rocks

[old lineman]

This stuff is called indian blanket jasper. It comes in quite a few other colors.

 

[Phillip_in_NM]

Bee-yoo-tee-ful! Do you polish them yourself?

 

[old lineman]

Yes, thank you. I've been playing with rocks for years, started cutting and polishing them about 9 years ago.

 

[Steve O]

Old lineman, do you cut them with a diamond bladed wet saw?...such as a tile saw? and then use a rock tumbler?

 

[old lineman]

I cut them with a 6 inch trim saw, you can use a tile saw for thin cuts. I sometimes hand finish the cabs if it's a special stone, with most agate I grind to the fine grind and then stick in the vibrating tumbler to finish them. I have a 10 inch saw I use to cut slabs and then trim them with the 6 inch saw. The trim saw I run in water, the 10 inch I run in oil.

 

[old lineman]

The first picture is hand polished, the second the final polish tumbled, The third tumble polished obsidian(apache tears).

 

[7centsworth]

Nice stones and you did a really nice job too. Keep the photos coming . I have no clue about stones but I really like them.

 

[KinTN]

You folks that do lapidary have WAY more patience and talent than I. Keep those pics coming.

 

[old lineman]

It's knapping that tries my patience at times, you get to where you're making the finishing touches and you make a wrong chip an the piece breaks

 

[mudpuppy]

Did you make that knife, old lineman? Are there any books or youtube vids you recommend to get a guy started?
Mud

 

[Jim in Idaho]

That is some gorgeous material...and you sure did a nice job on it. We have some material Called Bruneau Jasper in southern Idaho, but I don't think it's as nice as that.
Jim

 

[old lineman]

Thank you. I bought some Owyhee jasper in Quartzsite a couple years ago, it's pretty nice stuff. This stuff in the photos some of it is really hard and good to cut, but most of it won't take a polish.

 

[starvin]

I would like to learn knapping as well. I am trying to find a video that shows how to get started. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Gold Buddy]

http://www.youtube.com/user/paleomanjim#p/u/1/wyzNIa-U5Nc



http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/directory#.UrX3zvRDsVU

 

[old lineman]

If you're from Oregon, you have some the best knapping obsidian in the country. A lot of the Glass Butte obsidian chips really well. If I can help you let me know.

 

[starvin]

Gold Buddy and OldLineman-a great big thanks to you both! Yes, I live in Oregon old lineman. Some of the shops I have frequented have not been of much help in my quest. Glass Butte is close to where I hunt and will see what I can find. Thanks again. marv