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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 14, 2009 23:03:28 GMT -5
From the last few days. Porcelain Jasper Front Back Idontknowite, but it stinks when you cut or grind it Front Back A large (2") thin (2-3mm) some kind of onyx. This was an experiment trying to do something I saw in a show once. Could have been better. Front Back Thanks folks. Tom
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Post by superioragates on Sept 14, 2009 23:10:38 GMT -5
Gotta love that first one....very pretty stone, wrap is nice as well!! Marie
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Post by sitnwrap on Sept 14, 2009 23:27:02 GMT -5
That stinky one may not have smelled good but it sure looks sweet! I love the experiment because even if it did not come out as intended, it's those experiments that really help with learning and broadening ones ability.
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Post by moondragon on Sept 15, 2009 5:55:14 GMT -5
Wow Tom:) These are so pretty. Your curls and your designs are wonderful. Beautiful work:) Natural talent:)
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Sept 15, 2009 6:08:41 GMT -5
Good work Tom, looks like you have a talent for this! I still have not been able to get the curls at the end of the wire yet, how do you do them? The experiment is interesting, looks like that is an idea worth pursuing.
Mike
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on Sept 15, 2009 8:28:00 GMT -5
Kewel jewels!
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Sept 15, 2009 9:42:13 GMT -5
Nice job Tom. Fantastic work. You definately have an eye for the design and the talent to go with it. It's been nice watching you improve, which really only took learning the mechanics of it all.
One thing I like with your work is you can change front and back easily. My stuff is made pretty much with a front in mind and that's it. Yours is more diversified.
As far as the experiment goes, it's great to try out new ideas. The only issue is the drill hole and single wire are done to simplify things but the length of wire in the back adds too much. If that back wire was shortened up a bit, it may work more towards what you're shooting for. Of course, that's subjective and will vary from person to person.
Nice work!
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 15, 2009 11:42:13 GMT -5
Thanks, guys!
Mike, the only way I have been able to get those little curls anywhere near what I want, is to start at the very tip end of the wire, with the tip end of my round-nose pliers, and just start turning tightly around the pliers. What I don't like about it is it leaves tool marks everywhere.
Larry, I agree completely about the length of the back wire. I should have made the bail hide behind the top of the stone. Two other faults with it are I made the Z-bend through the hole too long - both front and back wires should lie flush with the face of the stone: and I managed to use too much epoxy under the front wire, and it shows. But then, this was just an experiment - a learning exercise - so I'm not all that disappointed.
Tom
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Sept 15, 2009 12:02:06 GMT -5
My local hobby store has wood dowel rods of varying thicknesses that would be a great alternative to the tools. I love using dowels to make the loops and cringe when I have to make them in an off size that I need the pliers for, as that brings on the tool marks.
Oh and I got myself all messed up before. I meant for the front design wire being shortened a tad. It looks fine as it is but the simplicity of the one-wire drill hole bail fights with the long design in the front. Again, one guys perspective, not saying it's wrong, just offerring another perspective.
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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 Sept 15, 2009 17:14:44 GMT -5
Tom, have you ever tried the convex 3 step pliers? it really helps start the loops & is absolutely wonderful for forming bails. once I get my loop started, I can generally do most of the rounds by hand, especially if I'm using soft wire. Jo
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2005
Posts: 1,775
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Post by Roger on Sept 15, 2009 17:19:06 GMT -5
very nice work.I like the last good idea!
Roger
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