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Post by frane on Jan 6, 2012 8:03:36 GMT -5
I use what ever I feel like using. Sometimes to get control of a cab, you need to dop it. Sometimes the wax is too hot for a soft stone so I will skip dopping or use glue on a nail head if it is small or go to a dowel piece or even golf t's work well. Even if they have a bowl shape on top of the T, that fills with wax and sticks well to the cab. A trip inside the freezer (Tip, never put the cab on dop in the freezer if you just rinsed it off. Ice will make it stick worse) for 10 minutes seems to do the best. If it is still soundly stuck, put it back in the freezer for a few more minutes. I have only once had to use a pocket knife to remove wax between a cab and dop stick. Although I do a lot (most) of my cabs by hand, you have greater control over smooth shaping with a dop stick that has been put on the cab strait. (makes a big difference if you have it crooked. You will never get the sides even). There you have it. And yes, I think acitone will harm mariposite and things with calcite in them if I remember correctly. It is really trial and error and see what works best for you. Just get the feel of each way. Fran
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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 8:34:48 GMT -5
One tip on using superglue even though you can break it loose by hand, don't sometimes it break out a section of stone . Better to heat the nail or soak in acetone.
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cabjunky
has rocks in the head
Regency Rose Plume
Member since November 2008
Posts: 683
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Post by cabjunky on Jan 6, 2012 10:51:58 GMT -5
I use my fingers on most of the cabs that I cut, except the really small ones and then I still use green dop wax and wooden dowels.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,439
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Post by NDK on Jan 6, 2012 14:56:29 GMT -5
Yes Bob, on occasion I have had the glue take some small pieces of rock with it. Seems to happen more on grainy material. I like both the acetone soak, and aluminum rod/heat ideas for removal. I may try them both.
Nate
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Post by christopherl1234 on Jan 6, 2012 16:39:07 GMT -5
I have soaked many opals and fire agates in acetone, sometimes over-night, and have never had any problems.
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Post by Tonyterner on Jan 6, 2012 20:17:25 GMT -5
Its really a personal thing but you should try both to see what you like. I started out using dop wax but now choose to freehand everything but the smallest stones. For those I use golf tees and superglue.
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