Sleestak
starting to shine!
Member since February 2013
Posts: 46
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Post by Sleestak on Feb 15, 2013 8:53:17 GMT -5
Howdy Folks-
Just purchased my first tumbler - a Lortone 33B a couple days ago. I started making copper wire jewelry a while back and my original intent was to use the tumbler to work harden my pieces with steel shot. At first I bought the 3A model, brought it home, then thought I might as well tumble some stones since I have this thing. I started to do some research, found this site and thought this looks like a cool hobby. After reading threads for a couple of hours it was back to the shop to trade up to the 33B. Spent what I had left on grit instead of steel shot.
i must say I have learned a lot from y'all without putting a rock in a barrel yet. So it's time to get some rough for my first batch. The good thing is as a fish biologist I walk creeks for a living and stomp around rocks four days a week. i think half the fun will be hounding for the stones. My nine year old daughter is interested in collecting and tumbling as well.
Most of the places I find good rock are over an hour and a half away in the South Umpqua basin.
Can any of you recommend any hounding spots close to Eugene? I got some ideas from the local lapidary but wanted to see if any of you have experience around here. I will probably start with scouring the local river gravels.
Adios
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Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 15, 2013 8:59:00 GMT -5
Welcome Sleestack! Those darn sleestacks used to scare the heck out of me. Whenever I go into a cave, I make sure I have a couple of those special rocks to throw together to scare them away.
I think you picked a good tumbler. I have the same one, but after purchasing that one, I bought a Lot-O and then a Lortone QT66. You can never have enough tumblers as long as you have enough money to keep them supplied with grit.
I've never been to Oregon, so I can't help you with rock hounding locations. Just beware of sleestacks.
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electricface
starting to spend too much on rocks
First fish of the day
Member since August 2012
Posts: 211
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Post by electricface on Feb 15, 2013 10:28:12 GMT -5
Welcome to the group. I bought a 33b last August. Had some frustration at first, but learned a lot. The 33b has been a great machine so far even though mine goes through a belt every 4 months. Something tells me I'm not setting it right. Who knows. I recently started making jewelry(necklaces) and am going to start into carving as well. Look forward to seeing some of your works.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Feb 15, 2013 10:47:04 GMT -5
Welcome aboard.I think you will find nice material in those creeks.I only tumble my local material,and it is not way spectacular but it floats my boat.And it's cheap.Collecting your own is the best part. Look for agates.Learn which pebbles have pretty insides.I wish i could hike up any ceek in Oregon-it is so famous for it's rocks.You will find something there.Good luck.
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Steve
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2005
Posts: 506
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Post by Steve on Feb 16, 2013 12:20:39 GMT -5
Irish Bend Benton county park on the Willamette - just past Monroe, follow the signs off 99W. Lots of white pet wood, red jasper, possibility of carnelian and other agates. It's pretty popular so you want to get there as soon as the water drops. Lots of beach collecting sites. You never know until you get there if there are good rocks exposed - even if there are no rocks out who can resist a good walk along an Oregon beach.
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RockIt2Me
has rocks in the head
Sometimes I have to tell myself, "It's not worth the jail time."
Member since December 2009
Posts: 668
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Post by RockIt2Me on Feb 16, 2013 16:39:06 GMT -5
Okay, so I googled Sleestack and it has several meanings....from a strain of MJ to an unattractive female to a Land of the Lost lizard creature. Whichever you are : Welcome from Arkansas!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 16, 2013 20:43:11 GMT -5
Sweet Home has some great rockhounding areas.................Get the Oregon Rockhounder book,its a big help....(maps and rock locations) Gem Trails of Oregon...By Garret Romaine
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keystonecops
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2010
Posts: 957
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Post by keystonecops on Feb 16, 2013 22:16:51 GMT -5
On RHS1, theres a guy named CCanfield. He lives in Springfield and would give ya some pointers. I live in Salem and know a few round here. Iprefer Eastern Or. Later Clyde
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,352
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Post by quartz on Feb 17, 2013 21:23:10 GMT -5
Welcome to you from McMinnville. Seems any where you can get at a rock bar on the Willamette, you will find agate and pet. wood. The stuff has to wash in from tributaries too, you're a lot closer to available ones than we are. Hunting hills around those little creeks are generally productive. Our preference is E. OR, less dirt to deal with.
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Post by roy on Feb 18, 2013 10:12:13 GMT -5
welcome from easter oregon !!
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