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Post by grumpybill on Sept 25, 2017 7:35:50 GMT -5
While waiting for my first batch of stones to polish in the tumbler, I practiced on rough stones.
Now that I have polished stones I'm having trouble holding onto them while bending the wire. They slide out of my fingers.
How do you experienced people handle this? I'm thinking about wearing those rubber thimble-looking things on the thumb and index finger of one hand.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 25, 2017 8:20:50 GMT -5
I've only had problems with glass before. You could put a line of thin masking tape around it to help grip it. It's easy enough to get off even after you wrap it.
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Post by grumpybill on Sept 25, 2017 8:32:10 GMT -5
Thanks. Hadn't thought of masking tape.
I have extremely dry skin, which is probably why I'm having problems. I might also try wetting my fingertips a little while before trying to wrap.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 25, 2017 8:55:27 GMT -5
Thanks. Hadn't thought of masking tape. I have extremely dry skin, which is probably why I'm having problems. I might also try wetting my fingertips a little while before trying to wrap. There is a cream/ointment for dry hands that I find really good called O'Keefe's Healthy Hands which is glycerin based and not greasy. You might try that. I have psoriasis and it helps my hands. |
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Post by grumpybill on Sept 25, 2017 9:46:52 GMT -5
Thanks again. I'll look for the O'Keefe's the next time I'm out and about.
Luckily my psoriasis seldom affects my finger tips. The prescription steroidal ointment I use for it is VERY greasy. Like petroleum jelly.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 25, 2017 10:12:43 GMT -5
Thanks again. I'll look for the O'Keefe's the next time I'm out and about. Luckily my psoriasis seldom affects my finger tips. The prescription steroidal ointment I use for it is VERY greasy. Like petroleum jelly. Mine, too. |
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Post by fernwood on Sept 25, 2017 18:09:14 GMT -5
I use bar lotion for my fingers/hands. Works great and does not leave residue. Nongreasy. Mine is all natural, made by my daughter. think of it as a soft mustache wax. base of beeswax, plus herbs, lard and other natural ingredients.
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Post by youp50 on Sept 26, 2017 19:13:10 GMT -5
Hard to beat O'Keefe working hands, I have never seen healthy hands, if its O'Keefes I believe the product will work. My wife uses their foot cream. Look for it at hardware stores.
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Post by grumpybill on Sept 29, 2017 11:48:38 GMT -5
I tried the O'Keefe on my forearms and the backs of my hands. (Haven't done any shiny stone wrapping.) Best stuff I've found for dry scalely skin.
As a side benefit, as I rubbed it in, it removed the dried-on wood glue from my finger tips.
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Post by Rockoonz on Sept 29, 2017 12:46:30 GMT -5
I'll have to try it, the heat and talc at work dry everything out. I have used a fairly good but greasy stuff the boss provides, usually put it on and wear tight nitrile gloves to force it in. I also have the steroid stuff for my lower legs, use it at night and wrap stretch wrap around them to hold it in.
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Post by grumpybill on Sept 29, 2017 12:57:43 GMT -5
This stuff definitely isn't greasy. Kind of a "damp powder" feeling in the tub. The closest I can describe its texture is that it's similar to lightweight spackling.
Interesting that you wrap over the steroid. The triamcinolon I'm prescribed warns against covering it.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 29, 2017 15:11:31 GMT -5
Hard to beat O'Keefe working hands, I have never seen healthy hands, if its O'Keefes I believe the product will work. My wife uses their foot cream. Look for it at hardware stores. I probably said it wrong. It's probably working hands. I am out at the moment. I just have the feet one. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 29, 2017 15:15:01 GMT -5
I'll have to try it, the heat and talc at work dry everything out. I have used a fairly good but greasy stuff the boss provides, usually put it on and wear tight nitrile gloves to force it in. I also have the steroid stuff for my lower legs, use it at night and wrap stretch wrap around them to hold it in. I have the psoriasis an my hands and feet so I pretty much have to put some gloves on over the clobetasol steroid ointment (when I infrequently use it). I use neoprene scuba socks for my feet. Occluding really helps. I try to avoid the steroids as much as possible. Occluding regular lotion and Sorion ointment (OTC) works almost as well. www.summerherbal.com/products/sorion-herbal-creamwww.amazon.com/Sorion-Natural-Moisturizing-Cream-Skincare/dp/B01E0PXZLQ |
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icatz
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2015
Posts: 453 
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Post by icatz on Oct 4, 2017 7:21:27 GMT -5
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Post by grumpybill on Oct 5, 2017 6:23:40 GMT -5
Thanks, icatz. I'll give that a try. Might be a while, though. Psoriasis has my finger tips too sore to do any wrapping right now. |
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icatz
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2015
Posts: 453
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Post by icatz on Oct 5, 2017 8:12:46 GMT -5
Yeah, that wire can really do a number on your fingers. Plus, I play guitar so it's a double-threat. Ha.
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Post by grumpybill on Oct 19, 2017 10:46:14 GMT -5
I've been able to get back to practicing my wrapping and have tried both O'Keefe's and the rubber thimble things.
The O'Keefe's moistens my fingertips just enough to get a decent grip on highly polished stones.
The rubber things grip better but I can't get the hang of bending wire while wearing them. An entirely different feel.
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amyk
fully equipped rock polisher
I'm a slabber, I'm a cabber, I'm a midnight wrapper.
Member since January 2010
Posts: 1,331
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Post by amyk on Oct 19, 2017 13:25:07 GMT -5
Once you get the bezel wires bent around the stone, put a piece of painters tape around the whole thing. That will hold it together so you can make your bail easier. I love painters tape for wrapping. I use a lot of it, it's like my third hand. If anything doesn't cooperate, tape it. Maybe put a piece of tape on the top and bottom of the cab so you can wrap around the edges. Use it to tape wires together too.
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Post by grumpybill on Feb 5, 2018 13:22:52 GMT -5
One more thanks to everyone who offered advice/solutions.
What I've found works best for me is to keep my fingers moist with just water. I now keep a damp paper towel nearby that I rub my fingertips on periodically while working with highly polished stones.
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller 
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,432 
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Post by Wooferhound on Feb 7, 2018 19:02:18 GMT -5
A sponge with water would work well.
another possibility . . .
When I go to the bank, the tellers have a something waxy in a small flat can that they rub their fingers in to get a better grip on my money.
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