ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 6, 2016 18:27:19 GMT -5
I told you I was "kinda kidding". The below picture may show the second QT-66 (previously used) and Lot-O (brand new) I just bought (or maybe I'm a Photoshop wizard). They were a package deal and I couldn't pass it up. I was looking for the QT-66 to double my rough capability. Not sure what I'll do with the second Lot-O, but it will be nice having it lying around to experiment with.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 5, 2016 11:34:19 GMT -5
You didn't ruin your barrel or your tumbler. Throw the rocks in, add your grit and water. Don't open the lid for at least 7 days. Rinse everything. Was there still grit left in the slurry? You can run longer next time. Pull all the nicely rounded rocks. Add new rough to make up the difference. Repeat.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 5, 2016 8:02:53 GMT -5
Thanks. I completely missed the line in NDK post where he mentioned the "magic". Beautiful! I really love the "simplicity" of your work. Or maybe I should use the word elegance. To me, these are the hardest pieces to pull off since you can't hide behind a bunch of embellishments.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 4, 2016 20:55:37 GMT -5
How is that poppy jasper stone being held in there? Do you have a bigger angle on the side of the stone that the top wire is resting on?
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 4, 2016 17:26:00 GMT -5
Drummond Island Rocks, absolutely. It is what I'm using to place my wire order. Thank you for creating it!!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 4, 2016 16:53:40 GMT -5
That chipboard looks amazing. This is the next thing I'm working on. Got some preforms and my grinding bit is on its way here. Just need to order some wire!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 1, 2016 20:53:43 GMT -5
nice result. just one word of advice. Reverse the order of the storage of your grits and polish. The logic is heavy things at the bottom and lightest at the top. Heavy grit will always contaminate downwards rather than upwards. Cheers Scott Ha! I actually read that in another thread and when I setup my new shelving, everything is now the opposite of what was shown here. But this is good advice!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 1, 2016 19:15:09 GMT -5
What were the steps you used on this batch?
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 1, 2016 17:04:25 GMT -5
I guess I'm used to almost instant feedback on any interactions with a company. I have to say, this whole thing has been a little frustrating. My motor was delivered to Lot-O on Thursday. I tried calling to see that someone actually got it and ask if they had any questions. Had to leave a voicemail. I sent an email asking for an update, but have yet to hear anything back. So I hope my motor got to the correct person and the new one is currently on its way back to me. I included my email and phone number in my note to them. I was just about to run my first batch thru final polish. Just venting a little!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 1, 2016 16:59:21 GMT -5
I would like to thank whichever user started the kitty litter slurry experiment. I've been fighting with getting the slurry the right consistency, but it always ended up very runny. I added 1/2 cup of cheap clay litter and this is what my slurry looked like after a week. There was only a tiny amount of the 46/70 grit still not fully broken down, but I'm guessing it was because all of the rocks were mostly smooth to begin with (my other barrel of mixed rock had a similar slurry, but all the grit was broken down in it). Just waiting for the last few flaws to grind away. I might finish them by hand using the edge of my tile saw.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 30, 2016 20:27:41 GMT -5
This shows one running "correctly". Check around the 3:11 mark.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 29, 2016 15:39:45 GMT -5
WOW. Speechless!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 29, 2016 12:17:04 GMT -5
I took good advantage of the Rock Shed's "buy a tumbler get 20% off all tumbling rough" offer. I've also developed a love for jasper and have more than 100lbs of rough bought from a few people here. And then there was that 30lbs of mahogany obsidian. Oh, and that wonderful box of preforms from Tela. The stuff listed in the buy and sell section is usually an amazing deal. I've even sent a few messages out of the blue that have gotten me some nice material. My USPS lady must think I'm nuts.
And I'm kinda kidding, there is no "stop buying". I always say you need to have something fun to spend your money on. I like to be sitting in a boring meeting thinking "well I just made enough money to buy some more rocks".
Thanks to everyone on the message board!!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 29, 2016 9:45:35 GMT -5
Go To Franklin Nc. It's not far and go to Rose Creek Mine and screen for ruby's and sapphires. They r native or you can get a salted bucket. Tell Tom the one legged cowboy sent you!! Thank you. This looks like a good day trip and there appears to be plenty of other stuff to do in the area.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 29, 2016 8:09:21 GMT -5
Thanks for the link and info on topography. I'll look thru some of our hiking books that show elevation and plan accordingly. I'll also be paying more attention to all the creeks we pass over.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 28, 2016 21:14:05 GMT -5
Now this is a great batch. Thanks for sharing!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 28, 2016 21:11:34 GMT -5
The house is almost 100 years old. It gets down to about 55 in the winter and 70 in the summer. There are a couple small radiators, but they don't do much to warm it up any. The coal burning furnace used to keep things nice and toasty though I'm guessing. It needed to - the house has no insulation other than 3 layers of brick and one layer of horsehair plaster. Been a labor of love restoring it. Doubt I'll ever get the money back, but it should be around for another 100 years. They don't make them like this anymore.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 28, 2016 20:44:25 GMT -5
This is always what happens when I start a new hobby. I registered here 3 months ago. I think I have enough rough material to last me a couple of years! Maybe someday I'll actually finish my first batch and get some pictures posted??!!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 28, 2016 19:29:32 GMT -5
That is some beautiful material and a nice shine. I'll be very happy if my batch looks anything like this!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Sept 27, 2016 9:06:52 GMT -5
Taking a trip from Chicago to the Smoky Mountains from October 13-21. Got married there 12 years ago and heading back to relax in a cabin and hike a few trails. Just wondering if there are any sites along the way that are good places to collect some rocks. I've read that Tennessee is know for their agates. My prior collecting experience involves me walking to my porch and picking up the USPS box. We'll be staying in Cosby, TN. Don't mind driving a few hours to visit any suggested places. Thanks in advance!
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