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Post by krazydiamond on Feb 22, 2005 14:33:12 GMT -5
i've actually had the pot and the wax and sticks for a while, but with it so cold downstairs i had visions of stones popping off right and left. in the end i did most of the wax part in the kitchen, here is the set up:  here are some stones heating:  cranked up the grinder and worked away on them, stuffed in the freezer for a while and off they came, just like it sez in all the books! haha.  and here are my first REAL finished cabochons!  i'd brought some of the "krazycab" style stones into my silver smithing class and the instructor basically said that as a beginner i'd be better off trying to make a bezel for a rounder stone. hence the ovals. not quite as intriguing as the cabojohns and krazycabs, but kinda nice in a traditional way. thanks for looking! KD |
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Post by Tweetiepy on Feb 22, 2005 15:30:03 GMT -5
What's a DOP?
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Post by rockyraccoon on Feb 22, 2005 15:32:47 GMT -5
those look like the work of a professional! you are so good with this hobby. truly spectacular!
kim
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Post by sandsman1 on Feb 22, 2005 18:19:25 GMT -5
hey kd i think those look dam good girl ----they came out great (you been practicine and not tellin me huh) hahaha------------------- beautiful job
and they dont even burn your fingers when your tryin to polish them hahaha
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Post by Cher on Feb 22, 2005 18:21:52 GMT -5
Absolutely beautiful KD, you did an excellent job. There's no stopping you now, you've got them mastered and they'll get nothing but better.
Cher
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Post by sandsman1 on Feb 22, 2005 18:22:24 GMT -5
tweet those aluminum pieces that the stones are stuck too are called a dop stick
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Post by krazydiamond on Feb 22, 2005 18:26:25 GMT -5
lol, thanks for the compliments, but they are kinda boring and..nameless. i mean what could you call those? Wavy Gravy? um..that's about it.
i am pleased with the whole stick technology tho. saves the knuckles.
i do have a question for those members out there that DO dop, can i reuse the wax? i've saved the used bits seperately just in case there is some reason you shouldn't reuse it.
thanks,
KD
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Post by cookie3rocks on Feb 22, 2005 19:03:28 GMT -5
KD, can you use different shapes on the dop or is there some reason it wont work? I like the Krazycabs, too. They are a unique, one of a kind created by you kinda thing. These cabs, however, are very well done. I just think you passed that stage before you ever got to try it. Great work, as usual  cookie |
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Post by docone31 on Feb 22, 2005 19:34:36 GMT -5
Yes.
Aluminum is much better than wood.
Great work.
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Feb 22, 2005 19:37:13 GMT -5
Hello KD, You can definitely re-use the dop wax! So, don't throw it away!!! A quick tip for you ... when you need more dop sticks ... you don't need to buy the aluminum sticks ... go to your local hardware store or craft store and get some hardwood dowels ... they are a lot cheaper than the aluminum dops and you can get them in a variety of different sizes and cut them to what ever length you would like ... Definitely some gorgeous stones ... you have got this down Excellent work!!! Enjoy, John |
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Feb 22, 2005 19:38:51 GMT -5
I prefer wood over aluminum ... it's a personal thing I guess!
John
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Post by docone31 on Feb 22, 2005 20:41:41 GMT -5
Krazy, you can reuse dop wax, as long as it is not burned. I disagree with your smithing instructor. The Krazycabs are easier for a beginner to set than calibrated types.
Some instructors, do not like women really being individual. That is my opinion, and may not be based on reality. I think your Krazycabs would make a great first cab pendant. Use .999 bezel wire for the bezel. Use hard solder on the entire pendant.
.999 for the bezel, and using hard solder, the bezel will colour the same as sterling, but it will not crack like sterling pendant material will when setting. Using hard solder on the entire piece, when it oxidizes, it oxides the same. The solder joints will not show as black lines.
Shine on Krazy.
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phoenix1647
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2013
Posts: 186
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Post by phoenix1647 on Feb 22, 2005 20:49:20 GMT -5
Just like the book said?...Ya mean...you read the books first?
That is not a man's way of doing things...read the book if nothing else works...
Actualy,,I think your instructor is a little jealous. You did some great work there...and don't let anyone tell ya otherwise....great job.
Pho
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Post by cookie3rocks on Feb 22, 2005 21:25:25 GMT -5
I have the same feelings as Doc and Pho, just thought, being female in gender, my input would be seen as biased.
Damned jealous, foolish man, screw him! You do great work.
So there!
cookie
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Banjocreek
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2003
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Banjocreek on Feb 22, 2005 21:55:01 GMT -5
I think those cabs look great.
The shine is super and they are very concentric.
You go KD!!
I don't think one style is better than the other.
I just like your work!
While on the subject, ask your teacher, or someone here might know.
I have a bunch of wax, but it won't melt in my dop pot.
Any ideas?
I have to use a oil lamp.
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Post by docone31 on Feb 22, 2005 22:01:14 GMT -5
John, that might be high temperature gemstone dop wax. You might cut it with your regular dop wax. The recquirements of faceting is different from cabbing. There is more heat generated during cutting.
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Post by creativeminded on Feb 23, 2005 8:40:00 GMT -5
Your cabs turned out beautiful. You did a great job.
Tami
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 23, 2005 9:09:44 GMT -5
KD- WAVY GRAVY??? LMAO- You are not giving yourself enough credit- Those were breathtaking! I saw the rough and was Like OMG then I saw the finished and I nearly fell out of my chair! I love the krazycabs- but those were just so perfect! I think I would call them SANDDUNE SUNSETS! they just added a new dimension to your talents! CONGRATES!
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Rose
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2004
Posts: 875
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Post by Rose on Feb 23, 2005 10:20:43 GMT -5
Wow those look great KD  |
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69beeper
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 377
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Post by 69beeper on Feb 23, 2005 11:32:34 GMT -5
I don't know anything about cabochons, except that pretty is pretty... and those are BEAUTIFUL cabs!! Very impressive for your first time. Great job!
Jimmy
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