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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 7, 2013 11:02:53 GMT -5
I picked up this quartz sphere preform at a silent auction earlier this year. I paid a couple bucks for it. As you can see, it's not real symmetrical, so I thought I'd try to reshape it a bit - on my flat lap... Yes, a flat lap.   Still a little out of round, but getting better.     Not perfectly clear, but has two distinct parallel planes of sheen about 1/8" apart right down the center.  It still doesn't pass the "marble roll" test, it moves across the table like a drunk sailor. I'm going to hit it on the flap lap a little more, try to improve the shape, and give it a good polish, now that I've got some new pads. Then I'll take more pics of the inclusions. Yeah, I know - crazy. Spent way too much time on this already. Thanks for looking. |
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Post by orrum on Aug 7, 2013 11:45:00 GMT -5
Now thats impressive!
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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 7, 2013 11:59:19 GMT -5
Thanks, orrum. I probably should have just sent it to @shotgunner and had him do it. Would have given me more time to do important things.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2013 12:01:57 GMT -5
It's not too late. Take me a night to true it and polish it. The hard part is done.
That is really remarkable for a purely hand ground ball. Nice work!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,596
Member is Online
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Post by jamesp on Aug 7, 2013 12:03:33 GMT -5
Dang Women. Your good with them spheres. What else can you do!!
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Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 7, 2013 13:10:09 GMT -5
It's not too late. Take me a night to true it and polish it. The hard part is done. That is really remarkable for a purely hand ground ball. Nice work! I might take you up on that, Scott. The preform had a couple of big flat spots that I'm having trouble overcoming. It's currently just over 2" diameter, and if I have another go at it, it'll take off more than if i send it to you. If it was any other rock, I'd say it's done. But to appreciate a quartz sphere, it would be best if it was round. Well, not round, as that is two dimensional, but "spherical." I've been spending so much time on here I've been neglecting other duties. Haven't yet mounted the new diamond disks, finished more cabs, or done any wrapping lately. James, I'll just bet you'd like to know... |
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Post by rockjunquie on Aug 7, 2013 14:55:31 GMT -5
 I know you say it is off round, but what is round, really, when you are doing it by hand? You did a fabulous job!
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Aug 7, 2013 15:41:48 GMT -5
That is really very very good for hand shaping. Great Job
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2013 15:42:33 GMT -5
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2013 16:40:47 GMT -5
That is incredible, awesome, etc, etc. I am going to have to tell everyone that I know you so they will think I am important.
Jim
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 7, 2013 17:13:32 GMT -5
Now, gaze in to your crystal ball to see the winning lottery numbers.  |
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grizman
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since July 2011
Posts: 878
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Post by grizman on Aug 7, 2013 18:02:57 GMT -5
WHAT!! You know of more important things to do with your "time" than play with rocks? What a challenge you took on and proved that a sphere could be made by hand. It is wonderful just how clear your sphere turned out. Great effort!
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Post by beefjello on Aug 7, 2013 19:14:23 GMT -5
Hot damn Jean, that's amazing!!!  |
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Post by roy on Aug 7, 2013 20:49:45 GMT -5
WOW !!! that is very kool
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Aug 7, 2013 22:33:46 GMT -5
That is a Bunch of work to accomplish, well done.
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,957
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Post by Tommy on Aug 7, 2013 23:10:41 GMT -5
Beautiful work! amazing - I can't even cut a circle cab and keep it round, I can't imagine having the patience to grind a sphere.
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Post by drocknut on Aug 7, 2013 23:47:33 GMT -5
That is beautiful. I can't even imagine how long that took or how much patience you have for doing it.
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rattlehead
starting to spend too much on rocks
MI Rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 213
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Post by rattlehead on Aug 8, 2013 15:18:01 GMT -5
Looks great!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 8, 2013 16:35:18 GMT -5
way to go. I think it is an awesome piece. I think I would keep it as is to preserve all the work you put into it. Right now you have a great looking piece that YOU created with nothing but hard work, determination and talent.
Chuck
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Aug 8, 2013 21:44:48 GMT -5
Jean what a touch you have for feeling sphericity ! Leftover skill from your pool hustling days, LOL? I think that is a terrific job!!! |
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I know you say it is off round, but what is round, really, when you are doing it by hand? You did a fabulous job!
