cariha
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2014
Posts: 1
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Post by cariha on Sept 30, 2014 16:21:34 GMT -5
I'm new to all of this. . I have always had a huge love for rocks but really just started collecting and becoming interested in making my rocks prettier.. how and where do i start??
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Post by Pat on Sept 30, 2014 16:33:54 GMT -5
Welcome! Depends on what you would like for the finished product and what you would like to do with it.
Many folks start with tumbling rocks. Many experts here. Not me! Seems to take forever. It's not just tossing the rocks in the tumbler and taking them out before dinner.
Some folks start with slabbing then cabbing. Need a different machine for that. Result is much faster.
No matter where you start, it requires some tools and some knowledge and practice, and is a lot of fun.
Enjoy!
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eljay
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2014
Posts: 13
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Post by eljay on Sept 30, 2014 22:18:13 GMT -5
I think the first step is to hang out in the photo gallery sections and look at lots of pictures and figure out what you like. If you're interested in tumbling it's pretty straightforward to read some tutorials and buy some gear and get rolling. If you're interested in the chopping up or grinding end of things I personally found the costs rather discouraging. Solutions include getting lucky on craigslist or finding a local club with a workshop.
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booboo
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2014
Posts: 147
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Post by booboo on Oct 1, 2014 0:39:15 GMT -5
hi cariha!
welcome to the forum! what Pat said is so true...It all depends on what you want to do with the rocks...the best thing about it is whatever you decide to do this forum will have some experts ready to help you out...you wanna tumble 'em there's some very useful tutorials around...you wanna learn how to carve or make cabs there's some very skilled artisans around here that can lend a hand as well... if you need help to ID some of what you had collected there's Mel the thing I like the most about the forum is that most people around here will be more than happy to help when you ask ...really good peeps around hyeah!
I'm a newbie meself and learning quite a few things...
joe
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Post by vegasjames on Oct 1, 2014 1:06:21 GMT -5
Welcome, maybe you could also post some pics of some of the rocks you are referring to and we could give you some suggestions based on the types of rocks.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 1, 2014 9:01:25 GMT -5
Welcome!!! I started out about 25 years ago,collecting the fossils and rocks..Than found good friends that worked them for me,now I have a saw so I can cut my own material.. I'm in the process of looking for or building a polisher... It takes time to get things rolling,but its sure worth the wait!! Thumbs up
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Post by roy on Oct 1, 2014 9:12:56 GMT -5
welcome to the RTH !there are many different ways to go on rock cut and polishing everyone on here has skills on one way or the other just hang out ask questions and you will figure out what way works best for you
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deserthound
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 390
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Post by deserthound on Oct 1, 2014 11:01:42 GMT -5
greetings from high desert of northern calif....you will find your ninch in this rockin world of ours...i'm still lookin for mine..collecting is still by far my favorite part...cabbing is fun. doing display pieces is cool..trading back and forth with others to increase your collection is great.. then we have the tumblers, and the jewelery makers, kinda something for everyone.
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Post by snowmom on Oct 2, 2014 14:25:49 GMT -5
welcome from Michigan I'm new like you and this is a great place to get a feel for things and get started on the basics. Members are kind and generous with their knowledge and support. It is a great place for learning. As you look through the forum at all the sections I bet the idea of what you want to do and how to start will form without problems, it will be narrowing down the choices! best wishes and glad you are with us.
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azgnoinc
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 484
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Post by azgnoinc on Oct 5, 2014 18:16:27 GMT -5
Welcome from NE Ohio and the shores of Lake Erie!! You found the place for a vast wealth of tried and true knowledge here on RTH, most folks are very friendly and will readily help when you have specific questions or run into issues and need some advice on your rocks - whether you choose to tumble (either rotary or vibratory or both) or you decide to get into cabbing - there are plenty of folks with lots of knowledge and a shared passion for turning regular old rocks into shiny treasures. My best advice - read, read, and read some more - then ask questions & get opinions on what you'll need to do whatever you choose, Good luck & don't forget to post lots of pics once you get rolling!!
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iamnoone
having dreams about rocks
If it's not shiny, it's not finished
Member since October 2013
Posts: 69
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Post by iamnoone on Oct 23, 2014 18:16:07 GMT -5
Welcome!
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