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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 11, 2017 10:39:53 GMT -5
Those are stunning! Thanks for sharing. I think the Turkish stick agate is just made for a 3d application like a sphere!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 11, 2017 10:21:20 GMT -5
I used a CD to back a composite cab I made (it was an opaque stone though). I tried using a record for that one, a 33, but the record was too thick, and grinding plastic down to your preferred thickness doesn't work very well. The CDs start out around the right thickness.
I used a regular (back surface) mirror for my recent woodward ranch cab triplet experiment and it was ok, but the glass was uncooperative to cut (I didn't have a glass scorer back then). Folks use a front surface mirror regularly I think also, and I got a couple small ones from ebay but haven't mounted them yet.
One "principle" to note: the "smear goup, or goup mixed with rock grindings" on the back of a stone method is great for stones that aren't flat on the back, like turquoise.
It might also be great for a stone you think might just crack, I don't know, maybe somebody else can say.
This is a fantastic thread!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 10, 2017 9:44:22 GMT -5
Thanks Lee. Something like in the top picture would be super useful I would think.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 9, 2017 16:26:52 GMT -5
What Jim wampidytoo said: "I assumed the deck and disc were square but for what I am making (small stone boxes) I need square two directions at the same time to get perfect squares and rectangles that have square sides also. I can get it close by hand but it is slow and easy to mess them up." I've been dying to say this but it's hard to describe. My Perp-it has the same problem. Mel did say there are a bunch of accessories available. I suppose you could glue/clamp a vertical wall onto the "work surface" horizontal plate.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 8, 2017 10:30:32 GMT -5
Yeah, as zarguy says, the other method is to use some sort of goupy mixture, blob it on wax paper, and push your stone down into it. You coul just use straight epoxy too, but that would look wierd.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 8, 2017 10:17:59 GMT -5
Sweet! I guess the concave wheels would be for either doming the top of your intarsia, or for making a controlled curve on something? Weird! What does Al say to use them for?
edited to add: From the website: "Curved (Patent Pending) 180 & 600 Grit Diamond Lap Cabachon Combo Attachment that takes Cab forming to new levels of joy. Wow, kiss those nasty flat spots and frustrating hours eliminating them goodbye!"
So I guess it's for cabbing. Interesting.
Can you tell us the clearance between the work surface and the wheel? And I would love to have a copy of his accessory list - it's not on the website.
Thanks!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 8, 2017 10:04:44 GMT -5
Your sets always want to make me stay home from work, dig through my slabs and start cutting! This group is particularly awesome. My favorite is the Ruby in Fuschite - I've been trying to find a nice slab and havn't managed - wish I had gotten some a couple years ago back when there was more of it floating around.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 8, 2017 10:01:45 GMT -5
You can use anything you want! In fact, the softer the material, the better, becuase then you can easily grind it as thin as you want it (rather than having to worry about cutting micro thin slabs of the backing material). I've used howlite a lot, for the white color behind a clear cab (like rose quartz or graveyard point), or black obsidian. Basanite is popular as a soft black material, but you could use anything you wanted.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 8, 2017 9:58:12 GMT -5
Very interesting thread y'all - the sticker shock also stopped me from using it, and I had a misconception that you had to use a vacuum pump with it. I'm all in on the "mix it up and paint it on" solutions!
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Utah
Nov 5, 2017 11:32:05 GMT -5
Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 5, 2017 11:32:05 GMT -5
Right up the hill from me, love Cedar Breaks and the surrounding area. Cedar Breaks is gorgeous. My mom has a couple of (sadly abandoned) lots at Strawberry Valley, near Duck Creek Village. Is that near you?
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 5, 2017 11:29:30 GMT -5
Mmmm, Craft Beer! (Oh and pretty rocks too - you are showing remarkable restraint by only picking up a few each time!). I like a good thick belgian type Quad Ale or for a less inebriating version of the same malty flavor, a nice German Dopplebock. Mmmm. Too bad it's only 8:30 am, now I want one!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 5, 2017 11:18:07 GMT -5
#12 and #7 look like a limb cast. Glad you had fun! Kris is a nice guy and leads a fun trip.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 5, 2017 11:14:13 GMT -5
That's great looking stuff Brian beefjello. Did they come from a retail source, or was it a one-time thing? Pretty amazing. Dave Holy Hell, beefjello, those are freaking eye popping. What's the story on them? Is that an estate sale score or did you just cash out your IRA for #1 Lagunas? You going to cut them, sell them, ?
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 5, 2017 10:45:07 GMT -5
Cool WIP report! Keep the pics coming! I see you have the dog bed, that's really important. What are your plans for music source? And do you plan to solder at your smithing work benches, or in a separate spot? I find there is too much dirty dusty gunk generated from soldering so I like to work away from it. So excited for you!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 5, 2017 10:34:26 GMT -5
Cool! Thanks! Fun to watch. There is a sphere maker who sometimes comes to my club's show and I can stand there for hours. It's mesmerizing.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 3, 2017 10:25:13 GMT -5
Gorgeous work Mel! I love how you're jumping in with both feet and totally slaying! That silver inlay looks fantastic too - now I know what I want to learn next! That bail, on the triangular pendant, holy crap!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 3, 2017 10:17:45 GMT -5
There's another one in the bottom middle of the second picture, now that I know what to look for. I think those eggs already hatched!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 3, 2017 10:12:56 GMT -5
Some guys have all the luck. Here in my area of CA, sales like that are rare as dinosaur eggs. Fantastic buys, especially the bone! I'm happy for you -- and a little jealous too. Yeah, we have too many clubs here in CA - the widows all contact a club about selling the old timer's stash, and the club "elders" clean out the good stuff before holding the sale. I've stopped going to those sales pretty much. That is some primo primo stuff you got there, Congrats!
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 3, 2017 9:49:11 GMT -5
Wowzers! What is it?
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Nov 3, 2017 9:29:08 GMT -5
Ditto what Scott said. I have a couple of slabs, but haven't cut them. Interested in the answer though.
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