ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Apr 3, 2017 21:14:57 GMT -5
Great batch. Love the assortment of colors.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Apr 3, 2017 15:30:57 GMT -5
There is nothing to be nervous about. I've always filled my barrels about 75% full. Added water until it's about 1/2" below the level of rocks. 2 tablespoons of course grit per pound of rock. Run for a week. Check barrel. If there is a bunch of grit left, you can let it run longer next time or use less. Repeat. This isn't rocket science. None of these numbers are "have to be". Play around and see what works best for your size tumbler.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 31, 2017 8:27:33 GMT -5
Nice batch. I really like the "window" into #3 (or maybe that's just a color change - but it looks a little clear).
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 31, 2017 8:17:04 GMT -5
Thanks for the info and link to local clubs. I've tried twice to attend the local "rock & mineral society" monthly meetings. Both meetings had what seemed to be interesting presentations. However, most of the people there were just talking to each other the whole time so it was very distracting. I asked around and there didn't seem to be any people with knowledge of faceting. I haven't bothered going back since. Maybe I'll send them an email and see if they can direct me to an actual member who facets.
I think I will head to the 2 day event for the Midwest Faceters Guild. It's only 3 hours away and the $95 price seems like a great chance to try things out. If it seems interesting, the William Holland school seems like the next best step.
I will say that trying to visit other forums on faceting has reminded me why I stay away from most message boards. Lots of "your machine sucks, mine is better/bigger/faster". I hope if a faceting section is added here it becomes a good resource for information and not a bunch of ego clashing!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 30, 2017 13:05:13 GMT -5
We'll be heading right thru your neck of the woods after Memorial Day if you need someone to stop over and clean out those barrels!! Congrats on the new addition to the family.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 30, 2017 11:51:15 GMT -5
So, I've been looking for some faceting classes that are close to Chicago. I was wondering if anyone had ever taken a class at any of these places and could provide some feedback. Thanks!
The Midwest Faceters Guild has a 2 day intro class that is only $95. This class takes place during their Annual 2017 event. It looks like you are also able to request a machine (if available). I sent an email asking if they had any avaiable and if there was a cost associated with renting them.
Jim Perkins offers a 5 day 1-on-1 class for $1500. Not too much info on the website so I sent an email asking for the details.
William Holland School of Lapidary Arts also has faceting classes, but this is quite a distance from Chicago. The class is 5 days and costs $255. I'm listing it here in case someone's been and has some input.
Thanks!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 29, 2017 10:19:35 GMT -5
Any reason you're not also considering a Lot-O? Single barrel costs $182. Double goes for $255. You could buy a bunch of those for the cost of that VT-12. Is this something you're planning on using for a lifetime?
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 29, 2017 6:57:48 GMT -5
I don't think you skipped a beat, you have had pretty tumbles the first batch out. Thanks! I spent a bunch of time looking at other pictures. When I saw something I liked, I contacted them and asked what they were doing (or looked thru their posting history). I started seeing the same "steps" over and over again. If it was working for others I figured it would work for me. It gets even better as some of the material I've purchased from this board finally start getting wrapped up.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 28, 2017 19:37:34 GMT -5
WOW. This is a great batch. Love those carnelians (really need to order some). #3 is also amazing. And I really like the apatite. I am starting to play around with some new material we don't normally see posted here. Great job on a soft rock.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 28, 2017 14:21:19 GMT -5
Have you seen this site? Several members have made trips here.
Nethers Farm Great link. Thank you!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 28, 2017 14:13:08 GMT -5
My wife and I are leaving for a trip on May 26th this year and have decided to swing by the Flint Ridge show (Friday). Any RTH members going to be there on that day? We should arrive sometime before noon. Looking for any suggestions on areas to check out. I'm mainly looking for tumble material and I've heard there should be no shortage of it. The website I found for the event doesn't have much info. Are there hounding trips around the area?
Let's discuss this years show!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 28, 2017 14:06:24 GMT -5
Those last 2 pictures are great. Love the teepee!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 28, 2017 9:19:03 GMT -5
Loving 4 and 6. Also like the lakers. We're actually going to swing by the Flint Ridge show this year as we head out for vacation. We'll be there Friday. Even more excited now that you've posted some of this material.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 27, 2017 14:38:47 GMT -5
So, how much oil mist was present after cutting? I was going to buy a saw and keep it in my basement but after reading messages from many users here, decided it would not be a good idea.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 27, 2017 14:07:29 GMT -5
tims, HA! I thought a "sweeoopser" was something that started out "sweet" and turned into an "oops". That just made my day!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 27, 2017 11:41:51 GMT -5
I would sign up for this if it wasn't during the week!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 26, 2017 16:19:10 GMT -5
Awesome batch Dave, fave #2. Which iPhone are you using? I've got a 6S & my pics stink. I'm using the 6S. I use the "Chrome" color filter because it most closely resembles the actual colors. Other than that, not doing anything to the photos other than cropping them.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 26, 2017 15:09:01 GMT -5
ChicagoDave , absoutely gorgeous. Don't know if i can pick a favorite. They all look nice. Sorry, but I'll detract right away. What's your lightbox setup? If you want to PM instead of straying right away, all is good. Regards. Dave My light setup is very basic. I'm using the 4-bulb overhead fluorescent fixture in my basement. Pictures taken with my Iphone. Rocks are sitting on a fold-up table. No expenses spared!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 26, 2017 14:37:35 GMT -5
txrockhunterSabre52Pretty sure some of the rocks I purchased from you ended up in this batch. Those are most likely the unlabeled ones. Thanks for sending such great material!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 26, 2017 14:35:31 GMT -5
Well, this makes finished batch #5. Finally starting to pull some rocks that I've bought from people on this board. Of course, I can't keep everything apart from everything else so I don't quite know the identification of some of these rocks. 46/70 SiC in my QT-66. Weekly clean outs. Pulled rocks when ready. 2 tablespoons 120/220 SiC for 2 days in Lot-O 1/2 teaspoon 500 AO + 1 tablespoon Borax for 2 days in Lot-O 1/2 teaspoon 1000 AO + 1 tablespoon Borax for 2 days in Lot-O 1/2 teaspoon Polish + 1 tablespoon Borax for 2 days in Lot-O 2 tablespoons Borax as a final burnish for 5 hours in Lot-O Group Shot 1 - Tiger eye 2 - Crazy Lace 3 - Crazy Lace 4 - Montana 5 - Crazy Lace 6 7 8 - Mary Ellen Jasper 9 - Opal 10 11 12 - Picture Jasper 13 14 - Amethyst 15 16 - Chiastolite crystals 17 - Crazy Lace 18 - Copper ore (undercut like crazy, but I love it and will play around with the rest of the pieces I have) Thanks for looking!
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