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Post by kk on Nov 13, 2011 3:30:12 GMT -5
After getting the request making a 5 pointed star in Indonesian Coral, I was tempted to make another trail and try out working with Tiger Eye. The Coral went reasonably well, but somehow the reason for buying the slab (the blue color) got too weak during working it.  The proportions are OK, but slowly I understand as to why carvers need so long to finish single pieces. The cutting/carving is simple and easy. Polishing up is a killer.  A few days ago, I asked about working with Tiger eye. There was a lot of talk about for and against. As it seemed that Green would be easier to work than Blue; I decided to work on green. As it turns out, it was an excellent choice as I encountered hardly any problem at all and as it turns out I got basically Chatoyancy at 85% all over the stone. The face and back of it have 100% color Chatoyancy. I love working (and staring at) this stone, the color is fantastic.  The only problem that I still got to figure out is how to finish up the center. Any concave surface does not seem to even up and continues to uproot fibers (even though I only hand-sand). Any recommendations toward this problem would be highly appreciated. Oh, yes,..... forgot to mention that both show back and front as they are worked in the round. Thanks for looking, have a great Sunday.  |
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Post by NatureNut on Nov 13, 2011 7:59:07 GMT -5
Wow. How long did it take you to do these? How about insetting another stone in the center of the Tiger Eye using epoxy? A lighter Tiger Eye or something solid gold color. Jo
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Nov 13, 2011 8:59:19 GMT -5
Very cool!
yes try inlaying another stone in the center or gemstone chip/epoxy type inlay
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Post by kk on Nov 13, 2011 9:00:11 GMT -5
Hi Jo, About a week, on and off. I'm quite slow with those things. I didn't think of anything for the middle yet. At the moment the center is elevated in form of a round convex shape on one side, and an offset small Pentagram (see upper left and lower right corners) on the other. Those are surrounded by concave grooves and its those grooves that give me the troubles. Have been rubbing at it the whole evening with 3000 paper. One side is reasonably done, the second side will be alright by tomorrow. |
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Nov 13, 2011 9:18:05 GMT -5
Rio Grande has these small pin type of polishing media that work very well for spots like that. I use them in my flex shaft tool under a water drip in my 5gal bucket system I made. They can be shaped into a point to get into tiny spaces. www.riogrande.com/Search/polishing-pin |
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Post by Toad on Nov 13, 2011 9:26:26 GMT -5
They both look fantastic
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grayfingers
Cave Dweller 
Member since November 2007
Posts: 4,575 
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Post by grayfingers on Nov 13, 2011 9:59:38 GMT -5
Those stars are amazing, you have a lot of patience.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2011 13:41:31 GMT -5
If you can find wooden stick Q-tips you can break them in half and chuck them up in the dremel. They do not last very long but they will do the job. I used the white stick polish. The stone I was working with was a little softer than what you have but I do not see why they would not work. When I could not find wood sticks I took a drill bit that would fit tight inside the plastic stick Q-tip, broke the bit in half, stuck it inside the tube and chucked it up in the dremel. You need the dremel chuck and not the collet so it will hold it tight. As soon as the cotton starts coming off pull away or you can damage the stone. Hope this helps
Jim
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Post by kk on Nov 13, 2011 18:13:30 GMT -5
Thank you all for the likes and the additional info. Jim I got rubberized wheel-tips for that plus I use bamboo sticks. Works well on virtually all materials, but not in this case. The only problem with them is that I chucked out the sped-control (foot-pedal) on my machine as soon as I got it. So the speed is too fast and could easily damage the surface. Now I gotta pay for it with finger-power! No matter, will get there by today! |
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Nov 13, 2011 20:58:05 GMT -5
I've got limited experience with tiger eye, but read you need to sand with the fibers, towards the ends. They are like straws (hollow) and the media will fill the ends. It may be possible to finish the center of that star if you keep that in mind.
Your carvings are fantastic!
Nate
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,315
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Post by mossyrockhound on Nov 13, 2011 22:21:41 GMT -5
I like those Kurt! Very original and well done. I'm sure the middle of the tiger eye will look just fine once you get done with it. You seem to have the patience for it.
Garry
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2011 23:46:42 GMT -5
A light dimmer switch and a receptacle wired into a plastic box will do the trick for slowing down your dremel. That is all I have ever used.
Jim
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Post by kk on Nov 14, 2011 1:07:27 GMT -5
Lol. It looks like you want me to burn down the house. Me and anything electrical spells disaster. LOL |
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firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
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Post by firewalker45 on Nov 14, 2011 1:44:22 GMT -5
Hi KK, your work is outstanding! When sanding Tiger Eye,always try to sand against the grain. When you sand with the grain, you increase the chance of uprooting the fibers. Hope this helps, Daniel
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Post by kk on Nov 14, 2011 9:24:58 GMT -5
OK, fingers are hurting, but here we go. Best shots (both sides) at lowest ASA setting as otherwise the pics turn out too bright a color.  Different corners up in each shot to show color range. Again both sides (one row each) at lowest ASA setting.  Thanks for all the help and likes. Best regards, Kurt |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2011 13:57:12 GMT -5
hahahaha Don't you have any friends that can put the electrical box together? You buy the parts and I will fix you up. NO CHARGE. lol I probably have a box around here somewhere so all you need is the switch and receptacle. Postage won't be over 3 bucks and I will swing for that to help you out. Then when you get famous I will expose you for what you are. An artist. lol
Jim
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Post by kk on Nov 14, 2011 21:54:54 GMT -5
What I need to save up to next is a dental setup! Then we will see if I could realize the things on my mind. |
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Post by tntmom on Nov 14, 2011 22:18:08 GMT -5
I love your carvings! I don't have the patience....
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Post by kk on Nov 15, 2011 17:07:59 GMT -5
Krystee; sure you have! Most people here at the forum could do those stars, It's not patience that hinders creation of those, its the need to create quickly in order to encourage and conduct business. Just my few cents,..... LOL |
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