From Rough Stones to Wow Turn Your Rocks & Minerals into Beautiful Gems
Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
For author Jim Magnuson, rockhounding is not only a hobby, but itâs also a serious and rewarding avocation that helps him connect with nature. He has been an avid hunter and student of various gems, minerals, and fossils since his childhood, when he first began to hunt for stones in his native state of Illinois. These experiences taught Jim the importance of persistence and the willingness to follow the road less traveled in order to find unique or rare kinds of rocks.
Jim also enjoys sharing his passion through writing, both creatively and from a practically-oriented-process perspective. Because of Jimâs in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies, and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests.
In addition to Jimâs passion for prospecting and hunting, he also likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business making and selling custom-polished stones and jewelry pieces. Jim also enjoys creating photographic illustrations that are up close and personal for prospecting, hunting, and lapidary work. Jim was a photographer for his high school and college newspapers and yearbooks, where he focused on student activities that created perspectives on campus life. This experience has helped Jim capture unique and compelling photographic images for modern-day gem and mineral prospecting.
Take rock collecting to the next level: create gemstones that glisten and shine with beginner instructions that yield professional results.
Beautifully cut, polished, and shaped gemstones are marvelous treasures. They can be very expensive to purchase, but have you ever wondered how to create your own? You might be surprised at how quickly you can learn to do itâand how affordable it is, especially when compared with many other popular hobbies. From Rough Stones to Wow is your one-stop shop for beginning and being successful along your lapidary journey.
Written by Jim Magnuson, this accessible how-to guide keeps things simple while covering a variety of the most popular lapidary arts. The step-by-step instructionsâsupplemented by easy-to-follow, full-color photographsâcan help you produce high-quality gemstone products that youâll be proud to display, wear, or even sell. Learn about the tools and equipment needed, as well as types of rocks and minerals you might want to utilize. Then, with Jimâs focused instruction, you can discover the rewarding experience of taking rough stones and making your own creations. Thereâs even a brief introduction to jewelry making, with seven simple jewelry projects.
Youâll appreciate these features:
- Easy-to-follow directions complemented by action-oriented photos
- Recommendations on lapidary machines
- Tips, charts, and checklists to jump-start your learning
- Techniques and tools that take you from start to finish
Introduction
Getting Started
Choosing Gemstones
Tumble Polishing
Cutting
Face Polishing
Routing
Drilling
Cabochon Making
Jewelry Making
Glossary
Recommended Reading for Jewelry Making
Quality Lapidary Equipment Manufacturers
Index
About the Author
Prior to making any cuts, there are a number of important factors to consider before actually turning on the saw. The following general guidelines will help determine how to cut, your cutting angle and the width of your cuts.
Donât Waste Material
Before you cut, estimate how many slabs or slices can be obtained from the stone. If youâre cutting multiple slices, consider how thick they need to be for your planned use (in jewelry, etc.).
Highlight the Most Attractive Features
Cut at an angle that exposes the most striking features. Sometimes you will need to make an âexploratory cutâ near the outer surface on one side of the stone; this can help you determine subsequent cuts that will yield the best slabs that highlight natural colors and patterns.
Remove Flawed Areas
Always remove the rough and fractured sections of stone first, but remove the smallest amount of stone possible; if you discover additional fracturing after the first cut, the stone is probably better suited for tumbling filler or use as a display stone in an aquarium.
Square up the Sides
Depending on the thickness of the stone, you might need to cut away the rough exterior surfaces on both sides first in order to get multiple interior slabs with flat surfaces.
Starting a Cut
When cutting away the rough exterior surface, start your cut from the side of the stone where you will be cutting away the most material; this helps the saw blade get a solid entry and âbiteâ into the stone. This will also create a smoother and more even surface and will make sanding and polishing your gemstones easier later.
For a Slab to Drill Through
If youâre planning on drilling through a slab (called face drilling) to make a jewelry piece, thin slabs are best. Drilling through thick cuts is costly (drill bits are expensive) and time-consuming; if youâre planning on using a piece for jewelry, we specifically recommend a maximum thickness of 1/8â1/4".
Cutting a Whole Stone
Cutting whole stones is tricky, especially if there are no visible features, such as patterns, on the outside to guide you. If there is no visible pattern, cut the stone across its widest point. This will give you the largest possible slabs, if thatâs how you intend to cut it; it also will expose the maximum amount of surface area if you are polishing the face of each half. If there is exposed pattern (as often happens with agates), you should cut at an angle that highlights the pattern.
Avoid Cutting Very Large Stones
If your stone is substantially thicker than the height of the saw blade above the table (which is 2" for a 6" saw blade and 3" for an 8" saw blade), you will have to roll the stone 180 degrees to be able to fully cut through it. Stones that require this might be too large for the saw; cutting them can result in uneven wear on your diamond saw bladeâand it could even bend the blade, rendering your expensive diamond blade useless!
Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
For author Jim Magnuson, rockhounding is not only a hobby, but itâs also a serious and rewarding avocation that helps him connect with nature. He has been an avid hunter and student of various gems, minerals, and fossils since his childhood, when he first began to hunt for stones in his native state of Illinois. These experiences taught Jim the importance of persistence and the willingness to follow the road less traveled in order to find unique or rare kinds of rocks.
Jim also enjoys sharing his passion through writing, both creatively and from a practically-oriented-process perspective. Because of Jimâs in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies, and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests.
In addition to Jimâs passion for prospecting and hunting, he also likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business making and selling custom-polished stones and jewelry pieces. Jim also enjoys creating photographic illustrations that are up close and personal for prospecting, hunting, and lapidary work. Jim was a photographer for his high school and college newspapers and yearbooks, where he focused on student activities that created perspectives on campus life. This experience has helped Jim capture unique and compelling photographic images for modern-day gem and mineral prospecting.