hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Aug 29, 2012 13:47:33 GMT -5
Hi, all! well, things are happening with Blue G in our workshop this week! We're test tumbling about 16 pounds of Blue G trim bits and pieces in one of our Gy-roc vibrating tumblers. To save bucks, we used 40/80 coal slag to clean the sawed trim bits and cut offs (exterior cut, muddy, very rough edged material), then 2 hours in 80 grit SiC and the edges of the angular pieces have just begun to round off ... Blue G is TOUGH!!!  We'll go another round of 80 grit this afternoon, then take a look at what we get. It's pretty certain that the result will be more smoothing, but little overall material wear. Our first batch of Blue G cab blanks is almost ready to hit the tumbler. We'll post photos of the results, friends. Kris |
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Aug 29, 2012 14:57:14 GMT -5
Kris don't forget to take pictures of "before" also!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2012 15:40:26 GMT -5
camera gear here. hopefully photos of the spheres tomorrow/today...
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Aug 29, 2012 19:07:17 GMT -5
camera gear here. hopefully photos of the spheres tomorrow/today... |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Aug 31, 2012 13:05:07 GMT -5
Blue G tumbling report: We've started a 16 lb batch of cutoffs and trims, along with some cabs that were shaped through 400 grit. Lots of nodule surfaces and sharp corners and edges. the material is of mixed grades of Blue G, with lots of patterned and mixed hardness material. Step #1: we're testing out using 40/80 "coal slag" sandblasting media, Black Diamond brand, from Tractor Supply. www.tractorsupply.com/black-diamond-20-40-blasting-media-50-lb--3905403This low silica media is Mohs 7 hardness, and a gentler rough stage. It turned out to be great for cleaning up the Blue G, without lots of material removal. Step #2: Examined and cleaned, the Blue G was tumbled in our Gy-roc Model C with 80 grit SiC for 2 hours. Cleaned and examined, another 2.5 hours in 80 grit was given. As expected, edge rounding and face material removal was minimal, with only the slightest rounding of sharp edges. The most marked removal was of green and tan areas in the lesser grades, with a shallow "pebble" effect on flat faces. Just the slightest undercutting, which produces a rustic, nuggetty effect. (We'll post a photo of this stage tonight.) Step #3: Cleaned and replaced in the Gy-roc, we added cabs that had been shaped up to 400 grit, and started again with 220 SiC for 2.5 hours, with good results. Step #4: Will stp to 400 or 500 today. Being a novice tumbler (last tumbled in 1989), the results are what I'd expected. Blue G is TOUGH, so do your material removal before starting a batch. Sharp edges and saw marks will still be there after the 80 grit stage. You may be surprised at how muddy the tumbling run will turn out, but each step is easier to clean. We're trying a little Cascade brand dish spot treatment today, to cut surface tension. More tonight! Kris |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Sept 6, 2012 18:12:56 GMT -5
Well, so much for this week, so far. We're both out of the workshop, mostly, and so the rumblings on hold. In reviewing this thread, I noticed that oil sawing was recommended. In our workshop, we use all water, and currently do all sawing on 10" tile saws. As y'all can vouch, they do a fine job with the Blue G. We've used both oil and water saws for Blue G, and have consistently found that it cuts smoothly, and is relatively kind on your blade. What's not to love, eh?  Any new photos, folks? Hey gunner, didja go dove hunting? We prefer turkey (Deep fried ... Mmmmm!), too much trouble to clean doves. Hoping I beat this horrid head cold or West Nile or whatever it is ... And soon!  Seeya! Kris |
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fwfranklen (Mike)
spending too much on rocks
Rock-ON--Have you kissed your rock today?
Member since August 2012
Posts: 379
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Post by fwfranklen (Mike) on Sept 6, 2012 18:27:51 GMT -5
Ok Kris here is a piece of Blue G that I just hand sanded and polished. I was trying to show the shine on this piece of Blue G. My photography skills are questionable. One photo shows the reflection of my office window. (Yes I have a window in my office a treasured office around here.)    My practice piece, I will post a carving when it is finished. Mike |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Sept 6, 2012 21:20:50 GMT -5
(Best Homer Simpson voice ...) "Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh ... sweet Blue G .... MMmmmmmm ..."
Hmmmm ... Worked better for Homer ... Need more practice! Anywho, nice shine, Mike! That pattern is one of my favorites, and responds well to even the three step polish we used with it; 60, 600 & 1200, using Diamond Pacific Nova flat laps. As you'll see below, we get great results!  That's right, just three steps!The example took just 12 minutes to finish, and now resides on my bedside table. The finish is high end kitchen counter-top grade, and underscores just how aggressive you can get with Blue G. Plus, you can get a great finish without messing around with oxide polishes. So, if you have a camera, bring it on! We want to see your Blue G! Thanks! Kris |
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fwfranklen (Mike)
spending too much on rocks
Rock-ON--Have you kissed your rock today?
Member since August 2012
Posts: 379
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Post by fwfranklen (Mike) on Sept 6, 2012 21:35:48 GMT -5
I did this piece in 100, 220 , 600 , 10,000 because that is all I had at the time. I also did a flat piece with SiC in 80, 220, 600 then I covered it in StarBond. Shook off the excess glue (do this outside away from any object) and let it air dry. I then re-did the 600 SiC and buffed with Cerium. It took a very wet looking shine, it looked like an agate. Just my opinion but it almost lookd like it was fake or a glass object it was so shiney. I have allready put it in a 1000 grit AO Ultra-vibe tumbler so I can redo it. So no pictures.
Mike
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Sept 7, 2012 13:32:40 GMT -5
Ahhhhhh, the Mad Scientist arises!
:cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy:
I love to hear of such fearless experimentation! Mr. Al has taken the "blue granite" patterned Blue G to 400 SiC, then applied the same stone sealer he uses on slate walkways.
Works like a charm!
Too bad we've only found Blue G in nodules of 90 lb or less, as everyone thinks it would make awesome counter tops. As easy to work as it is, the possibilities are almost endless!
Many thanks!
Kris |
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fwfranklen (Mike)
spending too much on rocks
Rock-ON--Have you kissed your rock today?
Member since August 2012
Posts: 379
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Post by fwfranklen (Mike) on Sept 7, 2012 13:37:26 GMT -5
I decided to time the Blue G I'm working on now. Well it took 15min...I will have to practice to match Kris's 12min finish job.
mike
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Don
Cave Dweller 
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Sept 7, 2012 14:01:47 GMT -5
I've got my piece slabbed, now I'm working on the design for the carving. I'm going to match it up with a copper fold form necklace.
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Sept 7, 2012 21:08:07 GMT -5
Mike, looks like you've got a handle on the Blue G! Doing a 12 minute, 3 step grind and sand was easy with brand new DP Nova flats. Of course, this was on a DP 18" commercial flat lap, too. Just like driving a Rolls Royce, and in the same comparative price range, too! The major difference between pieces of Blue G was mine had 3mm saw gouges, placed intentionally to test the DP equipment. It passed with flying colors, and we have it on our wish/build list. When we get an extra 4 grand we don't need for anything else, it's ours! Don, can't wait to see the Blue G with the fold/form copper. We want to try that metal working method, but are'nt yet ready. We still have to finish plumbing and rewiring the workshop before installing a brake and press. Will you be applying a patina to the copper? Great to see the Blue G being worked, and new techniques explored. Keep up the good work! kris |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Oct 1, 2012 20:46:09 GMT -5
Well, we got tired of waiting, so Blue G is heading off to the GIA tomorrow morning!
We're going to bust the Visa out and pony up for express service ( :cheesy: ), and will be letting you all know just exactly what it is, as soon as we get the results.
So, can you cut rocks with your fingers crossed?
:cheesy:
Cheers!
Kris
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2012 19:13:33 GMT -5
Looks like everyone got blue colored blue G but me.  Cannot wait to see the GIA results. |
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Nov 29, 2013 12:32:12 GMT -5
Any sphere pix? Where'd the blue go? Lawsonite isn't something that gets cut every day; shame they haven't found veins with crystals that would be worth serious money.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2013 13:22:10 GMT -5
My Brown G sphere- (Blue G is a tradename that totally misrepresents the color of the stones).  The reason it's not cut every day is it's very difficult to cut (more difficult than jade) and IMHO it's ugly. |
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 29, 2013 14:13:05 GMT -5
it actually has a beauty. I sorted a lot of the $1/lb stuff that was offered, and that is one of the patterns I favored. Eye of the beholder an all.
the 303 blade in my LS10 cuts the stuff real easy too.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Nov 29, 2013 17:13:46 GMT -5
I think it's a nice looking rock too. It would look better in blue, but it has a nice pattern.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2013 21:13:03 GMT -5
it actually has a beauty. I sorted a lot of the $1/lb stuff that was offered, and that is one of the patterns I favored. Eye of the beholder an all. the 303 blade in my LS10 cuts the stuff real easy too. In person that sphere is a muddy tan with black flecks. I get angry looking at it and I can't bring myself to give it away. Diamond saw cuts it fine. But the hand cutting for pre-grind of the sphere and then the sphere wort itself too forever. Twice as long a similar size nephrite piece. |
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