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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 27, 2009 10:15:18 GMT -5
Wrapped this one twice. First time, tried to make the "extra" wires into triangles to go with the stone, but it looked gross. Figured out that sharp angles on the stone do NOT make for easy wrapping! So I did it over, and here 'tis. Still want to get tool marks off the silver, tho. Unakite in Sterling Thanks for looking! Tom
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Post by NatureNut on Aug 27, 2009 10:51:14 GMT -5
Oh Tom! I like it, I like it, I like it! The stone looks Monet-ish with modernistic prongs and your swirly top just softening it all. That's a cool one! Jo
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 27, 2009 10:59:43 GMT -5
Thanks, Jo! I feel like as I keep trying, I keep learning, and perhaps one day I'll be pretty good at it. It sure is a lot of fun, and I'm surprised at how much I've gotten "into" it all! Especially with how much $$ I have invested! Some day, when I grow up, I would really like to save up enough for a "real" cabbing machine, like the Genie. But that's a LONG way off. For now, I'm learning how to get decent results from limited equipment and more limited ability. ;D Tom
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Post by NatureNut on Aug 27, 2009 11:34:22 GMT -5
Hey Tom, these are the character-building days for many of us! Some day we'll look back on them fondly. LOL ;D
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Aug 27, 2009 17:50:50 GMT -5
I like it a lot Tom! I love the artsyness (if that's not a word, it is now) of it all. Is that cab on the thin side? One thing that I like to do is use two wires on thin cabs. Trying to keep a border wire on a thin cab can be a tough task and using only two wires can tighten it up. The thing with two wires is it has to hit the corners just so to keep the stone in place. It's a matter a preference of course, just throwing it out there. I'm still trying to perfect the one wire method but that's a tough go. Of course, I'm still a novice so maybe I'm way off base here.
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 27, 2009 18:43:04 GMT -5
Hi Larry - the stone is about 1/4" thick at the center and tapers on both front and back, down to a very thin girdle, maybe 1-2 mm at most.
I had the devil of a time trying to get the wires to follow the acute angles at the bottom, and after that experience, I don't intend to try anything with those sharp angles anywhere but at the top, where everything comes together for the bail.
As for 2 wires, I would think that might work - you'd need to make sure and get the 2 wires wrapped well on the sides, or they'll open up and the stone will fall out.
On the other hand - have you considered trying a "groove-wrap"? In that method, you use only 1 wire, and the stone is the focus rather than the wire.
Tom
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Post by moondragon on Aug 27, 2009 19:31:54 GMT -5
Wow you did a fantastic job of wrapping and it is very cool design. Unakite is one of my favorites. Next thing you know we will see you on HSN with Suzanne Sommers wearing your designs:)
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 27, 2009 20:36:25 GMT -5
LOL! On HSN? No, I don't think so! They don't have any cameras that could make ME look good! I have a really long row to hoe before I get anywhere near as good as others on this forum, like BikerRandy, Sabre52, Rockmanken, Stonesthatrock, etc. etc. A LONG row! But thanks for the compliment - I'll take all of that I can get! ;D
Tom
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aunuts
fully equipped rock polisher
Some days are gold, some are rocks. Either is cool.
Member since March 2006
Posts: 1,110
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Post by aunuts on Aug 27, 2009 23:30:35 GMT -5
Lookin' really good Tom. Your wraps are perfect. I love doing angles in my wraps, you just have to get your border wires nice & tight. You also did a great job on the bail. Love the cab. Jo
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 27, 2009 23:39:33 GMT -5
Thanks, everybody. Means a lot to me - it's a bit of "payback" for struggling to make it better.
I'm gonna keep on keepin on!
Tom
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Post by Tweetiepy on Aug 30, 2009 10:43:24 GMT -5
I really like this, the zig-zags are perfect and whimsical - kinda playful
Great job!
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