kentuckyrocker
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 217
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Post by kentuckyrocker on Nov 29, 2008 10:49:50 GMT -5
Hi - Just came across this site while looking for a method to stabilize rock for cutting. I am totally new to rock hunting, cutting, the whole bit. I am hoping to learn how to do it all- from finding to cutting to polishing to making my own beads. I do make jewelry now but from other people's creations. I would love to do it all the way myself. I am so looking forward to learning from you all - this really is a cool site. Thanks
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MidNight~Rocksi3
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2008
Posts: 1,716
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Post by MidNight~Rocksi3 on Nov 29, 2008 13:22:47 GMT -5
Well this is the place to be ;D so welcome to the board!
*smiles*
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Post by Michael John on Nov 29, 2008 17:17:07 GMT -5
Welcome!
Seldom is it of much benefit to attempt to stabilize rough. Using common methods of stabilization, there's only so much penetration, dependent on the hardness of the material.
The most effective stabilization is achieved by cutting your rough into slabs, then cutting your slabs into preshapes, THEN stabilizing the preshapes.
The simple and very effective method of stabilizing:
* Take a jar with a lid, add one pint of acetone, then add the complete contents of both the resin and the hardener tubes of epoxy glue, mixing well.
* Add well-dried stones, cover the jar, and let remain for at least four days.
* Remove stones and allow a week for them to dry.
* They should now be stabilized and ready for working.
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DeanW
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2007
Posts: 721
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Post by DeanW on Nov 30, 2008 0:18:11 GMT -5
Hey MJ,
Does this matter if the jar is glass or plastic? For example, I have lots and lots of empty PLASTIC peanut butter jars. Also, is the jar reusable to do again with more rocks later?
Dean
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Post by Michael John on Nov 30, 2008 1:39:45 GMT -5
Dean, I've only experienced it second hand. A local lady stabilized a batch of pure Chrysocolla chunks from my mine. In it's pure form, Chrysocolla is very soft. I only saw the finished cabs, which were gorgeous, hard, and shiny.
I have no idea if the acetone would eat through plastic, but I wouldn't take the chance. I'd just save some glass jars (from pickles, olives, w/e).
Bear in mind that the acetone and epoxy aren't particularly cheap, so you probably only want to stabilize material that's well worth the time and expense.
As for re-use of the acetone/epoxy solution, I don't see why not. Since the jar is sealed during treatment, I doubt that the epoxy is able to set. I'd imagine that, over time (how much time, I dunno), the solution will likely begin to gel. It's your call when to stop using it.
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rockwizz
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 971
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Post by rockwizz on Dec 3, 2008 10:38:20 GMT -5
You are in the right place Kentucky man...I started tumbling about 3 years ago, and this board has been invaluable to learn the secrets of the trade. You will find that we have seasoned pros in here sharing ideas and other stuff. Also don't forget to check the "general" section there is usually cool stuff going on in there as well. For example, we have traveling tumbled box, traveling slab boxes, and other cool stuff. Welcome...and let me know if you want to trade some rocks Ozzy
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Post by stonesthatrock on Dec 4, 2008 11:52:04 GMT -5
welcome to the board, you will love it here. michael i tired that method and had no luck with it. maybe i did something wrong? I had a beautiful piece of azurite that i wantec to stablize, no luck
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Post by Michael John on Dec 15, 2008 2:55:30 GMT -5
Hmmm I dunno. That's the most common easy method of stabilizing. Maybe too much acetone / not enough epoxy? There are many other methods for stabilizing, but they're all more complicated, with mixed results.
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bwcachick
having dreams about rocks
Member since December 2008
Posts: 63
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Post by bwcachick on Dec 15, 2008 16:20:19 GMT -5
Welcome kentuckyrocker! Hope you find this site a real help!
~bwcachick
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rockwizz
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 971
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Post by rockwizz on Dec 19, 2008 0:02:04 GMT -5
welcome to the board. Same thing happened to me. I was looking for information about tumbling, and found this site 3 years ago, and have really enjoyed it since.
Good luck,
Ozzy
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Post by NatureNut on Dec 20, 2008 9:50:34 GMT -5
Welcome. I know you'll love it here! Jo
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Post by MrP on Dec 20, 2008 10:41:21 GMT -5
Welcome
I hope you realize that this hobby is a sickness and the only cure is more rocks and equipment. You will find the medicine here. ;D.....MrP
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kentuckyrocker
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 217
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Post by kentuckyrocker on Jan 3, 2009 9:21:25 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for the very warm welcome. Sorry it has taken me so long to jump back in- holidays with a load full of grandbabies. I almost have as many grandbabies as I do rocks- almost lol!
Michael, what I have is moukaite slabs. When I get ready to do the deed, I'll post pics up so you all can see. Offhand memory wise because I have them stored, I do recall a couple fracture lines. I'll dig them out and post some pics- let you good people talk me through it. I'm a good student- I listen well.
I have my 6lb tumbler - have done a batch through the first week of tumbling just because I couldn't wait until I get my wet band saw - jockey agate and picasso marble. I tell ya, it is way too late to warn me off. I am et up completely and totally. Gorgeous already. When my kids were little we used to collect rocks just because we thought they were neat. I should have known then that it would eventually become an obsession.
So am I the only one that carries rocks in my jeans pocket? lol!
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Jan 17, 2009 17:17:45 GMT -5
You may want to store the mix in your ice box or freezer to keep the acetone from evaporating and the mix from setting up. I used to keep Epoxy 2 part paint in the freezer and when thawed it would need thinner every so often. Plastic isn't a good container because the Acetone molecules are smaller than those of Plastic and the Acetone will go right thru and leave the Epoxy to set up in time !
Harley
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Jan 17, 2009 18:34:14 GMT -5
I've worked with Noreena jasper and other jaspers similar to Mookaite (sp?). I usually shape the cab before any stabilization, unless it looks like a fracture may break during shaping. For those, I use Hot Stuff cyanoacrylate. Once the cab is shaped and sanded, I use Opticon to hide fractures prior to polishing. I've had good success treating Noreena jasper like this.
Welcome to the boards. I am also pretty new.
HPD
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