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Post by Peruano on Jul 30, 2021 12:14:39 GMT -5
A super array of stones with great shine. Thanks for taking the time to show us your stuff.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 29, 2021 14:53:08 GMT -5
Evaluating diamond wheels is probably a subjective process but even worn wheels have a place in the polishing process. I'd pick a set of stones that I was familiar with and jump on to see how aggressively the coarser grits can start the doming process. For the finer grits again its a matter of your seeing the degree of progress you would expect from a known wheel. For example, a bit of time on a 280 should leave the stone significantly smoother to the touch, and properly used, a 600 or 1200 should produce some shine. Worn belts are valuable in certain applications. Worn wheels also have a place for stones that you feel might be a bit more fragile or susceptible to chippping.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 29, 2021 14:45:10 GMT -5
Some shapes and configurations can best be done with a the steps you outlined. Something that is on the large size and flat is awfully hard to polish on a round wheel and not everyone has access to a flat or vibratory lap. Vibes are fast and efficient especially if you help them along with pre-shaping and by giving them the right kinds of rocks.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 29, 2021 14:41:44 GMT -5
Welcome Martin. We know Chile has lots of rocks and beautiful countryside in which to search for them. We welcome your participation and contributions as possible. Rock tumbling and lapidary activities often involve improvising and building your own equipment or modifying something built for something else. What kinds of rocks are you planning to work with?
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Post by Peruano on Jul 26, 2021 13:12:58 GMT -5
coating with epoxy would work (unless it turned yellow), but no it would not be better (unless better is defined as easier).
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Post by Peruano on Jul 26, 2021 6:20:50 GMT -5
kingsley-north?
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Post by Peruano on Jul 23, 2021 6:30:14 GMT -5
Great variety going on there. Keep on opening those rocks.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 21, 2021 16:38:05 GMT -5
Do they have a thin transparent covering to hold the small pieces together? Cellophane tape? They are very thin and almost certainly would need a backing (doublet treatment), but I'm thinking out loud and you need more expertise than I can offer. Its hard to envision polishing them if they are covered with an extra layer of
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Post by Peruano on Jul 21, 2021 7:15:27 GMT -5
Wow.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 21, 2021 7:13:18 GMT -5
Welcome, we like enthusiasm and rocks.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 16, 2021 16:22:59 GMT -5
You are trying to do something very difficult, because the matrix holding the fossilized shells in place is of varying hardness and the matrix is distinct from the shells embedded in it. Often one edge (closest to the top of the original bed of rock) is softer and less compact than the lower levels. Not being a rotary tumbler I can't tell you when to stop, but it may be time to move to higher grits and count on smoothing the edges that are crumbling away after you are done and have a good polish on the overall stone. I'll try to attach a photo of a stone I polished with a cab machine recently, but even when working that way, nature sometimes determines the shape of the finished product. You can see a gritty texture at the top of the second photo where the matrix is less dense and thus harder to polish than the rest of the specimen. Such is life!
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Post by Peruano on Jul 15, 2021 11:53:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the support on this viewpoint. And that is acknowledging it's from a person who is not hesitant to co.plain if warranted. I feel strongly that complaints should be taken to the bender where they might be resolved in short order rather than to the infernal (eternal) Web where they reverberate forever. Low profit margin can cause low staffing can result in unintentional delays. Culture, language, and diversity are a part of our nstions history and we should not expect everyone to look, act, or think like we do in business or social situations. Ok i'm off my podium.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 14, 2021 18:10:03 GMT -5
Its your rock, the price is right and you can do anything you want with it and even some things that you are tempted not to do because you are curious. Cherts often are surprises when polished (tumbled or otherwise) in that they are hard and sometimes have contrasting inclusions.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 12, 2021 16:45:15 GMT -5
Apache tears = obsidian nodules are pretty abundant on the roadsides near Jemez Falls. The Jemez are largely volcanic so not good lapidary territory. Lots of petrified wood in the areas west of ABQ. Most of the sites are well documented in rock hound guides.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 12, 2021 6:56:02 GMT -5
Some of the saw manufacturers actually sell bearings and arbor separately (as replacements) so judicious study of your machine and comparison with others (I'd think about Raytech and Rock Rascal as examples) you may just hit on the configuration you need. Otherwise a machinist with more time than ambition to make money could help you out.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 11, 2021 7:07:49 GMT -5
I hope you are successful in obtaining the lapidary equipment you need. Careful reading of product specifications and careful use of equipment should allow you to cut the stones that you are describing. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 10, 2021 20:59:50 GMT -5
I hear the complaints and I understand the frustration, . . . but I also realize that the JB establishment offers prices not usually found elsewhere and fills a niche in the lapidary community. If service trumps price, then shop elsewhere. If price, or the specific offering is important, then maybe you can try to accommodate the type of response times, and or quality issues that frustrate some of us. Lets just assume that nobody gains if JB go out of business. They offer things that are not universally available elsewhere and sometime for attractive prices.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 10, 2021 20:53:31 GMT -5
I strongly suspect that your first honey comb rock is a fossil, but beyond my kin. Search images of invertebrate fossils and you will likely come up with a tentative identification. Fossil inverts are divers, complex, and numerous. Folks that have been studying them all of their academic careers are capable of being stumped. Enjoy your finds and realize that not all of them are slam dunks for identifications or "understanding".
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Post by Peruano on Jul 10, 2021 20:48:19 GMT -5
Some blades are rated for faster rpm (revolutions per minute) than others. A masonry saw runs at high rpms and thus is best used with a blade rated for such saws but appropriate for stone / harder tiles. As suggested the agate eater is a best choice for your saw but if it is not available to you, you can research blade suitability by considering the speed of the blade based on its size, not just on rpms. Read the mk diamond blade site carefully. I have a porcelain blade MK 225 that has performed well cutting rocks. A sturdy blade made for higher rpms may be best rather than the 301 depending on availability and your cutting needs. What languages do you speak and where are you located? We may have more specific source of information.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 9, 2021 15:35:22 GMT -5
Its an agate and an agate by any other name is still an agate. But its got character and charm.
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