your rough. If you make that first cut and it's fractured or pitted, learn to cut your losses and don't waste more saw time. I've seen a lot of folks who figure they'll cut everything and try to get rid of the crappy stuff in mixed lots etc. That will only piss off serious cutters and hurt your reputation. If it's marginal stuff, describe the problems specifically, chuck it out, or break out the good sections for the tumblers. Too many sellers try to sell wet slabs with defects and when the folks get them home and see them dry, that will often preclude them from buying from that seller in the future. For cabbers, good descriptions and high quality will bring premium prices and repeat business ...Mel
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