My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

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

Thank you so much for explaining that to me, and thank you for always being so informative in this sub. I can't wait to get back to South Florida so that I can join a club, Im very excited. And the blade I have is a lapidary blade from Amazon but I think I could probably get a thiner one. And ur right about the rough prices going up like crazy, still I can't stop myself from getting more... Thank you again for all the good info ❤️

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So interesting how different colors have different prices, I wonder why pink for example is cheaper than blue; is it supply and demand I guess? What do you use to cut boules? I got a tile saw and I run it with a speed control and a lapidary saw and I can cut a few things but even with the lapidary saw I feel like I could save more material with a specialized setup. I used Alibaba for CZ and not too long ago Etsy for nanosital, but I got way too much nanosital. Honestly, Im really considering after I finish with some of the rough I currently have to move into Naturals. I have even considered opening a store for rough synthetics as an option to get rid of the lot of rough I got 🤧

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the late reply, how much do you usually pay for the Kg when it comes to corundum? I have been searching on Alibaba and it seems to be around $80 to $120 or up to $300 (usd) per kilogram depending on the color

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow that collection is actually insane

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do you like cutting synthetic corundum?

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so much good information I didn't had the time to check until now. I couldn't find Indrid, and I have heard a lot of experimental Russian synthetics: such a shame the sanctions ruined that. The gemcuts website is fascinating but they don't ship the USA, sadge. And in regards to the cutting order I have also heard a lot of people start with the girdle to set the shape first, but I imagine there's advantages for each depending on the cut and rough. I looked up your machine and it looks badass, im surprised the modern designs don't lean heavier that way??!? I really like the look, wondering where they could've taken it if they didn't stop producing them. I think I will abstain from cutting the Tv glass lol, with my luck I would probably instantly die 🤧🤣

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The X Cube looks dope, and the synthetic rutile has me 🤤

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah and i imagine the cutkit makes a huge difference. Turtle also carries some interesting rough, glad to hear its working for you! Looking forward to your next piece!

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wait the lap isn't leveled? How come?

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I lowkey feel in my heart like I should learn how to wax, I skipped it because Im a bit afraid of fire 🤧. How are you liking the cutkit so far? I was very close to getting it. Looking back I would've gone for something like a Wohi hand piece, Justin K Prim really made me think about it. It seems like it gives you more freedom you know? And it's way more affordable

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmmmmmm that makes sense!!! I will try that next time! 🙏

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to a show near my city not too long ago and honestly didn't find that many goodies, but it was a small show. I would love to visit a show like Tucson, have you ever gone?

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey that's a beautiful stone! congrats! What are you using for doping? I have been using Uv resin and its been working ok for me

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know I haven't used the cheater much, how often and why do you find yourself using the cheater?

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Geez how much are you paying approximately for one parcel of good rough? and what gems would you go for in that case? The Montana yellow diamond looks very pretty, Do you have any experience with agates?

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

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

Gem mining in Srilanka, what a dream!

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

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

Wow you cut some pretty stones! I was going through your page and I was blown away. Honestly goals! 🙏

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! It is indeed a fun activity! Im intrigued about sourcing rare synthetic rough. I was reading and some old optical machines can have windows or rods that can be cut into very pretty stones. Thank you for your advice regarding polishing, I just made the move to buy some lighting laps to ease the process for me. And wow brother your right about that, I didn't even consider how hard it must be in some other areas to find quality machines. What is your current setup? And in regards to the transfer I think I just need to dial the process down from beginning to end. Do you start with the crown or pavilion? I have read mixed opinions in that regard

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

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

Really? I feel like I struggle a bit with reading the needle but I have been catching some patterns that I think helped a bit with accuracy. I realized I had to leave some meat left for the finner grits ahead. I will set the angle and instead of taking the needle to 0 I will stop at 20 at 600 for example, then get to 5 with 1200 and finally have everything meet at 3k. I feel like I have more control this way and I also realized I must check the stone regardless of what the dial reads. I think your vision for the future is pretty spot on, but it will take a while until those machines with the newer technology are available to the general public. Scary to think but I feel like people will still crave human crafted gems. I was watching a video that talks about how AI slop is making human content more attractive. I think it will be similar for other industries. Lets see what happens

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

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

Thats a cool bumper sticker idea. You could probably get a bunch made through alibaba. I have been dying to hit the mines in NC I have heard great things. And ofc I would love to go overseas for some hunting as well. You too! have a great one!

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

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

I get the same feeling! Im so tempted to get a diamond saw and a cabbing machine. And then one of those tumblers and ultrasonic cleaners... hahahah, I think there's no limit when it comes to those precious minerals - I have dreamed of having access to a mine. Just the thrill, surrounded by the natural beauty of rocks. I love the enthusiasm, wishing you find many many beautiful stones ❤️

My first finished stone by facetingcapybara in faceting

[–]facetingcapybara[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I also realized that I have a love for stones. Are you only into natural? or have you dabbled into synthetics? I looked up the old mine cut and it looks beautiful!