Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Mar 19, 2023 12:28:48 GMT -5
I am trying to develop a whole new approach to acquiring equipment for my lapidary hobby. With past hobbies I have been easily distracted with acquiring things associated with the hobby and spending less time using them. I do my tumbling, cutting, and grinding outside on my back patio and I purchased a large Rubbermaid chest to store my equipment in (except for the big saw I am restoring. If I can stick with the idea of, I really need it before I acquire it, will make other people in the house happy about my relatively new hobby. Does anyone else have a problem with buying things that ultimately they don’t really need?
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 19, 2023 13:00:48 GMT -5
I am trying to develop a whole new approach to acquiring equipment for my lapidary hobby. With past hobbies I have been easily distracted with acquiring things associated with the hobby and spending less time using them. I do my tumbling, cutting, and grinding outside on my back patio and I purchased a large Rubbermaid chest to store my equipment in (except for the big saw I am restoring. If I can stick with the idea of, I really need it before I acquire it, will make other people in the house happy about my relatively new hobby. Does anyone else have a problem with buying things that ultimately they don’t really need? Raising my hand! OMG. I'm too embarrassed to admit some of the things I've gotten that I don't use. I'm like you- ALL IN.
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 19, 2023 13:17:29 GMT -5
There are many philosophies regarding the aquisition of tools. The first, and my personal favorite is that you can never have too many tools. Another is the one I suggest to others, join a club or take a class and learn which tools work best for you before buying it. That frees up another tool for me!
Seriously, it's an individual thing and things like funds, shop space, free time and what level you want to take it to are all factors. I buy a lot, but I also sell a lot. For me, that's how I can afford it.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Mar 19, 2023 14:09:21 GMT -5
Selling things that I don’t need or use is a big part of my new resolution. We have a two car garage that we can only get one care in mainly because of my stuff. Focus on my top interest and get rid of the rest is my new mantra.
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CacklingChick
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2022
Posts: 11
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Post by CacklingChick on Mar 19, 2023 14:58:20 GMT -5
There are many philosophies regarding the aquisition of tools. The first, and my personal favorite is that you can never have too many tools. Another is the one I suggest to others, join a club or take a class and learn which tools work best for you before buying it. That frees up another tool for me! Seriously, it's an individual thing and things like funds, shop space, free time and what level you want to take it to are all factors. I buy a lot, but I also sell a lot. For me, that's how I can afford it. Great idea to try before buying if such an option is available in a person's area. 😁👍🏻🪨⛏️
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Mar 19, 2023 19:54:20 GMT -5
I have two rock clubs I can go to but both of them require a hour drive over and another hour back. Good to have for a resource but.too far for much else. Right now I have a tile saw converted to a trim saw, Crystallite Speed Demon 6 inch Cabber, Rock Tumbler, Lortone Slab Saw, and a pretty good inventory rocks. I am thinking a vibe. Will be my next purchase or I may build one. The plan is taking shape.
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Post by MsAli on Mar 19, 2023 20:09:28 GMT -5
Uuummmm no comment
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 19, 2023 20:31:55 GMT -5
Maybe that sphere machine I bought 2 yrs ago and haven't touched since 🤣
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Post by MsAli on Mar 19, 2023 20:58:52 GMT -5
Maybe that sphere machine I bought 2 yrs ago and haven't touched since 🤣 Ya like that thing
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 21, 2023 17:45:20 GMT -5
I'm an equipment junkie (as well as a rough rock junkie). I seriously have 2 brand new flat lap plates and a 280 grit rez wheel, that are still in the sealed boxes they came in. Had to have them, and have only used the cab machine 2 times since getting them (but just to lazy to set them up lol). Just bought a vintage dremel drill press off ebay that came with a craftsman (old school made in USA craftsman) rotary tool so I could drill pendants (that I have not made yet lol) that has not even been set up. So yea I get it. But I do work in the shop at least once a week, and I am in the process of remodeling it and I seriously do not need a vibrating flat lap...or do I?
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Post by Pat on Mar 21, 2023 17:51:47 GMT -5
Hmmm…. Whatever I want, I’m sure I can dream up a need for it!!
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gunsil
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2023
Posts: 337
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Post by gunsil on Mar 21, 2023 19:21:30 GMT -5
Oh yeah, I'm a sucker for good deals. I have two Raytech 15" laps and an 8" Lortone trim saw I got deals on but have not yet used. Probably sell the saw and hopefully find a use for the big laps. (Someday) Yup, I have a two car garage I can't get one car into due to all my junk.
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Mar 21, 2023 21:28:03 GMT -5
Yeah - the "good deals" thing is a big part of being able to grab equipment you might not use very often. So, Time , if you find something used for a good price and you only use it now and then it will still pay for itself easily.
Our best example is that we have eight saws, from 4" to 18". Three are 10", but they are all set up differently. One for hand feeding rough chunks too large or oddly shaped to cut normally, one for chunks that fit in a vise, and one for higher grade materials cut with the vise and a thin blade.
The 4" Tiny Trim Saw and a refurbished (Cigar Box Rock) HP 10" are the only two of the eight that were bought at "full price". The other six saws were picked up over the years for less (total) than the total price of the 4" and HP 10".
So if you see a good deal, grab it. Even if you don't keep it for the long haul someone else will want it.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Mar 21, 2023 21:39:09 GMT -5
Does anyone else have a problem with buying things that ultimately they don’t really need? I can't answer that question right now...my wife is watching.
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Post by catmandewe on Mar 21, 2023 21:54:36 GMT -5
I never met a piece of equipment that I didnt like or think that I absolutely needed!
Tony
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Mar 21, 2023 21:55:54 GMT -5
Heh - I'm lucky - my wife is hummingbirdstones , and she "needs" more equipment than I do.
But she makes jewelry, and I don't. That must be it, right?
Seriously, we have a lot of "stuff" we might be able to do without, but it would be more difficult to do (or impossible to do well) some things without them.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Mar 21, 2023 22:48:20 GMT -5
I'm an equipment junkie (as well as a rough rock junkie). I seriously have 2 brand new flat lap plates and a 280 grit rez wheel, that are still in the sealed boxes they came in. Had to have them, and have only used the cab machine 2 times since getting them (but just to lazy to set them up lol). Just bought a vintage dremel drill press off ebay that came with a craftsman (old school made in USA craftsman) rotary tool so I could drill pendants (that I have not made yet lol) that has not even been set up. So yea I get it. But I do work in the shop at least once a week, and I am in the process of remodeling it and I seriously do not need a vibrating flat lap...or do I? Seriously, it is so easy for me to look at the pictures and decide I really need it. Finally after too many years to count, I hope, to focus on making sure I need it before I look for a way to buy it. I am thinking if it doesn’t fit in my big Rubermade storage box I don’t need it may be answer.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
|
Post by Time on Mar 21, 2023 22:51:31 GMT -5
Heh - I'm lucky - my wife is hummingbirdstones , and she "needs" more equipment than I do.
But she makes jewelry, and I don't. That must be it, right?
Seriously, we have a lot of "stuff" we might be able to do without, but it would be more difficult to do (or impossible to do well) some things without them.
She is always right!
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
|
Post by Time on Mar 21, 2023 22:55:22 GMT -5
Yeah - the "good deals" thing is a big part of being able to grab equipment you might not use very often. So, Time , if you find something used for a good price and you only use it now and then it will still pay for itself easily.
Our best example is that we have eight saws, from 4" to 18". Three are 10", but they are all set up differently. One for hand feeding rough chunks too large or oddly shaped to cut normally, one for chunks that fit in a vise, and one for higher grade materials cut with the vise and a thin blade.
The 4" Tiny Trim Saw and a refurbished (Cigar Box Rock) HP 10" are the only two of the eight that were bought at "full price". The other six saws were picked up over the years for less (total) than the total price of the 4" and HP 10".
So if you see a good deal, grab it. Even if you don't keep it for the long haul someone else will want it.
I do like working on tools…it is the sell part that needs improvement.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Mar 21, 2023 22:57:05 GMT -5
I never met a piece of equipment that I didnt like or think that I absolutely needed! Tony I have to stay away from new car showrooms also.
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