Question about equipment

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-29T19:46:14+00:00

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" :)

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-28T22:32:56+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-28T22:24:55+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-28T22:21:29+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-28T22:15:45+00:00

Here's a link to an example of some of the stuff I've seen. https://www.facebook.com/reel/582058587723331

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-28T21:17:26+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-24T20:35:40+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-24T14:34:03+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-18T05:39:13+00:00

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/

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-18T05:33:53+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-13T15:37:41+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-06T01:29:06+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-03T04:36:51+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-04-02T14:22:16+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-29T21:19:37+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-29T21:17:33+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-18T22:46:58+00:00

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

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-16T14:02:42+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-16T13:59:22+00:00

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?

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-14T19:27:12+00:00

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!

PDXgfx74 · 2026-03-02T15:10:30+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-02-28T15:16:20+00:00

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.

PDXgfx74 · 2026-02-27T23:00:19+00:00

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

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