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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 24, 2009 20:43:01 GMT -5
Okay .... I am starting to think again here ... trying really hard not to get discouraged. Which I am not (a lot right now ) It really is a bitch to get interested in something and find yourself so completely unprepared. Okay .... patience .... breathe ... ;D Since I really should not use this grinder without a mask, I will work with the little dremel/flex shaft that came with the grinder and the little diamond bits I bought. More than one way to skin rock .... HA Off I go!!! As always .... thank you everyone for being my support and cheerleading section!!!! oh ya and one more thing .... I have four barrels going and they are all taunting me ... you can't touch us!!!! neener neener It has been a really long day!
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 24, 2009 21:17:55 GMT -5
Hate to rain on your parade but use plenty of water grinding with the Dremel as well. Same silica dust created with that.
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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 24, 2009 21:24:33 GMT -5
That's it!!! My inner child has emerged .....
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Post by NatureNut on Feb 24, 2009 21:37:36 GMT -5
Julie, keep a small bowl of water nearby and frequently dip the rock in the water while you grind. Yep, wear a mask too. You'll need to wash your hair afterwards. LOL.
Keep going! This is how we all got into this addicition!
Jo
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dscratch
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 214
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Post by dscratch on Feb 24, 2009 21:40:52 GMT -5
If you're learning to cab and do not have the appropriate equipment, you may consider getting some soft onyx. I started with sheets of sand paper, hacksaw, hand files, onyx, and catlinite. Soft stones, easy to cut and carve. You may also consider alabaster, which is soft.
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UtahRockHound
spending too much on rocks
Sometimes your the Windshield, sometimes your the Rock.
Member since May 2008
Posts: 301
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Post by UtahRockHound on Feb 26, 2009 0:52:25 GMT -5
I have two Drumels. One Electric, and one Air. I use them to carve with. When I carve stone, I put a sponge in a bowl of water, then put just enough water to cover the sponge. I place the stone in the middle, then press down just enough to get a skim of water over the top. This way there is no dust, and it keeps the diamond bits cool.
Where you have a flex shaft, you can do the same thing, and not have to worry about being electrocuted. Or breathing dust.
I have some Honey Onyx that is Calcite based. It is great for carving. If you want to pay the shipping, I will send you a flat rate box of it. If you want to see what it looks like, check the Trips and Shows section, under Utah Thunder Eggs. I posted some pictures of it there.
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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 26, 2009 12:24:05 GMT -5
Thank you so much for the information all!!
NatureNut ... that is exactly what I have been doing ;D ...
I have a small custard cup with water next to the grinder and the second I see the stone is completely dry (about every 60-90 seconds) I dip it.
And you are right ... this is addicting ... even the times when I am learning, failing, learning more, and then each time I get a little bit better.
I just love my teachers here!!!
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 26, 2009 15:20:13 GMT -5
I use my flex shaft and drill, cut, or grind with the rock and the bit under water. It helps to have a deep laundry tub to catch the spray.
Chuck
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