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Rock Art => Cabochons, Intarsias, Cameos => Topic started by: James D. Farrow on May 24, 2016, 10:33:31 AM

Title: First Ones Done!
Post by: James D. Farrow on May 24, 2016, 10:33:31 AM
O.K. It's been a long time coming but finally got some finished.

The blue are Sodalite , the green Serpentine, and the brown one is Mahogany Obsidian.

The pictures are not very good. They are much brighter and have a good polish on them.
Will have to find someone to help me figure out my camera.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Mahogany%20Obsidian%201.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Mahogany%20Obsidian%201.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%209.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%209.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%208.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%208.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%207.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%207.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Serpentine%201.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Serpentine%201.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%206.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%206.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%205.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%205.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%203.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%203.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%2010.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%2010.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%202.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%202.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/JamesDFarrow/Sodalite%201.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JamesDFarrow/media/Sodalite%201.jpg.html)

Have about 40 more in the works at different stages of grit.

Now I just have to teach myself how to wire wrap.

James
Title: Re: First Ones Done!
Post by: Orrum on May 24, 2016, 11:56:54 AM
Hey those r all nice. I refuse to do obsidian, it breaks and also I can't get the thing to shine! LOL
Title: Re: First Ones Done!
Post by: sealdaddy on May 24, 2016, 12:51:04 PM
 I found this.....He appears to be polishing by tumbling.  But I think this still applys.

Polishing Obsidian- by Richard Friesen

Obsidian is a volcanic glass which often contains attractive colors and inclusions, but has a reputation as being difficult to polish, although it is fairly soft and is usually uniform in structure. When people are having problems polishing obsidian, I find it is almost always because they didn't get the sanding done adequately before attempting to polish.

Obsidian seems to show fine sanding scratches, especially the 600 grit ones, as a haze that won't polish out. A ten-power glass will usually show the problem, although many people won't see it until it is pointed out to them. More time on the 1200 grit wheel usually takes care of the problem. For best results I like to add some time using 3000 grit and then start to polish.

I have used cerium oxide and aluminum oxide to polish obsidian; both work. I like aluminum oxide better. For a real treat, polish a piece of obsidian with cerium oxide, then polish again with Reynolds* .2 micron polishing compound. When I've done this, I often have trouble finding the surface with a ten-power loupe.
Title: Re: First Ones Done!
Post by: Jhon P on May 24, 2016, 12:57:31 PM
Great job. I always love sodalite
I used to have trouble with obsidian, now I use diamond up to 6mil and polish with Linda A
Title: Re: First Ones Done!
Post by: Asianfire on May 24, 2016, 02:49:51 PM
Looking good. Keep them coming.
Title: Re: First Ones Done!
Post by: James D. Farrow on May 24, 2016, 03:16:45 PM
Thanks!

I am getting quicker at it. Working on a bunch more.
I find I like grinding the shapes more than polishing though.

James