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Post by miket on Sept 17, 2019 13:20:28 GMT -5
Finished wrapping this one- I love the stone but I'm not crazy about the job that I did. I wanted as much of the pattern exposed as I could get. Some things that I learned: 1. Irregular stones are difficult. 2. rockjunquie wasn't lying about the importance of a flat back. 3. I need more practice. Thanks for looking...  |
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 17, 2019 13:26:22 GMT -5
Mike, that is awesome! Great job! This is easily your best.  |
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Post by fernwood on Sept 17, 2019 14:02:08 GMT -5
Many Wows.
My only suggestions would be to cut the ends of the curlies at an angle, so they are flat on the stone. Keep any twist patterns uniform. Maybe ensure the curlies are not on top of other wire.
I love the combo of wires and the cab. You have quickly come a long way for both wire wraps and doing Dremel/tumbler cabs.
I am very impressed with not only your talents, but eye for finding the good stuff when collecting rough rocks. Well done my friend.
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Post by miket on Sept 17, 2019 14:38:18 GMT -5
Mike, that is awesome! Great job! This is easily your best. Thank you for saying so, ma'am! Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself but I don't like the way the two wires on the top part of the stone are wavy instead of straight (due to me re-bending them). Also, I would have clipped the two wires that I curled- but again, they're hiding imperfections. On a positive note, I only used and wrapped two wires on the bail and I was pleased with that. |
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Post by miket on Sept 17, 2019 14:41:28 GMT -5
Many Wows. My only suggestions would be to cut the ends of the curlies at an angle, so they are flat on the stone. Keep any twist patterns uniform. Maybe ensure the curlies are not on top of other wire. I love the combo of wires and the cab. You have quickly come a long way for both wire wraps and doing Dremel/tumbler cabs. I am very impressed with not only your talents, but eye for finding the good stuff when collecting rough rocks. Well done my friend. Thank you, Beth, I appreciate the comments. The square wire I'm using is easy to work with but shows any mistakes hesitations made. Each time I do a wrap (and a cab, for that matter), they are a constantly evolving project- as I'm sure it is with everyone else on here. Again, thanks! |
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Post by miket on Sept 17, 2019 14:45:19 GMT -5
The picture I posted was taken outside today and it's cloudy. I used an editing program to automatically adjust the lighting and here's what it came up with. This actually shows the colors in a more true to life way...  |
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Post by fernwood on Sept 17, 2019 14:48:49 GMT -5
Yes, I have to edit most photos with PSE. Understand completely.
You are getting some amazing shine on those cabs.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 15:21:27 GMT -5
Your background looks like a good defense against any snatch-and-run thieves at a rock and gem show!
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 18, 2019 10:58:14 GMT -5
miket I didn't have time yesterday to give much input, so here's a few tips.
Whenever you start a wire, make sure it is where it won't be seen. I see a loose end at the bail.
Whenever you cut a wire, no matter back or front, make sure to tuck it under so it won't scratch or snag. The curly on the front will snag.
Try using a smaller wire for the bindings. It will usually hold just as well and look better.
On the left where you have the wires joined, you could have made a rosette, they cover a lot and look nice. You were half way there. Here's a vid with a rosette ring to give you an idea what I mean.
It looks like your cab was pretty high dome. Those are harder to wrap, but you did a pretty good job at it. All in all, I think you are moving in the right direction. |
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Post by miket on Sept 18, 2019 11:16:50 GMT -5
miket I didn't have time yesterday to give much input, so here's a few tips.
Whenever you start a wire, make sure it is where it won't be seen. I see a loose end at the bail.
Whenever you cut a wire, no matter back or front, make sure to tuck it under so it won't scratch or snag. The curly on the front will snag.
Try using a smaller wire for the bindings. It will usually hold just as well and look better.
On the left where you have the wires joined, you could have made a rosette, they cover a lot and look nice. You were half way there. Here's a vid with a rosette ring to give you an idea what I mean.
It looks like your cab was pretty high dome. Those are harder to wrap, but you did a pretty good job at it. All in all, I think you are moving in the right direction. Thanks for the tips, Tela. Yep, I see the loose end. I need to invest in an Optivisor... The rosette looks pretty simple, I'll give it a try sometime. And yep, it is a high domed cab- I didn't want to lose the pattern. And the bottom isn't flat, it kind of bulges a bit in the middle. Go ahead and scold me.  But seriously, I do appreciate the compliments and advice. |
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 18, 2019 11:29:22 GMT -5
miket I didn't have time yesterday to give much input, so here's a few tips.
Whenever you start a wire, make sure it is where it won't be seen. I see a loose end at the bail.
Whenever you cut a wire, no matter back or front, make sure to tuck it under so it won't scratch or snag. The curly on the front will snag.
I'm thinking those cactus spines will not be comfortable for the wearer. (JK  )
I really love the stone, and your wrapping skills are coming along rapidly. Tela's experience and input - priceless!
Nice job, miket !
I just picked up a flat-ish stone at the swapmeet on Sunday, but it is actually double domed. For ease of wrapping, think I'll pick one side to make flat and call the back, add a girdle and better shape the circumference and dome. Jean
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Post by miket on Sept 18, 2019 11:49:09 GMT -5
miket I didn't have time yesterday to give much input, so here's a few tips.
Whenever you start a wire, make sure it is where it won't be seen. I see a loose end at the bail.
Whenever you cut a wire, no matter back or front, make sure to tuck it under so it won't scratch or snag. The curly on the front will snag.
I'm thinking those cactus spines will not be comfortable for the wearer. (JK )
I really love the stone, and your wrapping skills are coming along rapidly. Tela's experience and input - priceless!
Nice job, miket !
I just picked up a flat-ish stone at the swapmeet on Sunday, but it is actually double domed. For ease of wrapping, think I'll pick one side to make flat and call the back, add a girdle and better shape the circumference and dome. Jean
Thanks, Jean. Yep, Tela has been a big help for sure. That's one of the reasons I love hanging out here, the people are amazing. Don't forget to show us pictures when you get it done! |
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 18, 2019 11:54:47 GMT -5
I haven't even taken a before picture yet. I will at least do that today. Gotta run right now. But I'll do it when I get back. It's a pretty interesting stone, tumbled I think.
The temperature has cooled down to where it is nice, but will just have to find the time to work it.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 18, 2019 18:17:11 GMT -5
Thanks, Jean. Yep, Tela has been a big help for sure. That's one of the reasons I love hanging out here, the people are amazing. Don't forget to show us pictures when you get it done!
I agree, Mike, this is a pretty special group.
Okay, Mike, you asked for it! Just got the pics out of the camera and resized.
Don't know what this is, but figured for a buck, I couldn't go wrong! It has some fortifications, so guessing it is some kind of agate.
I think this will be the top side.
Or maybe this side is up? Nah, I'm gonna call this the back (to be flattened). 
It has more color, but it is the "flatter" side. Umm, still undecided.
From the side. Pretty sure it was tumbled.
 About 1 5/8 inch in length.
About an inch and a half in width.
A quarter inch thick.
Thought about just wrapping it as is, but the timely reminder from miket (thru rockjunquie) told me, "No, dummy, so much easier to wrap a stone with a flat back." Doh! I have done that before, will avoid it at all costs in the future.
The woman I bought this from at the Santee swap meet, she said she had a whole bunch more of the tumbled slabs. She is going to bring them with her when she next comes in two weeks.
Maybe I can rework this on Friday.....
I have been going with mrrockpicker to "on average" two doctor appointments per week for the last month or so. Upper endoscopy, iron infusions, CT scans, and next month, another colonoscopy (oh, joy!). He has chronic anemia from loosing blood through his intestinal tract for the last three years.
Monday he saw his PC doctor, last night was an appointment with a financial planner (to see if he can afford to quit work and retire early, with all his health issues), and Friday he will be having a second echocardiogram of his heart. He's had a bad heart murmur for years, was only recently diagnosed as a bad aortic valve slamming shut. Fixable when they are bad enough, but they want to wait until it is. Or he has a heart attack first. I totally hate dislike (yes, I know I use that word too frequently) health insurance companies, and their whims.
We'll muddle through.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 18, 2019 18:21:09 GMT -5
Yes, flat backs are easier.
I feel your pain about the doctors. Seems I always have an appt. Glad to hear they figured out his heart issue.
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Post by miket on Sept 18, 2019 19:23:41 GMT -5
That is definitely a beautiful piece of stone, I love the reds!
Not that you need my inexperienced two cents, but I like the second side. š
And sorry to hear about Mr. Rockpicker...
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Post by Pat on Sept 18, 2019 20:03:06 GMT -5
I like the flatter more colorful side better. Attractive rock. I went to a wrapping class once. Got it home, adjusted a few wires a bit, until it looked like a dog chewed on it.
Good luck with all the doctor business. Iām familiar with that scenario.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Sept 27, 2019 12:09:31 GMT -5
Wow, these are cool. I've been gone for weeks and haven't been keeping up with you latest projects.
This is an awesome rock. Man I wish I had material like that. The wrap is good too. I think the style of the wrap matches the rock really well.
I know what you mean. I think odd shaped rocks, and fat rocks are hard. Especially if there is a concave part in it.
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Post by miket on Sept 27, 2019 14:30:52 GMT -5
Wow, these are cool. I've been gone for weeks and haven't been keeping up with you latest projects. This is an awesome rock. Man I wish I had material like that. The wrap is good too. I think the style of the wrap matches the rock really well. I know what you mean. I think odd shaped rocks, and fat rocks are hard. Especially if there is a concave part in it. Thanks again, sir! The wrap isn't perfect, but I'm about 75% happy with the way it turned out. This is one Tee Pee that I will probably never get rid of. Seriously, if you ever get to South Dakota, let me know. And that goes for any rockhounders here on RTH. If I can't join you I will let you in on where to go. There are plenty to find- way easier than Fairburns. Just pm me. |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Sept 28, 2019 10:26:17 GMT -5
Wow, these are cool. I've been gone for weeks and haven't been keeping up with you latest projects. This is an awesome rock. Man I wish I had material like that. The wrap is good too. I think the style of the wrap matches the rock really well. I know what you mean. I think odd shaped rocks, and fat rocks are hard. Especially if there is a concave part in it. Thanks again, sir! The wrap isn't perfect, but I'm about 75% happy with the way it turned out. This is one Tee Pee that I will probably never get rid of. Seriously, if you ever get to South Dakota, let me know. And that goes for any rockhounders here on RTH. If I can't join you I will let you in on where to go. There are plenty to find- way easier than Fairburns. Just pm me. I am not exactly sure where South Dakota is, but that sounds like a good road trip to me! Some day I will have to make time to take you up on your offer. Thanks, Mike! |
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