nchillbilly
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2018
Posts: 212
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Post by nchillbilly on May 23, 2018 21:34:46 GMT -5
I am currently in the first stage grind (46/70 sic) on a batch of purple passion agate. It's nowhere near shaped like I want it yet, but I'm already noticing undercutting issues. I've never had to deal with this problem to this point in my tumbling experience. I don't know if this is a material best shaped on a wheel, but I'm afraid if I keep tumbling they'll end up the size of marbles before I get them like I want them. This stuff has some really nice coloration and neat layering, but if I'll ruin them by continuing to tumble, I may set them aside in hopes of getting a cabbing wheel at a later date.
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saxplayer
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2018
Posts: 1,327
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Post by saxplayer on May 23, 2018 21:50:08 GMT -5
Do you mind posting a few pics of the trouble pieces?
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on May 24, 2018 17:45:33 GMT -5
the brown matrix in purple passion is soft, will undercut badly and polish poorly. If you can get down to just the agate itself, it should polish nice.
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nchillbilly
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2018
Posts: 212
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Post by nchillbilly on May 27, 2018 20:37:55 GMT -5
the brown matrix in purple passion is soft, will undercut badly and polish poorly. If you can get down to just the agate itself, it should polish nice. I think, since I'm not cabbing this stuff, I'll do just that. Grind it down till the matrix is gone. I know some of the pieces will be on the small side, but most are pretty good size chunks. I should end up with some decent sized pieces.
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