stubby
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2004
Posts: 150
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Post by stubby on Apr 20, 2004 21:18:42 GMT -5
Just finished a batch of Mexican Lace Agate. When I bought it it was larger rough. I used a chisel to break it but am not satisfied. With all the layering of the rock I got a lot of breaking during the tumbling. I'm sure more time in coarse grit would have helped. Any sage advice on breaking it? stubby
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Post by docone31 on Apr 20, 2004 21:38:39 GMT -5
A diamond saw will make for more predictable shapes. Also using a grinding wheel helps to cut down the points. Lace agate is pretty hard so do not bear down on the wheel. The agate will chew up the wheel pretty fast, it will however make for some pretty nice finished shapes. Wheels are inexpensive.
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James
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 876
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Post by James on Apr 20, 2004 22:22:37 GMT -5
I agree with Doc.
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Apr 20, 2004 23:17:15 GMT -5
I started out with a blade that I bought from a hardware store it was designed to cut quarry tile, it worked great but it left some pretty deep scratches. takes a little longer in coarse grit to get them out.
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