bcbunny
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 112
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Post by bcbunny on Sept 14, 2004 11:28:03 GMT -5
Greetings, Where else does a person ask question but at their favorite forums. Cabbing: I have done a fair bit of looking on the net, on how do do this and have seen many awsome pictures of finished items. I would like to learn how to do this. But right now no way can I afford a cabbing machine. Can a person make one? (my hubby is VERY handy if he knows what he is making) One that could at least get me started in making them etc? Dremel tools: I hear and see all kinds of people talking about dremel tools, what do you use them for? (when it comes to rocks?) Thanks for all your help Bunny
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Post by mrbrett on Sept 14, 2004 12:41:07 GMT -5
On ebay you can find preformed cabs. All you need to do is grind it down and polish. I was doing this before i got my equipment. You can do the grinding with a drimmel with a silicone carbide wheel. I found if you use the silicone grinding disk it works the best. If you can't hold the small cab with you fingers try hot glueing it to a dowel rod or a pencil. When you have the shape you want get some graded sandpaper 200,400,600,800. The higher grit paper you can find in automotive sand paper. If you have a hand held vibratory sander you can turn it upside down and move your piece over it. If not, start rubbing! After you complete all the steps i found using a piece of leather with cerium or tin oxide on it damp works good for polish. or try the felt wheels for your drimmel. This is how I was doing it. Some people might have different ways that work good also. Good Luck!
Brett
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Post by docone31 on Sept 14, 2004 14:50:12 GMT -5
For cabbing, I started with a bench grinder. I dopped (sealing wax) a stone to a 3/8" dowel, made a pencil mark for the shape. I gently ground the stone to shape dipping the dopped stone in a cup of water to keep it cool. After I made the shape, I rough ground the oval to the stone. I got a flexible rubber drum and sanding belts, 320, 660,880,1200, and a leather belt for the drum for polishing. I have since changed the grinding wheel to diamond, added a water drip, and made a rest for the dop. I use the dremel, actually a Foredom shaft tool now, to drill, sand, and polish. I have an hammer attachment for reposse' and gem setting. It grows and grows but it doesn't be that difficult.
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Sept 14, 2004 21:18:16 GMT -5
Hello Bunny, If you kep your eyes open, you can find some nice equipment out there that is not all that expensive. It'll get you started anyway. As far as learning ... it all comes down to practice, practice, practice ... like anything in life There are basic guidelines you learn and then through trial and error, you will discover what works best for you. And whatever you do ... never let anyone tell you that it cannot be done! Anything is possible .... if you can dream it ... it can be done. Cabbing is a lot of fun and different stones can offer different cutting techniques ... again, it all comes down to time cutting cabs and learning the little tricks of the trade. I'll keep my eyes open and if I see some equipment that may offer some possibilities ... I'll let you know. Have a great day! John
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