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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 23, 2021 19:50:43 GMT -5
jasoninsd That reminds me. Once at the club, I stepped on a piece of obsidian, went right through the shoe-sole and into my foot. Required three stitches. One member, in true rock-hound form asked, “ what kind was it?” I replied, “it’s bloodstone now.” Not only is it fancy bloodstone jasper, it might be fancy shmancy. That's the kind of thing I would have said! LOL LOL LOL My wife just looked over at me wondering why I just burst out laughing! (At the response...not the injury!  ) |
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Post by stephan on Dec 23, 2021 19:54:25 GMT -5
jasoninsd That reminds me. Once at the club, I stepped on a piece of obsidian, went right through the shoe-sole and into my foot. Required three stitches. One member, in true rock-hound form asked, “ what kind was it?” I replied, “it’s bloodstone now.” Not only is it fancy bloodstone jasper, it might be fancy shmancy. That's the kind of thing I would have said! LOL LOL LOL My wife just looked over at me wondering why I just burst out laughing! (At the response...not the injury! ) I knew what you meant |
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 23, 2021 19:58:06 GMT -5
That's the kind of thing I would have said! LOL LOL LOL My wife just looked over at me wondering why I just burst out laughing! (At the response...not the injury! ) I knew what you meant I knew YOU did...that was clarification for those reading this who don't know us very well! LOL (They might think I'm some sort of sadistic bastard, which isn't the case here...at least not here... LOL) |
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 23, 2021 23:15:30 GMT -5
That sagenite agate is really cool stuff. Seems like no one ever knows where it comes from. #12 is some nice maggot agate. I can see the soft spot, but it's such a "busy" material the minor flaws are not noticeable in my experience. That is an outstanding cab. Cripple Creek always seems to make great cabs. And it's a pleasure to cab. It's hard, but not too hard, really solid, and shines like crazy. Finally, I like your last Kambaba. It looks like something from the deep see, or maybe a green galaxy. That's a material that I could never get to polish very well in a tumbler, but I have gotten a good shine buffing it with cerium. It looks like you had no problem with polish. How are your cabbing wheels performing? I'm sure the Galaxy wheels are more than broken in, and you're probably wishing they would grind like they did when they were new.  Or maybe you're more patient than me. The Novas, on the other hand, get better with use, in my opinion, especially the 600 through 3000. |
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 23, 2021 23:21:52 GMT -5
I forget how similar Wildhorse and Cripple Creek can look. I may have to review some ID when I was guessing. There's a lot of cross over / ambiguity / similarities in the Owyhee picture jaspers. It seems that in the Owyhees people have often put a name on material that comes from a particular claim or dig, without regard to its similarity to, or difference from, already named picture jaspers that were mined in the same general area. I bought some awesome slabs of "Blue Mustang Picture Jasper" the other day. I wrote the seller to ask him if he had more. He said no, but that he's got some Rocky Butte that looks almost identical and that "they are basically the same thing." Per this guy, they are from different digs of basically the same material, and the material from both digs were highly variable in colors and patterns. It gets quite confusing... |
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Post by stephan on Dec 23, 2021 23:25:37 GMT -5
I forget how similar Wildhorse and Cripple Creek can look. I may have to review some ID when I was guessing. There's a lot of cross over / ambiguity / similarities in the Owyhee picture jaspers. It seems that in the Owyhees people have often put a name on material that comes from a particular claim or dig, without regard to its similarity to, or difference from, already named picture jaspers that were mined in the same general area. I bought some awesome slabs of "Blue Mustang Picture Jasper" the other day. I wrote the seller to ask him if he had more. He said no, but that he's got some Rocky Butte that looks almost identical and that "they are basically the same thing." Per this guy, they are from different digs of basically the same material, and the material from both digs were highly variable in colors and patterns. It gets quite confusing... Nailed it in paragraph 1 When I post cabs, I always add the word “claim” to identifiers like “Wildhorse.” |
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 24, 2021 0:05:19 GMT -5
That sagenite agate is really cool stuff. Seems like no one ever knows where it comes from. #12 is some nice maggot agate. I can see the soft spot, but it's such a "busy" material the minor flaws are not noticeable in my experience. That is an outstanding cab. Cripple Creek always seems to make great cabs. And it's a pleasure to cab. It's hard, but not too hard, really solid, and shines like crazy. Finally, I like your last Kambaba. It looks like something from the deep see, or maybe a green galaxy. That's a material that I could never get to polish very well in a tumbler, but I have gotten a good shine buffing it with cerium. It looks like you had no problem with polish. How are your cabbing wheels performing? I'm sure the Galaxy wheels are more than broken in, and you're probably wishing they would grind like they did when they were new. Or maybe you're more patient than me. The Novas, on the other hand, get better with use, in my opinion, especially the 600 through 3000. Thanks my friend! For some reason, I always feel like I need to identify material with a specific location...if it can be discerned. I have some jasper from California that doesn't really have a specific identification to it...so it will be labeled as "California Jasper"... I absolutely LOVE working that Cripple Creek. I should post a picture of the huge piece that I have. It's going to be VERY difficult to cut on the 10" saw...not impossible...but I'm really going to have to struggle not to get wedge cuts. That last Kambaba cab is one of my favorite patterns I've gotten out of this material. I have quite a bit to work...and love the colors and patterns in this material. I've accepted the fact it won't "mirror finish" like some other materials...so it has to be accepted "as is"... I am definitely noticing the "slow down" on the 80 grit. The left side of the wheel does cut faster than the middle or right side. I've tried to use the entire width when using each of the wheels...but for some reason, this one is still a bit more aggressive on the left side. So, I've been doing the initial mass material grind on that left side, then shifting over to the middle and right side so it's not as aggressive on the final removal of material. I feel it doesn't leave "as" deep of scratches doing it this way. I could be wrong though. LOL The Novas are completely broken in at this point...I know, because when my fingers make contact, they aren't ripping my flesh off right away! LOL I forget how similar Wildhorse and Cripple Creek can look. I may have to review some ID when I was guessing. There's a lot of cross over / ambiguity / similarities in the Owyhee picture jaspers. It seems that in the Owyhees people have often put a name on material that comes from a particular claim or dig, without regard to its similarity to, or difference from, already named picture jaspers that were mined in the same general area. I bought some awesome slabs of "Blue Mustang Picture Jasper" the other day. I wrote the seller to ask him if he had more. He said no, but that he's got some Rocky Butte that looks almost identical and that "they are basically the same thing." Per this guy, they are from different digs of basically the same material, and the material from both digs were highly variable in colors and patterns. It gets quite confusing... I know it's been said before (by Stephan I think), it seems material is named "willy nilly", or named for "marketing" purposes... I've got some Rocky Butte that I haven't worked yet...but I'm pretty sure it's another of those picture jaspers that's going to have a high polish to it... There's a lot of cross over / ambiguity / similarities in the Owyhee picture jaspers. It seems that in the Owyhees people have often put a name on material that comes from a particular claim or dig, without regard to its similarity to, or difference from, already named picture jaspers that were mined in the same general area. I bought some awesome slabs of "Blue Mustang Picture Jasper" the other day. I wrote the seller to ask him if he had more. He said no, but that he's got some Rocky Butte that looks almost identical and that "they are basically the same thing." Per this guy, they are from different digs of basically the same material, and the material from both digs were highly variable in colors and patterns. It gets quite confusing... Nailed it in paragraph 1 When I post cabs, I always add the word “claim” to identifiers like “Wildhorse.” That's a good point. I probably need to start identifying them as "claims"...when they're known as such... |
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 24, 2021 8:39:00 GMT -5
I really like Rocky Butte, but every piece I ever works was heavily fractured.  |
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 24, 2021 12:22:43 GMT -5
jasoninsdAlthough it's good to work the whole width of wheels, I like to keep at least one edge of all the wheels a little more aggressive (less worn), and I use it to grind / sand / polish the girdle. There is nothing particularly difficult about the girdle, it's just a little boring to work, so I like to get that part done as quickly as possible. The working the whole width of the wheel thing is especially important with the Nova 280 and 600 wheels, since those are the ones that are most likely to wear out in the center while you've still got diamonds left on the edges. I haven't paid much attention to this with the 1200 and 3000, and they have a ton of life left. My original 280 and 600 still work, although there is no texture left on them at all. The Nova wheels last a long time. As I think I told you before, I am less impressed with the longevity of the Galaxy wheels, which seem to be just "ok" for the high price. They don't leave deep scratches, which is nice, but a well broken in (but not worn out) Galaxy 80 is just too slow for my taste. Did you get a new 80 grit disc for your slant cabber? I liked your idea of using a fresh 80 grit disc on the slant cabber for the initial grind on hard agates before moving to your cabbing machine.
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 24, 2021 13:01:39 GMT -5
There's a lot of cross over / ambiguity / similarities in the Owyhee picture jaspers. It seems that in the Owyhees people have often put a name on material that comes from a particular claim or dig, without regard to its similarity to, or difference from, already named picture jaspers that were mined in the same general area. I bought some awesome slabs of "Blue Mustang Picture Jasper" the other day. I wrote the seller to ask him if he had more. He said no, but that he's got some Rocky Butte that looks almost identical and that "they are basically the same thing." Per this guy, they are from different digs of basically the same material, and the material from both digs were highly variable in colors and patterns. It gets quite confusing... Nailed it in paragraph 1 When I post cabs, I always add the word “claim” to identifiers like “Wildhorse.” On the one hand, it's kind of cool that these Owyhee area picture jaspers come with extra information (the claim) included in the name. On the other hand, it means there are a whole mess of different names. I assume you are familiar with this epic thread. |
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Post by stephan on Dec 24, 2021 13:41:56 GMT -5
Nailed it in paragraph 1 When I post cabs, I always add the word “claim” to identifiers like “Wildhorse.” On the one hand, it's kind of cool that these Owyhee area picture jaspers come with extra information (the claim) included in the name. On the other hand, it means there are a whole mess of different names. I assume you are familiar with this epic thread.Hadn't read it yet.... That whole claim thing can, indeed, get a little confusing |
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brybry
Cave Dweller 
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Member since October 2021
Posts: 1,221
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Post by brybry on Dec 24, 2021 14:24:52 GMT -5
Only 17 pages? Easy read compared to others. Keep in mind, when I joined the forum I went through all 170+ pages of the tumbling section.
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 24, 2021 14:40:56 GMT -5
Only 17 pages? Easy read compared to others. Keep in mind, when I joined the forum I went through all 170+ pages of the tumbling section. I didn't read the thread. I just looked at the pictures. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 24, 2021 14:59:41 GMT -5
I agree about the 80 galaxy. I used to really go through them and I hate when they slow down. I got a sintered 60 wheel. Smartest thing I've done. My 220 has lasted forever, but it is worn, too. I do most of my work on an 80 and just use 220 for scratches.
I also leave an edge for the girdle.
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Post by Son Of Beach on Dec 24, 2021 18:51:13 GMT -5
jasoninsd That reminds me. Once at the club, I stepped on a piece of obsidian, went right through the shoe-sole and into my foot. Required three stitches. One member, in true rock-hound form asked, “ what kind was it?” I replied, “it’s bloodstone now.” Not only is it fancy bloodstone jasper, it might be fancy shmancy. ETA: what I sent to be cut was sold as plain old bloodstone, and, at the time, the Gem Shop had all three in stock (bloodstone, fancy bloodstone and fancy jasper). I'm going with bloodstone with an elevated "white cell count." I had to reread this like 3 times before I could figure you weren't out dancing you were at the rock club LOL |
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Post by stephan on Dec 24, 2021 22:09:41 GMT -5
jasoninsd That reminds me. Once at the club, I stepped on a piece of obsidian, went right through the shoe-sole and into my foot. Required three stitches. One member, in true rock-hound form asked, “ what kind was it?” I replied, “it’s bloodstone now.” Not only is it fancy bloodstone jasper, it might be fancy shmancy. ETA: what I sent to be cut was sold as plain old bloodstone, and, at the time, the Gem Shop had all three in stock (bloodstone, fancy bloodstone and fancy jasper). I'm going with bloodstone with an elevated "white cell count." I had to reread this like 3 times before I could figure you weren't out dancing you were at the rock club LOL Me, dancing…  |
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 24, 2021 23:51:18 GMT -5
I really like Rocky Butte, but every piece I ever works was heavily fractured. That's interesting. All my pieces that I've cut didn't seem to have fractures at all. I'll have to keep a good eye out... jasoninsd Although it's good to work the whole width of wheels, I like to keep at least one edge of all the wheels a little more aggressive (less worn), and I use it to grind / sand / polish the girdle. There is nothing particularly difficult about the girdle, it's just a little boring to work, so I like to get that part done as quickly as possible. The working the whole width of the wheel thing is especially important with the Nova 280 and 600 wheels, since those are the ones that are most likely to wear out in the center while you've still got diamonds left on the edges. I haven't paid much attention to this with the 1200 and 3000, and they have a ton of life left. My original 280 and 600 still work, although there is no texture left on them at all. The Nova wheels last a long time. As I think I told you before, I am less impressed with the longevity of the Galaxy wheels, which seem to be just "ok" for the high price. They don't leave deep scratches, which is nice, but a well broken in (but not worn out) Galaxy 80 is just too slow for my taste. Did you get a new 80 grit disc for your slant cabber? I liked your idea of using a fresh 80 grit disc on the slant cabber for the initial grind on hard agates before moving to your cabbing machine. I probably shouldn't...but when I'm working the girdle, I completely "zone out" and just work from muscle memory... I get what you're saying about leaving a more "aggressive" spot...and the left side of the 80 is still staying aggressive. I did get a brand new 80 grit for the slant cabber. It came a couple days after the Cabber arrived! LOL - So, it's still in the plastic. I'm not convinced I'm not going to shape more cabs on the slant cabber...but for now, I'm having fun trying to tweak certain techniques I'm slowing figuring out on the Cabbing machine. Some things are the same as the slant cabber...but other things are different due to the curvature of the wheels... Nailed it in paragraph 1 When I post cabs, I always add the word “claim” to identifiers like “Wildhorse.” On the one hand, it's kind of cool that these Owyhee area picture jaspers come with extra information (the claim) included in the name. On the other hand, it means there are a whole mess of different names. I assume you are familiar with this epic thread.Ahhh....good ole Don! I know you weren't tagging me...but thanks for posting this! I hadn't seen it, but will surely give it a read! On the one hand, it's kind of cool that these Owyhee area picture jaspers come with extra information (the claim) included in the name. On the other hand, it means there are a whole mess of different names. I assume you are familiar with this epic thread.Hadn't read it yet.... That whole claim thing can, indeed, get a little confusing It's either read this or "'T'was the Night Before Christmas"....oh wait...that's tonight! LOL Only 17 pages? Easy read compared to others. Keep in mind, when I joined the forum I went through all 170+ pages of the tumbling section. I didn't read the thread. I just looked at the pictures. Some habits are hard to break! LOL I agree about the 80 galaxy. I used to really go through them and I hate when they slow down. I got a sintered 60 wheel. Smartest thing I've done. My 220 has lasted forever, but it is worn, too. I do most of my work on an 80 and just use 220 for scratches.
I also leave an edge for the girdle.
I already know I'm going to go with a Sintered wheel when the 80 finally gives out...which at the rate I'm working cabs might be any day now! LOL (Kidding...kind of! LOL) I've learned that I if I can use the 80 to get my shape as close to final as I can, then the 220 is only used for removing the 80 scratches. I have a different "technique" when on the 220. I use extremely light pressure and let the cab "roll" over the surface of the wheel...as opposed to creating "resistance" like I do on the 80. By creating the resistance, I'm removing material...by using the "roll" technique on the 220, it's "sanding" rather than "grinding". Right or wrong, it seems to be working fairly well. Granted, this is for harder materials...otherwise, the 220 is used for removing material. I also leave a hair width of material above my girdle line when on the 80...that way I can use the 220 to take the dome right down to the line. Or, I'll take the dome right to the girdle line and know I'm going to actually split the girdle line on the 220. The latter is my preferred method. I use a fine tip Sharpie to mark the girdle line, so my margin for error is pretty small... jasoninsd That reminds me. Once at the club, I stepped on a piece of obsidian, went right through the shoe-sole and into my foot. Required three stitches. One member, in true rock-hound form asked, “ what kind was it?” I replied, “it’s bloodstone now.” Not only is it fancy bloodstone jasper, it might be fancy shmancy. ETA: what I sent to be cut was sold as plain old bloodstone, and, at the time, the Gem Shop had all three in stock (bloodstone, fancy bloodstone and fancy jasper). I'm going with bloodstone with an elevated "white cell count." I had to reread this like 3 times before I could figure you weren't out dancing you were at the rock club LOL  I had to reread this like 3 times before I could figure you weren't out dancing you were at the rock club LOL Me, dancing…   |
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 25, 2021 0:28:08 GMT -5
jasoninsd That reminds me. Once at the club, I stepped on a piece of obsidian, went right through the shoe-sole and into my foot. Required three stitches. One member, in true rock-hound form asked, “ what kind was it?” I replied, “it’s bloodstone now.” Not only is it fancy bloodstone jasper, it might be fancy shmancy. ETA: what I sent to be cut was sold as plain old bloodstone, and, at the time, the Gem Shop had all three in stock (bloodstone, fancy bloodstone and fancy jasper). I'm going with bloodstone with an elevated "white cell count." I had to reread this like 3 times before I could figure you weren't out dancing you were at the rock club LOL Is there a difference, really?   |
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Post by holajonathan on Dec 25, 2021 1:13:06 GMT -5
jasoninsdA 60 grit sintered wheel, once broken in, will grind something like a newish (not brand new) 80 grit Galaxy. If you are feeling a bit more patient, the 80 grit "Heirloom" sintered wheel at KN probably grinds about like your Galaxy 80 will after 50 agate cabs. With the 80 KN sintered, you can tell you are removing material, but it's not going to dome a hard agate in 5 minutes. The thing about the KN Heirloom wheels is they are a real bargain. I think the 6" wheels are still around $180-ish -- which is the same price that I saw in a 2016 KN catalog. I'm sure you'll get a lot more use out of your Galaxy 80. Just something to think about when the time comes.
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 25, 2021 1:37:15 GMT -5
jasoninsd A 60 grit sintered wheel, once broken in, will grind something like a newish (not brand new) 80 grit Galaxy. If you are feeling a bit more patient, the 80 grit "Heirloom" sintered wheel at KN probably grinds about like your Galaxy 80 will after 50 agate cabs. With the 80 KN sintered, you can tell you are removing material, but it's not going to dome a hard agate in 5 minutes. The thing about the KN Heirloom wheels is they are a real bargain. I think the 6" wheels are still around $180-ish -- which is the same price that I saw in a 2016 KN catalog. I'm sure you'll get a lot more use out of your Galaxy 80. Just something to think about when the time comes. Thanks so much for posting this! I'm hoping it's going to be awhile before I have to replace any of the wheels...but I have no idea the longevity of these. I know there's a lot of variables...what stones are mostly worked...the amount of pressure applied while grinding...the amount of water can also have an effect...and the amount of cabs being made will increase or decrease the "time" in which they will need to be replaced. I guess I'll know once they stop working! LOL - |
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Or maybe you're more patient than me. The Novas, on the other hand, get better with use, in my opinion, especially the 600 through 3000. 
