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Post by Rockindad on May 16, 2019 15:43:28 GMT -5
This is a challenge to yourself... What is the best cab that you can create... posting the results of your creation whatever the outcome (just because the cab may not be the best please post anyway and if you like ask for feedback to improve). Theme- chosen by prior month's winner NDK , Flowers, in shape or in picture Rules: All hand made cabbing techniques may be used. Cabs entered must be hand shaped (can be finished in a tumbler but please note if so) and be completed by the last minute of the month in your timezone. They can be started before the month but only finished during the month. You must have 1 photo of ether a preform or slab of the rock. You can enter 1 cab with a up to 3 individual finished piece (not combined) photos of the cab, 2 extra photos will allocated for stones that have color play due to light or fluorescence or equivalent special characteristics (not polish). 1 of the 3 normal photos will be used for voting and if your stone has special characteristics 1 photo from that as well. Please note which photo you would like to use for voting. Voting is a fun way to see what cab folks like the most. Before voting you can change your photos or improve your cab (rework spots especially if you are asking for advice) and place new photos in your original post replacing old photos by the deadline. Please tell an approximation measurement of the legnth / width of the cab. Finished jewelry cabs may not be entered (unless otherwise specified by the theme). It is OK if there is a hole drilled in the cab without a jump ring, as long as there is no extras on the rock (wire, chord, etc.) All entries submitted to this contest must be unique to this competition (not submitted in several different competitions). Any duplicates will not be included in the voting list. Feel free to share with us the story behind your workings or material. Also, don't forget to include the name of the material. If a tie occurs in the voting the breaker will be whoever submitted the finished item first. If there are any questions feel free to ask. Beginners to old timers are welcome. If you would like feedback (constructive criticism) ask for folks to pm you if they wish to offer tips. If you are new and think your cab isn't too good but its the best you can do post it anyway, getting feedback is how i got to where i am now! Winner is allowed to chose theme for the month following voting. A sincere question pertaining to the green text above. Please keep in mind that I have not used a real cabbing machine and until recently have only tumbled rough stones. My son and I just did a batch of cabs/pendants (our first) in the last month and they were tumble finished. Why the differentiation? Is it considered easier to get a polish on a tumbled cab? Or is it because instead of working a piece across all of the wheels a tumbler (the person) only shapes the cab and leaves the rest to the action of the tumbler (the machine). Or is it something else? I will say that we had such a good time making our "cabs" how we did it that I think it is inevitable that we will be getting into cabbing using a "proper" machine. Thanks, Al |
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on May 16, 2019 16:33:13 GMT -5
I think the designation now for tumbled cabs being accepted in this competition is because the previous contest was more formal and didn't include them. (IIRC Entries needed at least 3 pictures of the finished cab showing girdle, dome, shape and polish)
There's a varied acceptance of tumbled "cabs". The purists will tell you a cab is cut and polished by hand, and a tumble is ran in a tumbler. I think (on here at least) the lines have blurred a bit in recent years with tumbles being more accepted.
You and your son have made some beautiful tumbled cabs, please enter the competition! After all it's all in fun 👍
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 16, 2019 17:46:20 GMT -5
I think the designation now for tumbled cabs being accepted in this competition is because the previous contest was more formal and didn't include them. (IIRC Entries needed at least 3 pictures of the finished cab showing girdle, dome, shape and polish) Those photos would show the criterion of a correctly made cab. Girdle, dome, shape polish are what make a cab. Things that don't comply, are something diffferent. Flat top, wannabe cab, slab with radiussed edges, etc. If one is going to cab, learn the finer points, and do it right. If it ain't a true cabochon, don't try to pass it off as one. Just saying... You are talking apples and oranges, the two really can't be compared. To tumble a cab to get a better shape or polish just seems like cheating to me. I know, I've thought about doing it a few times myself, lol. I believe tumbles should be entered in a tumbling contest. Cabs, tumbles, carvings, facetted stones, they are each and every one different, and can't really be compared. Call me a purist, I've been called worse things. Now, if you just want to judge them by how beautiful they are, that's another thing entirely. My two cents worth. |
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Post by rockjunquie on May 16, 2019 18:29:18 GMT -5
From my experience, it seems that comparing a hand polished stone (using a cabber) to a tumble polished stone is giving the tumble an unfair advantage. I've seen some very nice tumbles in person. Try as I may, there are few things I could polish as well in a traditional cabbed way.
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Post by Rockindad on May 16, 2019 19:57:49 GMT -5
I think the designation now for tumbled cabs being accepted in this competition is because the previous contest was more formal and didn't include them. (IIRC Entries needed at least 3 pictures of the finished cab showing girdle, dome, shape and polish) Those photos would show the criterion of a correctly made cab. Girdle, dome, shape polish are what make a cab. Things that don't comply, are something diffferent. Flat top, wannabe cab, slab with radiussed edges, etc. If one is going to cab, learn the finer points, and do it right. If it ain't a true cabochon, don't try to pass it off as one. Just saying... I guess this is where my my confusion starts- what exactly is a cabochon? When I started wandering away from the tumbling sections of the forum and was blown away by these cool things called cabochons I simply looked up some definitions. All of the ones I came across were "a precious stone with a convex shape, polished but not faceted" or something similar. I don't think I ever came across anything that mentioned a girdle. Hell, I went months without knowing what one was until a member here made posts criticizing his own ability to make decent girdles, then it sank in for me.You are talking apples and oranges, the two really can't be compared. To tumble a cab to get a better shape or polish just seems like cheating to me. I know, I've thought about doing it a few times myself, lol. Only speaking for myself but we shaped everything the way we wanted before it went into the tumbler and were actually hoping it would not change them noticeably. As far as polish, we just used what we had. I can see where a tumbler might have an edge when it comes to the harder materials but I think a lot of that is lost when you start working the softer ones.I believe tumbles should be entered in a tumbling contest. Cabs, tumbles, carvings, facetted stones, they are each and every one different, and can't really be compared. Call me a purist, I've been called worse things. I'm not going to call you anything but helpful and I appreciate you giving me your honest opinion and not a bunch of fluff. Now, if you just want to judge them by how beautiful they are, that's another thing entirely. My two cents worth. Agreed, thanks for your help, Al |
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Post by Rockindad on May 16, 2019 20:09:27 GMT -5
From my experience, it seems that comparing a hand polished stone (using a cabber) to a tumble polished stone is giving the tumble an unfair advantage. I've seen some very nice tumbles in person. Try as I may, there are few things I could polish as well in a traditional cabbed way. I think you have a valid point, up to a point. I think there is a spot on the hardness scale where the advantage may flip to a cabber due to the extra control you have, not to mention you are seeing the progression of scratch removal and polishing happen right in front of you versus waiting anywhere from a day to a week. Al |
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Post by fernwood on May 17, 2019 7:06:41 GMT -5
Watching with interest. Since I do not have a cabbing machine or trim saw, all of my cabs are done in other ways. Dremel, diamond files, whetstone, sand paper, etc. The time I spend on a cab, varies from 1 hr., to over 5 hrs., depending on hardness. This does not include tumble time. Many have a dome and girdle, just like those made on a cabbing machine. Sometimes the tumbler does strange things to the cab, so I need to do more refinements with the Dremel. My goal is to purchase a cabbing machine, but until that can happen, I am learning a lot by using my Dremel and tumbler to make cabs. I am also doing some "flat cabs" or tumbled rock slices. No dome/girdle, but can be used for wraps and jewelry. Rockindad you bring up an interesting point. I have always thought it would be great to have two FCC contests here. One for cabs made on a cabbing machine and another for those without a cabbing machine. Reasons for this are long and will not post all right now. If some feel that that those who tumble should be separated from those who have a cabbing machine, then why not have 2 monthly contests? JMHO |
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,987
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Post by Tommy on May 17, 2019 10:07:36 GMT -5
Great discussion point Rockindad. Specific to this contest as NDK said tumbling is not frowned upon. I wouldn't personally vote for a "flat" that was cut from a slab and edge ground into a specific shape (thus meeting the requirement of "hand shaped") then purely tumbled from start to finish - and I would prefer to have a side view accompany entries so we can see that a dome was hand crafted, but that's just me. The old contest here on the board was called the Killer Cab Contest and more emphasis was put on proper formation of a "cabochon" and tumbling was a disqualifier although I'm not sure how tightly it was ever managed - I mean good luck telling a hand polished Montana agate from a vibe polished one right? Anyway, when the former proprietor of the KCC bailed unexpectedly, member glennz01 took the initiative to pick it back up and run with it and he relaxed the seriousness and made it more open to personal interpretation. He also renamed it the Friendly Cab Contest. Some members (myself included) balked a bit at first, but I have grown to appreciate and applaud the time and effort he puts into keeping the contest running month after month. The bottom line is it's his baby and I support his right to run it as he sees fit just as any other member is also welcome to start and maintain an accompanying contest with strict rules for the purists who want to see shapes and girdle angles and back bevels and hand polishing from start to finish. I'm thinking this discussion would make an excellent standalone thread rather than tie up the first page or two of the contest thread - what do you guys think about me doing that or should I leave it be? |
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 17, 2019 10:15:34 GMT -5
Point taken, Tommy. I vote to move it. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on May 17, 2019 10:22:02 GMT -5
I also think it should be a stand-alone thread and not clutter up Glenn's contest.  |
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Post by MsAli on May 17, 2019 10:23:48 GMT -5
Great discussion point Rockindad . Specific to this contest as NDK said tumbling is not frowned upon. I wouldn't personally vote for a "flat" that was cut from a slab and edge ground into a specific shape (thus meeting the requirement of "hand shaped") then purely tumbled from start to finish - and I would prefer to have a side view accompany entries so we can see that a dome was hand crafted, but that's just me. The old contest here on the board was called the Killer Cab Contest and more emphasis was put on proper formation of a "cabochon" and tumbling was a disqualifier although I'm not sure how tightly it was ever managed - I mean good luck telling a hand polished Montana agate from a vibe polished one right? Anyway, when the former proprietor of the KCC bailed unexpectedly, member glennz01 took the initiative to pick it back up and run with it and he relaxed the seriousness and made it more open to personal interpretation. He also renamed it the Friendly Cab Contest. Some members (myself included) balked a bit at first, but I have grown to appreciate and applaud the time and effort he puts into keeping the contest running month after month. The bottom line is it's his baby and I support his right to run it as he sees fit just as any other member is also welcome to start and maintain an accompanying contest with strict rules for the purists who want to see shapes and girdle angles and back bevels and hand polishing from start to finish. I'm thinking this discussion would make an excellent standalone thread rather than tie up the first page or two of the contest thread - what do you guys think about me doing that or should I leave it be? I agree that it should be separated from this thread I always thought the F stood for FUN but friendly works too The way I look at it is some of us are learning, some of us are pushing boundaries, thinking out of the box, we are having fun , finding joy and enjoying this hobby and passion we have for the material itself and I will always applaud people for trying even though the results may not be perfect  |
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,987
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Post by Tommy on May 17, 2019 10:31:15 GMT -5
OK three thumbs up in a row was enough for me (four if you count me) and I waved my magic wand and dun dun dun new thread.
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Post by fernwood on May 17, 2019 10:45:04 GMT -5
Great discussion point Rockindad . Specific to this contest as NDK said tumbling is not frowned upon. I wouldn't personally vote for a "flat" that was cut from a slab and edge ground into a specific shape (thus meeting the requirement of "hand shaped") then purely tumbled from start to finish - and I would prefer to have a side view accompany entries so we can see that a dome was hand crafted, but that's just me. The old contest here on the board was called the Killer Cab Contest and more emphasis was put on proper formation of a "cabochon" and tumbling was a disqualifier although I'm not sure how tightly it was ever managed - I mean good luck telling a hand polished Montana agate from a vibe polished one right? Anyway, when the former proprietor of the KCC bailed unexpectedly, member glennz01 took the initiative to pick it back up and run with it and he relaxed the seriousness and made it more open to personal interpretation. He also renamed it the Friendly Cab Contest. Some members (myself included) balked a bit at first, but I have grown to appreciate and applaud the time and effort he puts into keeping the contest running month after month. The bottom line is it's his baby and I support his right to run it as he sees fit just as any other member is also welcome to start and maintain an accompanying contest with strict rules for the purists who want to see shapes and girdle angles and back bevels and hand polishing from start to finish. I'm thinking this discussion would make an excellent standalone thread rather than tie up the first page or two of the contest thread - what do you guys think about me doing that or should I leave it be? I appreciate your moving this thread. Also, your willingness to allow those, like me, who do not have a cabbing machine to continue to participate in the FCC. It is a huge challenge, in itself, to take a rough slab or even a rough piece of stone, use a Dremel or other means to shape, use a rotary tumbler, then maybe back to the Dremel and tumble again. All to get a nice looking cab. Would you approve a separate contest for those with no access to a cabbing machine? Am thinking this might be a good idea, to allow those without a cabbing machine to perfect their knowledge of how certain rocks react. Some day they might get a cabbing machine and could then participate in another contest. Thanks |
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Post by miket on May 17, 2019 10:57:47 GMT -5
Great discussion point Rockindad . Specific to this contest as NDK said tumbling is not frowned upon. I wouldn't personally vote for a "flat" that was cut from a slab and edge ground into a specific shape (thus meeting the requirement of "hand shaped") then purely tumbled from start to finish - and I would prefer to have a side view accompany entries so we can see that a dome was hand crafted, but that's just me. The old contest here on the board was called the Killer Cab Contest and more emphasis was put on proper formation of a "cabochon" and tumbling was a disqualifier although I'm not sure how tightly it was ever managed - I mean good luck telling a hand polished Montana agate from a vibe polished one right? Anyway, when the former proprietor of the KCC bailed unexpectedly, member glennz01 took the initiative to pick it back up and run with it and he relaxed the seriousness and made it more open to personal interpretation. He also renamed it the Friendly Cab Contest. Some members (myself included) balked a bit at first, but I have grown to appreciate and applaud the time and effort he puts into keeping the contest running month after month. The bottom line is it's his baby and I support his right to run it as he sees fit just as any other member is also welcome to start and maintain an accompanying contest with strict rules for the purists who want to see shapes and girdle angles and back bevels and hand polishing from start to finish. I'm thinking this discussion would make an excellent standalone thread rather than tie up the first page or two of the contest thread - what do you guys think about me doing that or should I leave it be? I appreciate your moving this thread. Also, your willingness to allow those, like me, who do not have a cabbing machine to continue to participate in the FCC. It is a huge challenge, in itself, to take a rough slab or even a rough piece of stone, use a Dremel or other means to shape, use a rotary tumbler, then maybe back to the Dremel and tumble again. All to get a nice looking cab. Would you approve a separate contest for those with no access to a cabbing machine? Am thinking this might be a good idea, to allow those without a cabbing machine to perfect their knowledge of how certain rocks react. Some day they might get a cabbing machine and could then participate in another contest. Thanks  I couldn't have said it better myself  Someday I'll enter |
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 17, 2019 11:00:49 GMT -5
Sept 2015 - First Friendly Cab Contest September 2015 Friendly Cab Contest
Wow, has it been that long that glennz01 has been doing this! I thank you for stepping up to the plate, Glenn, when carleton left, and all the time and effort you have put into this since then. A big thumbs up!  |
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 17, 2019 13:02:49 GMT -5
It is obvious to me that I am the only purist here, lol.
If you want to open it up to anything goes, knock yourself out. In the big scheme of things, it makes no matter to me.
(Rules are so confining.)
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Post by rockjunquie on May 17, 2019 13:18:44 GMT -5
It is obvious to me that I am the only purist here, lol. If you want to open it up to anything goes, knock yourself out. In the big scheme of things, it makes no matter to me. (Rules are so confining.) Actually, Jean, I'm with you. I think 2 contests would be better and the cab contest should be more strict. Does anyone remember the short lived cab contest that was uber strict where the contestants actually sent their cabs to be personally judged? We could leave the personally judged part out, but I'm all for a technically good cab contest with the pictures mentioned earlier. But, that's just my 2 cents. |
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,987
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Post by Tommy on May 17, 2019 13:31:04 GMT -5
I don't know if it would have to be that strict but I would like to see an additional requirement added to have a picture showing the cabochon from the side so you can at least verify the presence of a girdle and a dome. But I don't feel that strongly about it so I'm just happy we have a contest running |
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Post by rockjunquie on May 17, 2019 13:48:02 GMT -5
I don't know if it would have to be that strict but I would like to see an additional requirement added to have a picture showing the cabochon from the side so you can at least verify the presence of a girdle and a dome. But I don't feel that strongly about it so I'm just happy we have a contest running I'd be happy with a side picture. |
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Post by Rockindad on May 17, 2019 15:37:03 GMT -5
Great discussion point Rockindad . Specific to this contest as NDK said tumbling is not frowned upon. I wouldn't personally vote for a "flat" that was cut from a slab and edge ground into a specific shape (thus meeting the requirement of "hand shaped") then purely tumbled from start to finish - and I would prefer to have a side view accompany entries so we can see that a dome was hand crafted, but that's just me. The old contest here on the board was called the Killer Cab Contest and more emphasis was put on proper formation of a "cabochon" and tumbling was a disqualifier although I'm not sure how tightly it was ever managed - I mean good luck telling a hand polished Montana agate from a vibe polished one right? Anyway, when the former proprietor of the KCC bailed unexpectedly, member glennz01 took the initiative to pick it back up and run with it and he relaxed the seriousness and made it more open to personal interpretation. He also renamed it the Friendly Cab Contest. Some members (myself included) balked a bit at first, but I have grown to appreciate and applaud the time and effort he puts into keeping the contest running month after month. The bottom line is it's his baby and I support his right to run it as he sees fit just as any other member is also welcome to start and maintain an accompanying contest with strict rules for the purists who want to see shapes and girdle angles and back bevels and hand polishing from start to finish. I'm thinking this discussion would make an excellent standalone thread rather than tie up the first page or two of the contest thread - what do you guys think about me doing that or should I leave it be? Been a real sh...y day at work so i could not respond, but I am glad you spun this off as I never meant to create a distraction from the contest itself. Plenty of good points to be made on both "sides". For the record, I am not firmly on either side as I do not feel I know enough about the process of making cabochons. While I do slip occasionally, most of the time I refer to what we made as pendants even though the majority of them do have a dome and many actually have a girdle (though this edge does get softened in the tumbler). To some people this is not even correct as they are of the belief as soon as you drill a hole in it then it becomes a "bead". Enough to make a new cab/pendant/bead maker's head spin. Guess I'll have to stay around and keep learning! Al |
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