juzwuz
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 526
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Post by juzwuz on Mar 1, 2011 23:20:36 GMT -5
Oh please don't crack those geodes. Wait until you can cut them with a saw. Cracking destroys geodes. It's funny but using a hammer on a geode was what actually got me started in the hobby. I found an old geode I bought from a museum years ago. My kids and I were looking for something to do so I decided to crack the geode open with a hammer. They weren't too interested but I told them there could be some cool crystals and stuff inside. Needless to say, I hit it with the hammer and totally destroyed the geode. My kids thought it was kinda funny. Maybe a month later, I bought a used 10" Lortone saw from craigslist and some geodes from ebay and I was off and running. Now my kids get first pick of the rock slabs for their collections and their waiting for me to setup the grinder/polisher, water drip system, etc. so they can help make some cabs/jewelry. mwv: let me know when you get those La Choyas open. I was a bit confused when the ad said they were solid geodes. I thought geodes were supposed to be hollow?
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Mar 2, 2011 7:06:00 GMT -5
geodes are hollow - nodules are solid. If you want nodules, I have a bunch at $1 a lb plus shipping.
Lee
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mwv
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 18
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Post by mwv on Mar 2, 2011 10:16:36 GMT -5
I understand that sawing them is better, but I am short on funds right now to purchase a larger saw that could cut them properly (and I am guessing my Rock Rascal would not be a happy camper if I tried them on there anyways). I definitely promise to send pics when I get them open, but it may definitely be a little while. Unless someone else here on the board lives near the Chicago area and wants to cut them open for me. I can say that they are almost assuredly solid, not hollow based on their weight and other characteristics. MWV
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 2, 2011 14:01:04 GMT -5
love the website. I think only zombies have shops that clean <grin>
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Post by jakesrocks on Mar 2, 2011 14:32:48 GMT -5
My dream is of a brand new shop building, with spotlessly clean brand new equipment. All so I could go out and get it dirty.
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rocksnot
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 7
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Post by rocksnot on Mar 15, 2011 15:35:36 GMT -5
Thanks Dr. Joe for the fish store valve and tube tip! Love that silicone tube <3
jakesrocks - a new shop and spotless equipment *gasp* get a bit of rocksnot on it! LOL
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Mar 23, 2011 10:45:04 GMT -5
There is alot of great advise here and I would like to add to it. I found in my drip system made from aquarium parts the drip was only on a narrow line on my wheels. I installed a piece of felt that drags on top of the wheel. The drip splashes from the wheel on to the felt and spreads the water across the face of the wheel. It worked for me.
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Post by jakesrocks on Mar 23, 2011 11:13:15 GMT -5
Just a thought. There's always the old school way of wetting those wheels. Plug the drain hole in the pan, put about 3/4" of water in it, and stuff a sponge under the wheel. The wet sponge spreads water all the way across the wheel.
rocksnot, I did say " my dream ". Unfortunately in todays economy, the new shop and equipment are only a dream. I've been saving for a couple years for that new sphere machine though.
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