meta7
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 164
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Post by meta7 on Jan 2, 2013 15:45:31 GMT -5
I am working on Metamorphosis Quartz pieces (1-3 pound pieces) and I find that sometimes little chunks break off the pieces when I use coarse grinding wheels such as 60-100.
When I use a 220 wheel, this does not happen, but it obviously takes a lot longer to grind down the rock with a 220 as opposed to a 100.
Does anyone have experience using diamond grinding wheels in the 120-180 grit range? Is there a grit that would not be too harsh on these fragile quartz pieces, yet would perform faster than 220 would?
I am using 8" wheels.
Thanks,
:-)
Dave
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 2, 2013 23:17:34 GMT -5
Try a 180 if you can find one reasonably. If I recall correctly I either use a well used 100 grit or a 180 flat lap to start when working with quartz points. What makes Metamorphosis quartz unique?
Lee
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Post by mohs on Jan 2, 2013 23:45:17 GMT -5
sanding belt?
I have one in 60 grit
with the rubber backing
it might be gentler
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2013 12:12:44 GMT -5
I go to 200 and take the extra time but I am never doing large quantities either. One to three pound pieces are pretty large. Are you just windowing? Holding a three pound piece up for any length of time has to be pretty tiring. Pictures? Curiosity killed the old man you know.
Jim
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meta7
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 164
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Post by meta7 on Jan 3, 2013 23:30:27 GMT -5
I am not windowing, I am working the entire piece. I will have to find my camera and get some good lighting and take some pictures.
I will have to try a 180 hard metal diamond grinding wheel, and see if it is quicker than the 220.
And, for me at least, working with 1-3 pound pieces is not a big deal at all. Maybe I am used to it. I just know that when I work on 5-10 pound pieces, then my bicepts get tired quickly and I have to take breaks every 2 minutes or so.
Metamorphosis quartz is special, both from a Metaphysical perspective, and also because it affects Light in 9 different ways. I can't remeber the names, except for asterism, but it has a nice glow and subtle optical effects when held and/or cut from different angles.
:-)
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jamesp
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,602
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Post by jamesp on Jan 6, 2013 13:48:09 GMT -5
Belts always smooth more gentle.
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Post by gingerkid on Jan 9, 2013 15:55:54 GMT -5
Have you had a chance to work the quartz with a 180 grit diamond wheel yet? Read that metamorphosis quartz is trademarked and similar to girasol quartz? Would love to see a pic of it if you would please post one, meta7.
Have a concave faceted girasol quartz that is really pretty. It has a glowing appearance to it similar to moonstone and nice dispersion when light hits the stone at different angles.
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