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Post by fernwood on May 18, 2019 6:07:40 GMT -5
rockpickerforever You bring up some valid points. The definitions and rules you posted are a great resource. Rockindad This is a great discussion you started. Thank you. Sorry, for chiming in a little late, but I was away from computer for most of yesterday.
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on May 18, 2019 6:36:33 GMT -5
I do enjoy the current contest. I don't cut cabs very often and this gives me motivation to get 1 done occasionally. But I will admit I really enjoyed the previous contest as well. The point about level playing field is lost on me because back then I was just getting into this hobby and really enjoyed the challenge. You really had to step up to compete with the other entries. Of all the contests I entered I won one contest and was so excited! Most times I was lucky to get a vote. So I have to say both contests have their merits. Don't feel bad, Nate. I've been doing this for a long time, and I have only won a couple times. But that's not really but the point. The point is to have fun, learn and get better! (Winning isn't everything) I agree 100% Jean. I'm not in it to win it. My point was that as a newbie there was major competition - it was almost intimidating. To win against that crowd was I guess a stepping stone in my progression in the hobby. I still don't consider myself as good as they were, but it sure pushed my skill level and I got better because of it 👍 |
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Post by fernwood on May 18, 2019 6:44:47 GMT -5
NDK Exactly. Do not know how many submit entries and request feedback via PM. To me it was a blessing to get feedback from others. I won once, when there was only 3 entries, if I remember correct. That "cab" or whatever you want to call it, was made into a kilt pin for my Son in Law. He loves it.
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Post by MsAli on May 18, 2019 8:54:10 GMT -5
The "rules" posted were some club rules made up for that particular contest/club and theres a ton of threads, videos, tutorials, articles about "making" a cabochon, but the fact is the definition of "cabochon" has not changed because of them.
The past few months the FCC has seen an increase in submissions and it's been fun and little bit of a push to step up my game and learn
Plus I get to see others work and new material I havent seen which to me is way cooler than the actual cabochon itself.
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 18, 2019 11:08:19 GMT -5
The "rules" posted were some club rules made up for that particular contest/club and theres a ton of threads, videos, tutorials, articles about "making" a cabochon, but the fact is the definition of "cabochon" has not changed because of them. Aren't all "rules" made up? Those were put forth to describe what a "cabochon" is, and criteria followed for judging them. They were put to paper in 1964, and I dare say, they are not specific to that club or any particular contest. No, the definition of "cabochon" has not changed because of them. The definition of the perfect cabochon was made after they were already in existence. Obviously, a description is necessary so everyone is on the same page, and what makes the perfect cab is not open to interpretation.
The rules for judging were conceived to point out the finer aspects of a lapidarist's work. Competitions were held so that people could improve their skills. (That is what it is all about.)
The Tuscarora Lapidary Society, Inc. (TLS), was conceived in 1957. In 1958 (not some fly-by-night organization, they have been around for 63 years), they joined the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies (EFMLS). 1964 saw the creation of the Skill Improvement Program (S-K-I-P), an effort to increase the overall technical and artistic expertise of members of TLS.
If you are resisting the use of the word "rules," try thinking of them as "guidelines." Just remember, a cab coming closest to the accepted described description, will always be the better cab.
When being judged by photos, it is so important to see more than just one lousy pic looking only at the top. |
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Post by rockjunquie on May 18, 2019 13:34:36 GMT -5
Totally agree about the glamour shot. You have to see the side to know if it was well cabbed or not. Girdle or no girdle, everything needs to be a smooth transition to the dome (low dome OR high dome). I still say the bottom should be flat.  |
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 18, 2019 14:16:42 GMT -5
Totally agree about the glamour shot. You have to see the side to know if it was well cabbed or not. Girdle or no girdle, everything needs to be a smooth transition to the dome (low dome OR high dome). I still say the bottom should be flat. I agree with you on that.  It's got to fit flat into the setting. |
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,059 
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Post by gemfeller on May 18, 2019 15:45:33 GMT -5
Totally agree about the glamour shot. You have to see the side to know if it was well cabbed or not. Girdle or no girdle, everything needs to be a smooth transition to the dome (low dome OR high dome). I still say the bottom should be flat. In most cases I'd agree with a flat bottom. But in past years Aussie opal cutters left some "belly" on their stones. Maybe some still do. It was either to increase carat weight (sold by the ct.) or to make polishing the bottoms easier. Those could be set in certain open-bottom settings. Asian cutters are notorious for "bellied" stones. In their case there's no question the ploy is to increase weight. Here's an example, a star sunstone cab I bought for reference: It’s about 2/3 belly. But it does have a flat bottom!    |
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Post by Rockindad on May 18, 2019 22:25:37 GMT -5
Thank You Jean..........!
I don't cab......as you know......but appreciate the skill (and proper tools) it takes........as well as the "rules" that govern the technical process.
I had followed this thread as a curiosity for more knowledge, until various "what if's" started popping up........lost interest when the "competition" factor started reflecting the "kick my butt", "meet or exceed" those who do this for financial gain as "pro's"...........fun, friendly or otherwise.......competitions can have their "down-sides" as well........this "revived" adventure looks to have a nice flexible approach.
Anyway, the post you provided most certainly helps define the "absolutes".............of which a few very experienced and helpful "masters" here at RTH adhere to...and I might add, who often receive a return on their "investment".
Always love your "cut through the chase", get down to brass tax" information.....truly a "wizard" at such....! So much nonsense............in one post...........was going to spend time ripping it apart..............apparently much/all is aimed at me.........do not want to waste my time.........only someone trying to start some crap would come up with some of this..........second time recently you have tried to do this with me...........don't know what you're problem is...........don't really care anymore...................ironic that someone trying so hard to be a condescending know-it-all.....................would write what is highlighted in green....................don't mind you coming at me............but please..............................take it easy.....................on our language.............. goodbye,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,had to switch to commas,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,my period key melted,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,! Al |
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Post by glennz01 on May 19, 2019 23:44:14 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 Sorry all ive been in a zero internet area for a bit rockhounding for spirit stones..
The definition i consider a cab to be is a domes top or domed sides to a level top, bottom can be domed or flat.
the dome / preform should be hand made and this can be done using a $100 qep tile saw from home depot (which is my trim saw). then you can hand finish or tumble finish.
the contest is designed for all levels as the goal or contest is strictly to improve your skills, hence why voting is vote for your favorite cab, not the best cab.
you should see improvements as you go...
compare my first cab to more recent cab and you can see.
as you can see the black yellow cab has nice doming all around and nice even polish to the stones ability, 1st red jasper cab, still OK but you can tell the difference. I also haven't used a template yet to date.
if someone wants to make more contests feel free. 
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