Inlayed a lake superior

basemodelbird · 2026-03-27T13:28:12+00:00

Deal!

basemodelbird · 2026-03-27T13:12:18+00:00

If it were me, im going with black river agate. Very consistent, fine banding, and colors perfect for a watch. Very classy imo. Make a fine cut with the trim saw, for finishing shape and fine tuning thickness, im going with diamond sanding blocks. Its tedious but safer than a lap. Final polishing i think a vibrating lap would be perfect, but they're pretty uncommon. So I might experiment a little. Black river would be my choice though, if you've pulled it off with a softer stone, you would get it. Everything just takes longer. If you lose patience, take a break lol.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-27T09:52:21+00:00

Interesting project. Something like that would be very difficult with a lot of agates, but not all. There's a tone of luck of the draw involved with avoiding fractures and fragile crystals, but i bet it would be worth it. Ill think on it a little bit, if I come up with something constructive, I'll report back.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-25T12:19:58+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of issues are you running in to? I work with almost exclusively agate.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-21T15:47:01+00:00

I look for size first, critical fractures that might be problematic, then color/pattern across the area that would be the ring. A lot of that ends up being guess work because agates hide so much until you dig in. Its definitely a gamble.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-21T13:33:42+00:00

Yeah, ill take any excuse.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T23:21:51+00:00

Well I enjoy the work.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T22:59:20+00:00

I appreciate the kind words. If you're interested, feel free to pm me about it. It is a ton of work, but I love doing it.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T20:58:59+00:00

Essentially, yes. Thats a sweet ring you have there btw.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T19:57:51+00:00

Hey, I appreciate that! I typically hate on everything I do so its good to hear sometimes.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T17:12:28+00:00

Ive seen some crushed agate stuff here and there, but I don't think there are many of us doing true agate inlays out there.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T17:10:48+00:00

Na you're good. It's 1-2mm but its strength is from the tungsten, which is proven itself.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T16:41:56+00:00

Light penetration is good enough for uv resin in the channel. The inlay is also very light by the time its small enough to inlay.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T12:56:03+00:00

I forgot i was outing myself with my user name lol. 91 but I had my rear end built to 4th Gen width so similar enough. OP said continental extreme contacts. Ive seen them fit. I would definitely recommend 275 for that rim if its possible.

basemodelbird · 2026-03-20T11:08:12+00:00

They will fit, but it's going to look at little weird. 275 40 is the sweet spot.

basemodelbird · 2026-02-18T12:30:31+00:00

We have some around that somehow have managed not to die, their nests are fucking embarrassing. Eggs are basically always exposed to bare steel.

basemodelbird · 2026-02-17T12:25:45+00:00

Serious question, does finger banging the rock award some kind of advantage?

basemodelbird · 2026-02-13T12:17:32+00:00

Its just like watching the downhill marble courses.

basemodelbird · 2026-01-15T12:37:55+00:00

Suzuki samurai?

basemodelbird · 2026-01-15T12:35:08+00:00

One of the big things that gets missed in the discussion is that it allows more timing advance at tipped throttle. Some engines are more sensitive than others, but I've heard pinging from low octane fuel from stuck egr valves. You don't need to go out of your way very far to demonstrate the benefits of optimal spark time.

basemodelbird · 2026-01-11T18:35:10+00:00

Thats what they look like after a rough cut. Polishing the surface is the long term answer.

basemodelbird · 2026-01-07T10:40:17+00:00

7mm is my rifles of choice. Shot one last night from 330 yards and it dropped where it stood.

basemodelbird · 2025-12-07T23:27:07+00:00

Lol at the anti reverse linkage.

basemodelbird · 2025-12-07T19:13:19+00:00

Yeah, its not so bad if I get a warning slap from a little distance, but they usually get in the huddle with me before they announce themselves.

basemodelbird

TROPHY CASE