herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jan 4, 2012 14:31:19 GMT -5
I'm new to lapidary work. Right now we are just tumbling but I have a cab machine on order and a lot of slabs, and plan to start learning here pretty soon.
I've been reading all I can on these boards and others, but one thing I am not seeing much of related to cabbing is dopping.
I watched a tutorial video where an older gentleman created a beautiful cab which was attached to a dop stick, but in my search of the cabbing forum here I only found one reference to dopping, saying that his cabs were just large enough to NOT have to use dop.
Do folks generally NOT use dopping when creating cabs? Is it just more hassle than it is worth other than for cabs that are too small to hold easily?
Thanks for any insight and experience.
John
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Thunder69
Cave Dweller
Thunder 2000-2015
Member since January 2009
Posts: 3,101
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Post by Thunder69 on Jan 4, 2012 15:13:54 GMT -5
Hey John ..Welome aboard...I just use my hands to cab . my preference..go to the section Glossary of terms,there is a section on it there...John
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Jan 4, 2012 15:15:20 GMT -5
I've banished dop wax from my workshop...use superglue and nails instead.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jan 4, 2012 15:18:27 GMT -5
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jan 4, 2012 15:30:35 GMT -5
Thanks guys, I will read that thread as it seems identical to what I was wanting to see. This thread can serve as a pointer within cabs for other folks searching for "dopping"
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Post by bgast1 on Jan 4, 2012 16:34:53 GMT -5
I work either way, but prefer to dop, I have better control that way and I don't have the stone go flying when polishing.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jan 4, 2012 22:13:21 GMT -5
I've never used a dop stock, been doing it by hand for 6 years.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Jan 5, 2012 0:16:00 GMT -5
I gave up on dop wax. I use thick superglue (gives me time to move the stone into position) & a huge nail with the tip cut off. Forget about getting it off by putting it in the freezer. I broke a couple that way. Just soak overnight in pure acetone. I'm working on a vacuum dopstick. I'll report back when I get it done. Lynn
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Post by mohs on Jan 5, 2012 2:42:47 GMT -5
Hi zarguy I'm real interested in your vacuum idea good luck with it I'll be the first in line Ed
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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 Jan 5, 2012 9:49:39 GMT -5
I would recommend starting out using a dop. It will give you a lot more control of what is happening in the beginning. I still have my dopping equipment but it is getting very dusty from years of non use. As I cut my cabs I work on and polish the back. Just another step through the grind and polish stages if you dop. I only cut larger cabs and the fingers still work. Don
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RickN
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2011
Posts: 85
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Post by RickN on Jan 5, 2012 10:29:47 GMT -5
I use nails and super glue. It seems to give more control and keeps the finger nails from getting too short. Soak in acetone till they fall off.
RickN
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Post by bobby1 on Jan 5, 2012 12:30:19 GMT -5
I have always used larger wood dowels with the ends carved down to fit smaller cabs and green dop wax. Easier to hold on to and prevents tendonitis after many years of cabbing. Bob
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jan 5, 2012 12:31:35 GMT -5
Again, thanks to all for your input.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 5, 2012 13:23:48 GMT -5
As you can tell, opinions are split between super glue on a nail and green wax on a wooden dowel. I've used both and have fewer failures with super glue, but when it does fail it takes some effort and acetone to get it to stick again.
Chuck
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,439
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Post by NDK on Jan 5, 2012 22:26:36 GMT -5
I'll throw another equation in the mix. I use super glue with wood dowels. I cab on a flat lap and tend to grind my fingernails even when dopped. Most of the cabs I remove with putting them in the freezer for a while and snap them off. Like both Bobs, I appreciate the extra ease of holding them, and for me it makes the shaping easier too.
Nate
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jan 5, 2012 22:51:28 GMT -5
Thanks Nate. Can any old dowel work for a dop stick or do you need something special?
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,439
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Post by NDK on Jan 5, 2012 23:55:02 GMT -5
I use the cheapo ones I got at wal mart. Cut to whatever length you want and glue 'em up. If you want to save the $ before committing, use something around the house. A pencil, piece of a broom handle, your wife's hair brush... Ok, maybe not that lol. ;D
Nate
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 6, 2012 0:54:19 GMT -5
If you can cut the ends as square as possible it helps. I use aluminum rod that I turn flat on a lathe, and use cheap epoxy to attach. When it's time to pop them off I heat the alumunum with a torch and they pop right off.
Lee
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jan 6, 2012 0:59:19 GMT -5
Thanks Nate and Lee.
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Post by bgast1 on Jan 6, 2012 5:28:11 GMT -5
Anyone know if acetone attacks any stones? If so which ones?
Nate do you have trouble with the cabs releasing from your superglue dowel rod combo?
Bob, thanks for sharing the thicker dowel rod carved down idea. I know that I will definitely adopt that idea.
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