unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Mar 23, 2012 13:06:18 GMT -5
A couple of weeks ago Helen asked how long does it take to make a cab. Well for me the process starts long before the slab is even introduced to the trim saw. I generally take a couple of candidates from my stash and place them on a table near where I spend a great portion of my day. There the slabs sit until I am receptive to what they have to say. At times they are very free of tongue and then there are times when they are a bit more parsimonious in their communication. However I have found that it is just a matter of time before the slab so inspires me to remove it off the table, and then the fun begins and magic occurs. Stu These two have been on my table for for the better part of a week now.
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rockingthenorth
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2012
Posts: 1,637
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Post by rockingthenorth on Mar 23, 2012 13:29:33 GMT -5
Wow nice slabs zi really really like the first
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Post by rockpickerforever on Mar 23, 2012 13:43:36 GMT -5
Yes, the first one! It looks like the viewer is in a snow cave, with jagged ice around the edges, looking out at the sea with fluffy clouds above... sigh, such a peaceful scene.
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 23, 2012 14:49:39 GMT -5
I too like to look at slabs a long time before drawing a shape on them. I keep some slabs and templates near the sofa so I can conduct that conversation anytime. What is interesting is when I do pick a composition after some deliberation and conversing with the slab, it sometimes get put away before it gets cut. On occasion I have come back to such a slab a year later and wanted to do somethign very different. Like am am no longer into (or more into) teardrops as much, or now I want larger cabs ... etc. Here is what I might do to the 1st slab:
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,787
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Post by adrian65 on Mar 23, 2012 15:00:29 GMT -5
Daniel, I was expecting from you, a scene hunter, to frame those distant quartz mountains with the striped sky above. There's even a cloud as a bonus: Or are you affraid about the behaviour of the quartz crystals during the cabbing? Beautiful slab, Stu. You know, keeping it as it is is also an option, but I think you expected me to say this by now Adrian
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Post by helens on Mar 23, 2012 15:12:48 GMT -5
Holy crap... this next cab competition is going to take the cake! LOLOL!
And Adrian has a great eye (as you'd expect from a master artisan), there's definitely a few incredible scenes in that rock!!
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 23, 2012 15:31:25 GMT -5
Yes Adrian, I have been going beyond scenes a bit lately. ... but the one you pick is very nice. Maybe even room to make it oval and wider.
Maybe I just felt compelled to rotate the slab a bit. I am also almost OCD about having diagnial element up and to the right. Can't help myself. LOL.
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Mar 23, 2012 16:56:20 GMT -5
After long deliberation I decided that as far as this big beauty is concerned the total of it's parts cut into individual cabs will NEVER equal the majestic beauty of the slab left in it's entirety. Therefor I am in agreement with Adrian and I will only polish the face of this slab and keep it as a display piece. Stu
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Post by helens on Mar 23, 2012 23:40:47 GMT -5
That is probably a wise decision!!! You have some incredible slabs!!
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Post by paulshiroma on Mar 23, 2012 23:55:24 GMT -5
Definitely, Stu! That's far too nice a piece. Polish it up and keep it as is! Paul
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Post by roy on Mar 24, 2012 0:25:33 GMT -5
good idea stu some slabs are to great to cut up and that to me is one for the shelf! it looked like a stormy day at the ocean to me
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hope
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Mar 24, 2012 13:12:18 GMT -5
Whew!!!!!!! When I started at the top of this post and saw that scenic slab, and before I read the other posts, all I could here myself saying is, "Don't cut it!!!!!! Don't cut it!!!!!!!" As if you could have heard me before you cut it. I too, love it just as it is. Although Adrian's rendition is very nice also by elminating some of the less interesting right portion of the slab. It's just beautiful.
Hope
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Post by talkingstones on Mar 26, 2012 7:18:31 GMT -5
Stu, it's really a beautiful piece! Glad you've decided not to cut it! Polished for display, it should be incredible! Enjoy!
Cathy
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Post by Pat on Mar 26, 2012 17:35:09 GMT -5
When I saw the potential cabs you were considering, I thought No! NO! Scenes are much more engaging. Glad you agree with Adrian.
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