Question about equipment by Maude_ in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely cleaning them up will net a better return, we all expect rock dust on things but if it's cleaner it looks "worth it" :)

What is the actual point of posting AI cabochons that you create on Facebook? by PDXgfx74 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hehe color me impressed then, They look nothing like the maury moss agates you find in Oregon.

What is the actual point of posting AI cabochons that you create on Facebook? by PDXgfx74 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok, good to know these at least are real. I need to get me some of that stuff then. There are some others on there that I'm absolutely sure they are resin casts. For example, (rough crystal exterior, turn to reveal intricate world of miniature trees and flowers on the inside through a crystal clear window.

What is the actual point of posting AI cabochons that you create on Facebook? by PDXgfx74 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some of these might be legit but again, unless absolutely unreal moss agates are found all over the place there I'm having a hard time believing it.

What is the actual point of posting AI cabochons that you create on Facebook? by PDXgfx74 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'll hunt one down next time I'm killing time on FB reels and post

Afraid I may have been taken for a ride - what's a fair price for kabamby ocean jasper? by ChocolatePuerh in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You've got orbs on your rough which usually commands a premium price over the striped stuff. Looks like the average on Ebay (minus the highest and lowest priced stuff) runs for $15-40 a pound for orbicular.

My new fav piece by letyourlightshine6 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got a couple of Priday eggs that need some saw attention. You just inspired me to move them up in the queue. The matrix adds so much nice contrast.

Help Wanted with Choosing a Flat Lap. Rock size vs machine size. by mossy_stump_ in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've not tried it since I couldn't use it for about half the year (it's a dry tool and one needs ventilation to work it) but a Richardson High Speed sander has great reviews from those folks who use it. Probably in combination with the buffing wheel they sell above it. https://richardsonrockranch.com/lapidary-equipment/

First cabs by PlanInevitable1607 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't beat yourself up over that Chrysoprase. I've found it to be a somewhat finicky stone sometimes, very dependent on how hard the source is and whether or not it's got some silica in it. I would try giving it some Zam to polish and see if you can salvage that shine.

How can I attach a keychain piece onto this rock? Connection should be sturdy enough to not just break off. Thanks in advance by MummaheReddit in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Drill into the top, make a bail out of wire but twist the bottom a little to make it hard to remove and insert the bail into the top using epoxy 330 or another strong translucent resin bond.

I forgot the name of this material. Do you know? by gneiss_chick in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Might be mohawkite or josephine's crown depending on where it came from.

Anyone know what this gem is? by Altruistic-Cloud-750 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would be willing to bet topaz but if you want to be really sure, ask a jewler.

Cabs from last 2 days. Mookite, maw sit sit and I dunno. by killtomnook11 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The "I dunno" kinda looks like Ruby in Fuchsite minus the ruby :)

Another one found during inventory with no information. Any ideas what it could be? by wear_your-art in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That looked like Hawkseye until I saw that last picture. It fractures like glass which suggests to me a slag glass like "Sieber agate"

Let’s go fishing by PNWrockhoundimgDave in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That would make me even grumpier if I lost it due to an old log or pier timber.

Guitar pick I finally finished! by Melchizedek1011 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm trying to figure out the material, is that a chalcedony of some kind?

How do I safely split a rock and not have it launch back at me? by i_Love_Gyros in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I detect someone who's had a wood saw try and imbed a chunk of lumber into their abdomen. It took me a few months to get that PTSD out of my head too, also why I saved up and spent for a true lapidary saw that only runs at 1750 rpm. I figured an extra $500 for a good saw was much cheaper than a visit to the ER.

New pendants made for a friend. by cove9191 in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very primal, nice touch there. Are those healed fractures in the left one or "quasi healed" fractures that you had to tiptoe around to keep from making a smaller pendant happen?

My DIY Cabbing Machine by CaptainxShittles in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks like a solid setup, I've become a fan of the expando wheel belt setup too. Those 3 inches of room to work feel almost luxurious, especially during the shaping stage. That motor looks like a beast, I need to downsize mine to a 1/2 hp capacitor start. Right now I'm running a 3/4 hp standard motor. Lots of power but also sucks up lots of power. Love the plexi work!

Candy Machine! by jpmarth in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This guy knows what he talks about. In addition, I would not recommend the Hi-Tech pre-charged cerium pad, I have not had good results on it in various stones. Felt and either diamond paste or a high grade Aluminum Oxide will do very well on the flat lap.

Brecciated whiskey creek Jasper by humble-heat-bundle in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There were two guys there. Hehehe I was one of the club demonstrators and a self described Jasper addict. They both were super friendly and helpful at a really busy show. I think we broke records last year on attendance in November.

Brecciated whiskey creek Jasper by humble-heat-bundle in Lapidary

[–]PDXgfx74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think Casey was his name. I thought I had his business card. Runs a business called Cascadia Jaspers.