agatewhisperer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2020
Posts: 836
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Post by agatewhisperer on Dec 30, 2020 20:35:16 GMT -5
Welp, I received a Gryphette for Christmas and a groove cutting bit. I read some of the tutorials but am looking for some more advice. I see some people make a guide or a guard to get a consistent depth. Could anyone post a picture of their setup for this? Do you usually cut the groove before doming and polishing the cab? Or after? Is the sponge enough to keep the bit cool or do you also use a water drip for it? I've never actually wire wrapped anything and this was meant to get me to do something with my cabs. What type of wire would you recommend for a beginner for wrapping a grooved stone?  |
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 31, 2020 7:41:25 GMT -5
Well, Merry Christmas to you! I think Drummond Island Rocks and adrian65 would best answer your questions. But, I've done it a few times, too. Yes, the sponge is enough water. I would use 20 gauge. I cut the groove after cabbing, but that may not be the best way. Hopefully one or both of the guys will chime in soon. |
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Post by miket on Dec 31, 2020 10:32:01 GMT -5
I got the same one, I'm super excited to use it. However, I'm waiting on the bit I need to cut the grooves.  I'll be watching this thread with interest, I have some of the same questions... I think I'm going to try to groove a cab I've already made first and see how that goes- maybe one that I don't really plan on wrapping. I only have probably 100 or more of those laying around to practice on!
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adrian65
Cave Dweller 
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,790
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Post by adrian65 on Dec 31, 2020 11:45:08 GMT -5
I cut the grooves after the cab is completely shaped and polished. I use a slightly different device (home made) and I provide a continuous flow of water on the disc (a very thin copper pipe linked to an aquarium pump). Providing enough water is good for the diamond disk's life, otherwise it will be worn out before finishing to groove a cab.
Adrian
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Post by manofglass on Dec 31, 2020 12:23:18 GMT -5
The sponge is all that is needed just fill the tray with water Take the top grate off fill the top with water put the grate on Wet the sponge put it in the hole behind the bit so it rubs on the bit You can get bits from warnerartglass.com/ |
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agatewhisperer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2020
Posts: 836
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Post by agatewhisperer on Dec 31, 2020 15:33:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback. I gave it a try. First impressions: - It was easier than i thought it would be and took a very light touch. - Might need use thicker slabs in the future or make a lower dome. A lot of my cabs don't seem like they have much room for a groove with the thickness of the groove bit. - I need to get serious about polishing the backs 
Anyway, next step is to get some wire and see what it looks like for depth, and then con somebody in to wrapping it for me LOL. Would still be interested if someone has a few pictures of a setup for a depth guide.
Here's a few pics.    |
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Post by miket on Dec 31, 2020 15:43:49 GMT -5
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Post by mohs on Dec 31, 2020 17:34:50 GMT -5
zipp/n^groov'n
i do lot of that
on all types mohs harness
that groov'n slot bit
lasts a long time
I don't sponge
so if ya keep it wet
it probably out last you
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Post by stephan on Dec 31, 2020 22:35:06 GMT -5
Great. more for my wish list. It looks like it does a good job.
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 31, 2020 22:50:39 GMT -5
agatewhisperer and miket - congrats to the both of you for a great Christmas present!  I can't wait to see the new style of wraps you guys can come up with now! Way cool!
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agatewhisperer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2020
Posts: 836
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Post by agatewhisperer on Jan 1, 2021 20:42:20 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. Looked through the tutorial. Complete noob question since it's my first wire wrapping experiment... Could you give me more info on exactly what type of wire to use? 20 gauge square seems to have a lot of variations. What's going to work best for a first timer to try out? |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 1, 2021 22:57:01 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. Looked through the tutorial. Complete noob question since it's my first wire wrapping experiment... Could you give me more info on exactly what type of wire to use? 20 gauge square seems to have a lot of variations. What's going to work best for a first timer to try out? 20 gauge square is one size. But, you can use different kinds of wire (copper, silver, gold...) in the same gauge. Probably 20 square, half hard copper would be best for you to start. Plus some wire to gather the top like 20 gauge half round half hard. |
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Post by miket on Jan 2, 2021 11:14:11 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. Looked through the tutorial. Complete noob question since it's my first wire wrapping experiment... Could you give me more info on exactly what type of wire to use? 20 gauge square seems to have a lot of variations. What's going to work best for a first timer to try out? What Tela said... 😁 |
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agatewhisperer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2020
Posts: 836
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Post by agatewhisperer on Jan 2, 2021 15:35:48 GMT -5
Nailed it. Ok, literally my first wire wrap. All I had was some copper wire laying around and followed the tutorial linked earlier from Drummond Island Rocks . Will need to order some square wire and get some practice. Thanks for everyone's recommendations and feedback.  |
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Post by miket on Jan 2, 2021 17:26:33 GMT -5
Nice job!
Itching to get mine going now...
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 2, 2021 18:36:37 GMT -5
Nailed it. Ok, literally my first wire wrap. All I had was some copper wire laying around and followed the tutorial linked earlier from Drummond Island Rocks . Will need to order some square wire and get some practice. Thanks for everyone's recommendations and feedback. All I can say is DAAAAAMN! |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 2, 2021 21:14:14 GMT -5
Nailed it. Ok, literally my first wire wrap. All I had was some copper wire laying around and followed the tutorial linked earlier from Drummond Island Rocks . Will need to order some square wire and get some practice. Thanks for everyone's recommendations and feedback. Nailed it, indeed! Awesome job! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 3, 2021 9:40:17 GMT -5
Way to go! That's a fantastic first wrapping...like they say in the movies, "That's a wrap!" |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Jan 7, 2021 13:37:01 GMT -5
Hey, those look really great! The ones with the grooves in them already. Plus the one you finished is really cool too!
Kind of rekindles my once interest in doing groove wraps.
Thanks for sharing!
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agatewhisperer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2020
Posts: 836
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Post by agatewhisperer on Jan 7, 2021 13:48:57 GMT -5
Thanks for all the kind words and motivational boost! I need to find some time to give it another go
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