Post by cityboy on Oct 13, 2012 17:05:17 GMT -5
Hello,
I am a complete newbie at working with agates. I am worried this new addiction
Is gonna take me over!
After vacationing the North Shore of Lake Superior this year, I became obsessed with the idea of rock polishing.
I collected about 2lbs of what I considered "pretty" rocks near Grand Marais, MN.
Not a single agate in the mix, but "what the heck" I thought. "Investigate rock polishing when I get home"
That was July. This is October.
I now have my "little rock collection"
On step 4 in my new Lortone 33-B.
In the other barrel, I have 3lbs of agates ranging from 1/4" to one that is 6+oz, all purchased online. All very good quality.
Next to the tumbler sits 4 grit kits, 10lbs of plastic pellets, 15lbs of rough agates ( .5 oz to 6oz), a box with 4 agates in the half-to three quarter lb range, a one-pound beauty that I paid over two hundred dollars for, 5 fine mesh strainers, all with their own bucket, for working each step. Along with many Tupperware containers and cleaning supplies.
I have, on the way in the mail, between 15 and 20 lbs more nice rough agates,
More grit (including a lb of 36 grit silicon carbide.... Anyone have experience using this strong of grit for working with large or irregular shaped agates???)
Did I mention I also am awaiting my new Lortone QT-66?
I have foolishly also purchased a Proxxon NEW Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E, and a ton of diamond bits, diamond grinding attachments, and cutting wheels.
After reading how difficult and time consuming this approach is, I'm afraid I may have just wasted money.
I am NOT going to allow myself to buy Lapidary saws or professional grinding equipment!!!
My name is Brad, and if I haven't annoyed you by this point, any tips would be much appreciated
I am a complete newbie at working with agates. I am worried this new addiction
Is gonna take me over!
After vacationing the North Shore of Lake Superior this year, I became obsessed with the idea of rock polishing.
I collected about 2lbs of what I considered "pretty" rocks near Grand Marais, MN.
Not a single agate in the mix, but "what the heck" I thought. "Investigate rock polishing when I get home"
That was July. This is October.
I now have my "little rock collection"
On step 4 in my new Lortone 33-B.
In the other barrel, I have 3lbs of agates ranging from 1/4" to one that is 6+oz, all purchased online. All very good quality.
Next to the tumbler sits 4 grit kits, 10lbs of plastic pellets, 15lbs of rough agates ( .5 oz to 6oz), a box with 4 agates in the half-to three quarter lb range, a one-pound beauty that I paid over two hundred dollars for, 5 fine mesh strainers, all with their own bucket, for working each step. Along with many Tupperware containers and cleaning supplies.
I have, on the way in the mail, between 15 and 20 lbs more nice rough agates,
More grit (including a lb of 36 grit silicon carbide.... Anyone have experience using this strong of grit for working with large or irregular shaped agates???)
Did I mention I also am awaiting my new Lortone QT-66?
I have foolishly also purchased a Proxxon NEW Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E, and a ton of diamond bits, diamond grinding attachments, and cutting wheels.
After reading how difficult and time consuming this approach is, I'm afraid I may have just wasted money.
I am NOT going to allow myself to buy Lapidary saws or professional grinding equipment!!!
My name is Brad, and if I haven't annoyed you by this point, any tips would be much appreciated