I appreciate all the time and effort you put in teaching as you go and the mistakes and lessons learned that you pass on. Cool rocks and they turned out really awesome as hearts. Was fun to watch. Great video
Hello, you're helping me out a great deal as I am looking for ways to make pendants. In this video I was looking how you glued the eye into the holes, and you kind of answered my question about putting the hook in the indentation, that is where I am planning to put mine. Thanks for making it look easy.
Thankyou for showing how it is done. Whilst it is fun to collect rocks i'd be a nervous wreck cutting it. It looks too dangerous to handle the cutting. The pendants are gorgeous. Great job. Tammy🌻
In one of my other videos, I touch the blade with my finger. The blade is a diamond blade with very fine diamonds on the edge. It cuts by grinding, not with teeth like a wood saw. It feels smooth. Touching it with your finger doesn't hurt at all.
Very pretty, I like the off set too. Now I see why you like the rock with lines. I have to mention I really like your shop ... I'm a tool girl, the more the merrier.
Beautiful hearts, Rob! I love the unsymmetrical shape, so much more interesting than a symmetrical heart shape. That Kona Dolomite reminds me of a stone we had out west called Picasso Marble which is from Utah.
when I first tried making a heart, I had trouble making them perfectly symmetrical. It’s not like you can fold the rock in half and cut it out with scissors. So this was my solution. Now I don’t have to be perfect and it’s a more interesting heart shape at the same time.
Absolutely fantastic video! This is going to be so helpful with my upcoming projects, thank you!!! I'm surprised that you were able to do such fine work on those big machines, interesting.
Okay now you’re just being a tease showing me things I can never have ! The heart shape is my favorite shape and an offset heart is my most favorite. I guess I’m just going to have to go to a Rock & Gem show to try and find one now ! Your work is just too awesome ! My husband golfs so I guess I could get a golf ball on a necklace? 😎
Hi Rob, Could you please provide the info for the quarry in Marquette, Michigan? Was it Lindburg and Sons or someboby and brothers) for your purchased of the Kona Dolamite. Is there anything to look for when you're picking the rough, or does it all cab and polish up pretty well? Also, do you know of anyone who works on Diamond Pacific cabbing machines near the Petoskey, MI area? I have an older Genie that needs water pump work. Thank you so much for your awesome videos- they are so inspiring!! Shauna
Here's the page on the website that has the address for the Marquette location. It's on the bottom of the page: lindberginc.com/contact/ It all works the same, but doesn't all look as good as what I showed in this video. We picked through a huge pile and only found a few really nice pieces. Some is more cream colored or a darker purple. You might like those colors too, but I was going for the really pink stuff. I filled a huge tub and several buckets and it only cost like $2. I would contact Kingsley North or Diamond Pacific directly to order a new pump. I don't have a Genie, so I can't help you fix it yourself very well. If it's just a generic pump, you might be able to get one really cheap. I had an aquarium pump on my old cab machine.
I got answers i needed. Woohoo! Drill bits, doing the cleft, wire used and what to use ZAM for…there were two tubes included in a cabbing machine i purchased from a fella. I need to see if I can find a source for dolomite near me. Most ppl use the crushed white calichy rock for driveways and parking lots. North Texas area. I also throw my harder stones into a vibrating tumbler, works great for fine tuning and polish. Lots of Jasper where I live, LOTS. Thanks for the tutorials, glad I found them!
You don't have to use dolomite for making heart pendants. Most dolomite isn't pink anyway. If you have some red jasper, that would work great. I made one of these from jasper once and threw it in the tumbler for a final polish like you mentioned and it worked great.
I have loads of jasper. Quite common areound here. Red, yellow, green, white. In fact i have a piece i had tumbled and than cut into two pieces. Thank you
Love these but I have questions! Lol What sized drill bit did you use? Was it diamond coated or a regular bit? What gauge wire did you use? Was it hard/soft?
I use 1 mm diamond bits from Kingsley North. They don't last very long, but they're only 75¢ each. In a soft rock like Kona Dolomite they work really well. I use scrap wire from other wire wrapping projects. I use 20 gauge half hard square wire for the eyes.
May I ask what size drill bit you are using? would that work for the store bought pre-made eyes? Also, what size is typically used when drilling a hole through a stone for a cord, pinch bail, ect? I would like to avoid buying the sets over and over when there are just a few used for this application. Thank You!
I use 1 mm drills in a Dremel mounted in the Dremel drill press accessory. The drill bits I use are cheap but don't last long. I buy 100 bits for $75 from Kingsley North. I get between zero and about a dozen holes from one bit. They won't drill really hard rocks like Lake Superior agate. They work pretty well for puddingstone, unakite, quartzite, and the rock in this video, whatever that is. They work really well for soft rocks like Petoskey stone. kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100+kn_dimd_drill_pack-Pkg-100+kn_dimd_drill_size-10mm-Diamond-Drill?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link) I make my own eyes from scraps of silver wire. I don't know what size eyes are available to buy. I'm sure it varies, so you'd have to research how big they are. I also can't tell you how big of a hole you need for other applications. I think all of those items would vary in size. I don't use them so I don't really know what's available.
Thank you for your reply and the link to Kingsley North. I peeked around their website a bit and look forward giving them a try! I especially love the fact it is a family business (has been since they opened in 1977) and I REALLY love that it is in the UP!
@Safe Haven Sanctuary - Holly G. Where did you think I was endangering my fingers? I assume you mean at the saw. Lapidary saws do not cut like a wood saw. There are no teeth on my blade. Instead, the blade grinds through the rock because of very fine diamonds on the rim. In another one of my videos I show how I can run the blade right on my finger without doing any damage at all. The coarse wheels on the grinder could remove some skin, but only if you really left them on a long time. I'd be more worried about touching that, but it's not really dangerous either.
Just new to rock tumbling have been a rock hound all my life coming home with rocks in my pockets always! Just bought a thumler tumbler ar-2 and will see where it takes me too bad I have not saved all the rocks over the years I would have a few 5 gallon pails full lol I will have to watch you more now I already see I am gonna need some wet sanders and wet saw would a tile saw work what do you recommend for a moderate price?
A lot of people start out with a tile saw. I think the biggest downside is that they tend to get you really wet. Almost all of my equipment is used. There were some really good machines made back in the seventies. You can get quality machines that still work great, although you may need to do some refurbishing.
I'm not sure that would be a very interesting video. I sold some of these to a friend who was giving them to her sisters and nieces. I have a couple at a local gift shop, but I don't think they've sold yet.
No Fernando lara otra nombre sorda Lety Méndez Domínguez perdón gracias de mi papá Fernando no saben escribí mensaje nada tampoco jajaja el regaló mi celular sorda?
Dear Rob, I'm learning lots from your videos. I am wondering what you think about using a tile saw with a diamond blade rather than the more expensive lapidary saws.
A lot of people start out with a tile saw. The problem with them is that they get you very wet, from what I've heard. Some people will stand behind the saw and pull the rock toward themselves to stay a little drier. I can use my saws inside. They spray a small amount of water around, but it can be wiped up in just a few seconds when I'm done. Keep your eyes open for a used saw, they're much cheaper. Don't worry if it's very old, the old saws were built well. I'm not saying that they might not need some repairs, but they should be well built in general. I just bought my sixth used saw a couple days ago. Now I'll have two saws slabbing at the same time!
I use these in the 1 mm size: kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100.html?queryID=35d7e0a5c3429583e0cd9c50ad07d1b9&objectID=10765&indexName=kingsleynorthenglish_products#1121=29239&1120=29230?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
Thank you for this video!!!! I live in Black Rock Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I have been shopping heart rocks with a Dremel, could you tell me what saws / sanders I should look at to get me set up. I have an endless Atlantic coast line to explore. Thank you and hope to hear from you Cheers
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking since everything needed was shown in the video. If you're asking what specific brands I used in the video, most of it was purchased used and is no longer being manufactured. I use a Lortone ST-10 slab saw, a GemLap trim saw, and a Lortone six wheel cab machine. Only the cab machine is still available.
Do you mean the green wax that holds the heart to the stick? That's called "dop wax". I get it here: kingsleynorth.com/green-dop-wax.html?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
I had to look that one up. I thought MAHALO was an acronym since you capitalized the whole word. I do have a few of these at a local shop. They don't have an online store, but if you email, they will help you out. There are not any more Kona Dolomite ones left. olivetbookandgift.com
Could you tell me the diameter of the drill bit you used, and the sterling silver wire? I need to buy the correct sizes to start making these. BTW- Great informative videos!
I use a 1 mm bit and 20 gauge square wire for the eye. The jump ring is 20 gauge round wire. You could use any wire you want, really. The wire I use for eyes is just scrap from wire wrapping.
I enjoy your videos tremendously. I'm very interested in becoming a gemologist and making jewelry, but I don't know where to get all of the tools or get access to tools. I also live near Austin, TX and there are few good rockhounding sites nearby. I'm retired and over 65, but also need to generate income. The "rocks" are stacked against me! I do have a polisher and a wet saw. What do you suggest? How do one find people who make jewelry and need to buy polished rocks? Is it a difficult field to get into at my age? Rocks are my passion! K
Lots of older guys are into this. I'd go check out the Rock Tumbling Hobby website. I don't sell much, but some people there do. They'd be able to help you. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com
I make these out of puddingstone and Petoskey stone. I made one out of red jasper once too. The nice thing about the harder jasper was that I could tumble it in my vibratory tumbler after to get a really good shine on it. Pretty much any rock would work for this project.
Hey man, great video! I'm interested in making some of these myself out of moonstone, any tips? Also, what tools are must haves for you to work with raw materials and rough stone/gems?
I gave all my tips in the video. I think the only tool that wasn't shown was a slab saw. I have a saw in my garage that I slice rocks with. That could also been done on a smaller trim saw like you saw in the video, but it has to be done by hand that way, which takes a little longer. My slab saw has an automatic feed vice on it, so I just clamp the rock in, turn it on, and walk away.
@@erindelainey1755 I have a few of them for sale at a local shop. There aren't any pink ones left though. No online store, but you can email them. olivetbookandgift.com
I can't promise a video because it's about five hours from my house. Here's a Google Maps link: goo.gl/maps/7ZQEH12LLfTk1Yj58 This is the quarry website: lindberginc.com
Thanks - I took notes. I think lapidary work is something I would like to try. Just wish I’d started with this when rock clubs were still a place to visit and use gear. I’ll keep an eye out for used gear. Is this a Dremel drill in a housing? Oh and I quite enjoy your dry wit as well. And the info about the quarry. I will be heading that way as soon as I can.
Do you mean on the saw? In a couple of my other videos I touch the blade. It’s a very smooth diamond blade that grinds through the rock rather than cutting like a wood saw. Running my finger on it doesn’t hurt at all.
Those are so awesome. Do you sell those or your stones around west Michigan area. I like to make jewelry with gem stones and they would be so pretty on a necklace. I hope you sell your stuff in my area. Thankyou for sharing. 🤗
What kind of a drill bit do you use to make the holes. Is it a diamond drill and about what diameter. And where can you get them. Thanks for your help.
David Hile it’s a one millimeter diamond bit from Kingsley North. I bought something like 50 of them last time because it drops the price to $.75 each. I drill a lot of puddingstone beads for a friend and I get somewhere between zero and about a dozen holes per bit. I tried drilling Lake Superior agate with them and the would wear out before a single hole could be drilled. In Kona dolomite, they drill fine because it’s very soft.
I do sell them at a local shop. I don't remember how much they go for off the top of my head, so you'll have to check with them. They don't have an online store, but will work with you if you call or email. olivetbookandgift.com
I made these for a friend of mine. She was giving them to her sisters for a gift. I sell some crosses in a gift shop and I give some stuff away. My wife also wears a lot of the jewelry I make.
Great job. I'm new to rock hounding and starting to attempt some cabochons. What thickness do you cut your slab for the dome on both sides? Thickness if doming just one side? Thank you. I like your videos!
I cut most of my slabs 1/4 inch. I think the two sided ones were the same thickness. If anything, you'd want it a little thicker for a double sided cab.
I use cheap 1 mm bits from Kingsley North. They work well in soft rocks like Petoskey Stone or dolomite. I also drill a lot of holes in harder rocks like unakite. When drilling unakite, sometimes the bit will drill a dozen holes, but the next bit might only drill two or might not work at all. My point is that they wear out really quickly. I have tried to drill Lake Superior agate a couple times and could not drill it at all with these bits. I keep buying them because I don't know of a better solution. Most drill bits are much more expensive, so I'm a little hesitant to buy them if they're also going to wear out quickly. Here's a link to the exact ones I use: kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100.html?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
I used a 1 mm drill bit from Kingsley North. They're not great, but they get the job done. Sometimes I wear out a bit before finishing one hole, other times I get a dozen holes. kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100.html
The diamond blade on that saw grinds through rock, it doesn't cut like a wood saw. I can touch the running blade with my finger and it doesn't hurt at all.
I made these for a friend to give as gifts. I do sell some of my stuff, but only locally. I´m not ready to start shipping stuff out. I appreciate you asking though.
I started with a lapidary slab saw to cut the rocks into slices. Then I used a lapidary trim saw to cut the shape of the heart. Neither of my saws are in production anymore, but you can still buy lapidary saws. I bought mine used. Then I moved to a cabbing machine. I also bought this used. It has six grinding wheels of varying grits. There are quite a few brands available. I think mine is a Lortone machine rebranded by Kingsley North. Other popular manufacturers are Cabking, Diamond Pacific, and Barranca. Here are some for sale at Kingsley North: kingsleynorth.com/lapidary-equipment-supplies/equipment-grinding-polishing/cabbing-machines.html#q=&idx=kingsleynorthenglish_products&p=0&hFR%5Bcategories.level0%5D%5B0%5D=Lapidary%20Equipment%20%26%20Supplies%20%2F%2F%2F%20Equipment%20-%20Grinding%20%26%20Polishing%20%2F%2F%2F%20Cabbing%20Machines&nR%5Bvisibility_catalog%5D%5B%3D%5D%5B0%5D=1
I use a Lot-O tumbler. Two days in 220 silicon carbide (2 TABLEspoons) Three days in 500 aluminum oxide (1/2 TEAspoon) plus 1 tablespoon of borax Two days in aluminum oxide polish (1/2 TEAspoon) plus 1 tablespoon of borax See this video for more info: th-cam.com/video/ARWY8zC2iZc/w-d-xo.html Here's a great website with great tumbling advice: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com
@@MichiganRocks Nope. I'm in Baraga and waiting on a handicapped apt in Houghton. I worked for the State and they moved me here. Worked for about 16 years then got MS, went out on disability and here I rot. lol
Sorry for your comment of getting MS, when life /God hands you rocks make heart, crosses & turtles. My sister & her family moved to MI about 40ish years ago. They lived in Belleville, now I believe they live in Canton. Anyways you make fine jewelry & your humors not so bad either! Thanks
Michigan Rocks I apologize for my misunderstanding. I wish only the best for those I may have disturbed. May we all have strength, wisdom & forgiveness
Here's my friend Chuck's whole tutorial, including wire sizes and hardnesses: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/68169/groove-wrap-tutorial-photo-heavy
To help keep your material from cracking and splitting while you're cutting on the trim saw, try stabilizing the slabs with PaleoBond Penetrant Stabilizer (PB002). It will seep deep into the soft porous material and keep even unseen cracks from coming apart. Additionally, it will allow you to polish the material on your cab machine, and come out with a high glassy finish, out to 8000-grit .... Almost like it was agate! I use this stuff on my soft material spheres with great success. PB002 Penetrant Stabilizer (1 oz) paleobond.com/product/pb002-penetrant-stabilizer-1-oz/ PB002 Penetrant Stabilizer (2 oz) paleobond.com/product/pb002-penetrant-stabilizer-2-oz/ PB002 Penetrant Stabilizer (16 oz) paleobond.com/product/pb002-penetrant-stabilizer-16-oz/
Thanks for the tip, but I think I'll keep doing what I'm doing. I'm sort of a purist when it comes to coating my rocks with anything. Some people make their Petoskey stones shiny by coating them with polyurethane, oil, vaseline, or something similar. That makes me cringe. I like the rock to still be 100% rock when I'm finished with it. I realize that for some rocks, like chrysocolla I think, you have to use stabilizer or they'd crumble and fall apart. But Kona dolomite is quite stable if you just avoid fractures. It doesn't get super shiny, but I'm ok with that. It's just the way this rock is. I think it looks good a little less shiny. Thanks again for the tip. It was a good one, just not something I'm interested in. Others who read this might feel differently so I'm glad it's here.
I have some at a local shop called Olivet Book and Gift. They don't have an online store, but they will send you one if you email them. I don't know if they have any left or if they are are any Kona ones left. I make them out of other rocks too.
There is NO possible way to say a rock is 2 billion years old, 2 million years old or even 20000 years old. Somebody just said that and everyone says okay. 😂
I appreciate all the time and effort you put in teaching as you go and the mistakes and lessons learned that you pass on. Cool rocks and they turned out really awesome as hearts. Was fun to watch. Great video
Hello, you're helping me out a great deal as I am looking for ways to make pendants. In this video I was looking how you glued the eye into the holes, and you kind of answered my question about putting the hook in the indentation, that is where I am planning to put mine. Thanks for making it look easy.
I'm glad I could help.
Thankyou for showing how it is done. Whilst it is fun to collect rocks i'd be a nervous wreck cutting it. It looks too dangerous to handle the cutting. The pendants are gorgeous. Great job. Tammy🌻
In one of my other videos, I touch the blade with my finger. The blade is a diamond blade with very fine diamonds on the edge. It cuts by grinding, not with teeth like a wood saw. It feels smooth. Touching it with your finger doesn't hurt at all.
Those are stunning, little hearts, you did an amazing job rounding them out.
Thanks!
Wow, these turned out beautiful. Love how you made them!
So cool. First time I'd seen anything like this. Loved it. Thanks so much.
You're welcome!
Very helpful video, I was wondering how you were going to do the cleft in the top of the heart. Now I know, Thanks!
Very nice! Love the info on the quarry.
You do great work with the stones. One stone takes some work. You have a great sense of humor in your videos.
Very pretty, I like the off set too. Now I see why you like the rock with lines. I have to mention I really like your shop ... I'm a tool girl, the more the merrier.
Just beautiful! Again your a great artist! Love that heart ♥️!
I'm not sure that I'm much of an artist, maybe a craftsman.
Thanks for the video. It was really cool to see how these were made.
Glad you liked it!
Very nice I like your technique on twisting the wire before gluing
I'm not sure if it's necessary, but it can't hurt.
Beautiful hearts, Rob! I love the unsymmetrical shape, so much more interesting than a symmetrical heart shape. That Kona Dolomite reminds me of a stone we had out west called Picasso Marble which is from Utah.
when I first tried making a heart, I had trouble making them perfectly symmetrical. It’s not like you can fold the rock in half and cut it out with scissors. So this was my solution. Now I don’t have to be perfect and it’s a more interesting heart shape at the same time.
Just fascinating! You do very precise work. I admire your attention to detail :)
Thanks. I'm happy with the way these turned out.
Those are really beautiful
Thanks. This is one of my favorites.
Fantastic - thank you for for showing this. Amazing work, thanks you for taking the time to explain the process
You're welcome. I try to teach people how to make things out of the rocks they find on this channel.
Absolutely fantastic video! This is going to be so helpful with my upcoming projects, thank you!!! I'm surprised that you were able to do such fine work on those big machines, interesting.
I can cut pretty intricate shapes on that saw. I use the edge of the blade like a grinder.
These are beautiful!
Very nice and informative!
Good, I'm glad you found it useful.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Fascinating! A lot of work, thanks for showing us.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.
Those are gorgeous
Beautiful...I'll bet you're a great teacher.
I'm retired now, so the only teaching I do is on TH-cam.
Okay now you’re just being a tease showing me things I can never have ! The heart shape is my favorite shape and an offset heart is my most favorite. I guess I’m just going to have to go to a Rock & Gem show to try and find one now ! Your work is just too awesome ! My husband golfs so I guess I could get a golf ball on a necklace? 😎
Sorry, I didn’t mean to tease!
You make it look real easy!
It took a bit of practice to get there. I still have a lot to learn.
Hi Rob,
Could you please provide the info for the quarry in Marquette, Michigan? Was it Lindburg and Sons or someboby and brothers) for your purchased of the Kona Dolamite. Is there anything to look for when you're picking the rough, or does it all cab and polish up pretty well?
Also, do you know of anyone who works on Diamond Pacific cabbing machines near the Petoskey, MI area? I have an older Genie that needs water pump work.
Thank you so much for your awesome videos- they are so inspiring!!
Shauna
Here's the page on the website that has the address for the Marquette location. It's on the bottom of the page: lindberginc.com/contact/
It all works the same, but doesn't all look as good as what I showed in this video. We picked through a huge pile and only found a few really nice pieces. Some is more cream colored or a darker purple. You might like those colors too, but I was going for the really pink stuff. I filled a huge tub and several buckets and it only cost like $2.
I would contact Kingsley North or Diamond Pacific directly to order a new pump. I don't have a Genie, so I can't help you fix it yourself very well. If it's just a generic pump, you might be able to get one really cheap. I had an aquarium pump on my old cab machine.
Good info for us. I am going to start the crosses when I get my trim saw like I need it. Thanks for posting. Havagudun my friend.
Good luck on them!
@@MichiganRocks Thanks.
I got answers i needed. Woohoo!
Drill bits, doing the cleft, wire used and what to use ZAM for…there were two tubes included in a cabbing machine i purchased from a fella.
I need to see if I can find a source for dolomite near me. Most ppl use the crushed white calichy rock for driveways and parking lots. North Texas area.
I also throw my harder stones into a vibrating tumbler, works great for fine tuning and polish. Lots of Jasper where I live, LOTS.
Thanks for the tutorials, glad I found them!
You don't have to use dolomite for making heart pendants. Most dolomite isn't pink anyway. If you have some red jasper, that would work great. I made one of these from jasper once and threw it in the tumbler for a final polish like you mentioned and it worked great.
I have loads of jasper. Quite common areound here. Red, yellow, green, white. In fact i have a piece i had tumbled and than cut into two pieces.
Thank you
The stone looks like Picasso stone. It makes a beautiful little heart 💕
I have heard of Picasso stone, but I had to look it up to remind myself what it looks like. I agree, but Kona is pink. I like the pink for hearts.
Passando fortalecendo o canal !👌ótimo trabalho show 👏👏👏sucesso !O ETERNO CRIADOR abençoe 🙏👏👌
Obrigado!
Love these but I have questions! Lol What sized drill bit did you use? Was it diamond coated or a regular bit? What gauge wire did you use? Was it hard/soft?
I use 1 mm diamond bits from Kingsley North. They don't last very long, but they're only 75¢ each. In a soft rock like Kona Dolomite they work really well. I use scrap wire from other wire wrapping projects. I use 20 gauge half hard square wire for the eyes.
May I ask what size drill bit you are using? would that work for the store bought pre-made eyes? Also, what size is typically used when drilling a hole through a stone for a cord, pinch bail, ect? I would like to avoid buying the sets over and over when there are just a few used for this application. Thank You!
I use 1 mm drills in a Dremel mounted in the Dremel drill press accessory. The drill bits I use are cheap but don't last long. I buy 100 bits for $75 from Kingsley North. I get between zero and about a dozen holes from one bit. They won't drill really hard rocks like Lake Superior agate. They work pretty well for puddingstone, unakite, quartzite, and the rock in this video, whatever that is. They work really well for soft rocks like Petoskey stone. kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100+kn_dimd_drill_pack-Pkg-100+kn_dimd_drill_size-10mm-Diamond-Drill?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
I make my own eyes from scraps of silver wire. I don't know what size eyes are available to buy. I'm sure it varies, so you'd have to research how big they are. I also can't tell you how big of a hole you need for other applications. I think all of those items would vary in size. I don't use them so I don't really know what's available.
Thank you for your reply and the link to Kingsley North. I peeked around their website a bit and look forward giving them a try! I especially love the fact it is a family business (has been since they opened in 1977) and I REALLY love that it is in the UP!
@@heidiwilliams8783 They're really good people there. I have seen a few examples of them going way above and beyond to keep their customers happy.
Just the video I needed today! 👍
Glad I could help!
I litterly click video just to like the video I anit ever watch yet but strictly the thumb nail is nice I like that stone heart ❤️ cool 🆒
Thanks!
Those are beautious!
Gee, thanks!
Anyone ever tell you that you have a stone cold heart ❤️? 😆 nice video will have to use some of your techniques to make a stone heart!
Good luck with it!
They are beautiful but oh my do you take chances with your fingers!!!
@Safe Haven Sanctuary - Holly G. Where did you think I was endangering my fingers? I assume you mean at the saw. Lapidary saws do not cut like a wood saw. There are no teeth on my blade. Instead, the blade grinds through the rock because of very fine diamonds on the rim. In another one of my videos I show how I can run the blade right on my finger without doing any damage at all. The coarse wheels on the grinder could remove some skin, but only if you really left them on a long time. I'd be more worried about touching that, but it's not really dangerous either.
They are very cool
Good job man. You earned my subscription!
Just new to rock tumbling have been a rock hound all my life coming home with rocks in my pockets always! Just bought a thumler tumbler ar-2 and will see where it takes me too bad I have not saved all the rocks over the years I would have a few 5 gallon pails full lol I will have to watch you more now I already see I am gonna need some wet sanders and wet saw would a tile saw work what do you recommend for a moderate price?
A lot of people start out with a tile saw. I think the biggest downside is that they tend to get you really wet. Almost all of my equipment is used. There were some really good machines made back in the seventies. You can get quality machines that still work great, although you may need to do some refurbishing.
please do a video about what you do with when your done with them where do you sell them.
I'm not sure that would be a very interesting video. I sold some of these to a friend who was giving them to her sisters and nieces. I have a couple at a local gift shop, but I don't think they've sold yet.
Que hermosa el corazón la piedra 👍 gracias sorda Lety Méndez desde Veracruz, Veracruz, México
¡Me alegro de que te haya gustado!
Cuenta $ el corazón
@@letymendez826 No entiendo lo que estas diciendo.
No Fernando lara otra nombre sorda Lety Méndez Domínguez perdón gracias de mi papá Fernando no saben escribí mensaje nada tampoco jajaja el regaló mi celular sorda?
Yo WhatsApp
Dear Rob, I'm learning lots from your videos. I am wondering what you think about using a tile saw with a diamond blade rather than the more expensive lapidary saws.
A lot of people start out with a tile saw. The problem with them is that they get you very wet, from what I've heard. Some people will stand behind the saw and pull the rock toward themselves to stay a little drier. I can use my saws inside. They spray a small amount of water around, but it can be wiped up in just a few seconds when I'm done. Keep your eyes open for a used saw, they're much cheaper. Don't worry if it's very old, the old saws were built well. I'm not saying that they might not need some repairs, but they should be well built in general. I just bought my sixth used saw a couple days ago. Now I'll have two saws slabbing at the same time!
Loved your video whats a list of machine's you use for grinding and cutting ?
I have a Lortone ST-10 in the garage for slabbing, a GemLap trim saw, and a Lortone cabbing machine.
Another excellent video, could you tell me what drill bit you use please?
I use these in the 1 mm size:
kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100.html?queryID=35d7e0a5c3429583e0cd9c50ad07d1b9&objectID=10765&indexName=kingsleynorthenglish_products#1121=29239&1120=29230?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
@@MichiganRocks Brilliant thank you. Love the channel, it’s been a real inspiration for a new hobby.
Thank you for this video!!!! I live in Black Rock Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I have been shopping heart rocks with a Dremel, could you tell me what saws / sanders I should look at to get me set up. I have an endless Atlantic coast line to explore.
Thank you and hope to hear from you
Cheers
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking since everything needed was shown in the video. If you're asking what specific brands I used in the video, most of it was purchased used and is no longer being manufactured. I use a Lortone ST-10 slab saw, a GemLap trim saw, and a Lortone six wheel cab machine. Only the cab machine is still available.
Beautiful Jobs...where you get that glue on back of the Heart to polish it ....thanks
Do you mean the green wax that holds the heart to the stick? That's called "dop wax". I get it here: kingsleynorth.com/green-dop-wax.html?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
Thanks for sharing
You're welcome Ceci!
Wow! Very nice. 👍🏼
Thanks. Did you see my recent video where I made these out of Petoskey Stone and puddingstone? th-cam.com/video/Phvz5Rbe4ys/w-d-xo.html
WOW!! Super duper awesome, Rob! MAHALO so much for sharing your madskillz!
Do you sell your pendants? If so, where? Beautiful works of ART!
I had to look that one up. I thought MAHALO was an acronym since you capitalized the whole word. I do have a few of these at a local shop. They don't have an online store, but if you email, they will help you out. There are not any more Kona Dolomite ones left. olivetbookandgift.com
Teşekkürler
Could you tell me the diameter of the drill bit you used, and the sterling silver wire? I need to buy the correct sizes to start making these. BTW- Great informative videos!
I use a 1 mm bit and 20 gauge square wire for the eye. The jump ring is 20 gauge round wire. You could use any wire you want, really. The wire I use for eyes is just scrap from wire wrapping.
Lindo trabalho parabéns deixo meu superrr joinha.
Very nice!
I enjoy your videos tremendously. I'm very interested in becoming a gemologist and making jewelry, but I don't know where to get all of the tools or get access to tools. I also live near Austin, TX and there are few good rockhounding sites nearby. I'm retired and over 65, but also need to generate income. The "rocks" are stacked against me! I do have a polisher and a wet saw. What do you suggest? How do one find people who make jewelry and need to buy polished rocks? Is it a difficult field to get into at my age? Rocks are my passion! K
Lots of older guys are into this. I'd go check out the Rock Tumbling Hobby website. I don't sell much, but some people there do. They'd be able to help you. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com
Saludos desde chinacates Durango
What other stone or stones could be used if you don't have access to this one?
I make these out of puddingstone and Petoskey stone. I made one out of red jasper once too. The nice thing about the harder jasper was that I could tumble it in my vibratory tumbler after to get a really good shine on it. Pretty much any rock would work for this project.
Instead of using the Zam to give it a final polish, could you have put them all the hearts in a tumbler and use polish grit? If not, why not? Thanks.
Oh, you answered at the end of the video! Harder stones can just be put into the tumbler.
I'm glad I answered your question. These are very soft rocks.
Delicadeza em corações!
Hey man, great video!
I'm interested in making some of these myself out of moonstone, any tips?
Also, what tools are must haves for you to work with raw materials and rough stone/gems?
I gave all my tips in the video. I think the only tool that wasn't shown was a slab saw. I have a saw in my garage that I slice rocks with. That could also been done on a smaller trim saw like you saw in the video, but it has to be done by hand that way, which takes a little longer. My slab saw has an automatic feed vice on it, so I just clamp the rock in, turn it on, and walk away.
@@MichiganRocks thank you! I really appreciate the time you took to answer me 😊
Keep up the good work AND the quality content, cheers!
@@MichiganRocks do you sell these?
@@erindelainey1755 I have a few of them for sale at a local shop. There aren't any pink ones left though. No online store, but you can email them. olivetbookandgift.com
@@MichiganRocks thank you!
Can you do a video on the quarry. Where it is. Please
I can't promise a video because it's about five hours from my house. Here's a Google Maps link: goo.gl/maps/7ZQEH12LLfTk1Yj58
This is the quarry website: lindberginc.com
@@MichiganRocks typically do much
Thanks - I took notes. I think lapidary work is something I would like to try. Just wish I’d started with this when rock clubs were still a place to visit and use gear. I’ll keep an eye out for used gear. Is this a Dremel drill in a housing? Oh and I quite enjoy your dry wit as well. And the info about the quarry. I will be heading that way as soon as I can.
The Dremel is in a Dremel drill press attachment. It works pretty well.
You glue it the wire? What kind of glue did you use to stick ti the Hearst thanks
330 Epoxy. amzn.to/43gysdt (affiliate link)
The fingers, man, the fingers!!!
Do you mean on the saw? In a couple of my other videos I touch the blade. It’s a very smooth diamond blade that grinds through the rock rather than cutting like a wood saw. Running my finger on it doesn’t hurt at all.
Yes
How'd I miss this 😃 my buy later list is getting longer 😅
I did a more recent version of making these too. th-cam.com/video/Phvz5Rbe4ys/w-d-xo.html
Those are so awesome. Do you sell those or your stones around west Michigan area. I like to make jewelry with gem stones and they would be so pretty on a necklace. I hope you sell your stuff in my area. Thankyou for sharing. 🤗
No, I sell a couple things here in Alpena, but not much.
What kind of a drill bit do you use to make the holes. Is it a diamond drill and about what diameter. And where can you get them. Thanks for your help.
David Hile it’s a one millimeter diamond bit from Kingsley North. I bought something like 50 of them last time because it drops the price to $.75 each. I drill a lot of puddingstone beads for a friend and I get somewhere between zero and about a dozen holes per bit. I tried drilling Lake Superior agate with them and the would wear out before a single hole could be drilled. In Kona dolomite, they drill fine because it’s very soft.
Michigan Rocks
Thank you so much for the information Rob !!!
Like muito bom like ✌👍😁😇
I love your pendant. Do you sell them? How much?
I do sell them at a local shop. I don't remember how much they go for off the top of my head, so you'll have to check with them. They don't have an online store, but will work with you if you call or email. olivetbookandgift.com
Hi hillo idol, God bless you all. Watching from pinas setio palanog Garita San Enrique Iloilo thx.
Really impressive!!!
What do you do with all the stones you polish/make?
I made these for a friend of mine. She was giving them to her sisters for a gift. I sell some crosses in a gift shop and I give some stuff away. My wife also wears a lot of the jewelry I make.
@@MichiganRocks nice!!! I give my key chains away to friends, and I too make jewelry for my wife
Wow, that was a lot of work! I don't want my fingers anywhere near that cutting blade you used. Lol.
Ah, never mind. I'm reading through the comments and see that this is a special blade that doesn't cut like a normal one.
freedom dove yeah, in other videos I touch the blade while it’s running,
@@MichiganRocks No way!!!
@@stefaniaponitz5738 Way! It will cut fingernails though.
Great job. I'm new to rock hounding and starting to attempt some cabochons. What thickness do you cut your slab for the dome on both sides? Thickness if doming just one side? Thank you. I like your videos!
I cut most of my slabs 1/4 inch. I think the two sided ones were the same thickness. If anything, you'd want it a little thicker for a double sided cab.
What kind of drill bits you use ?
I use cheap 1 mm bits from Kingsley North. They work well in soft rocks like Petoskey Stone or dolomite. I also drill a lot of holes in harder rocks like unakite. When drilling unakite, sometimes the bit will drill a dozen holes, but the next bit might only drill two or might not work at all. My point is that they wear out really quickly. I have tried to drill Lake Superior agate a couple times and could not drill it at all with these bits. I keep buying them because I don't know of a better solution. Most drill bits are much more expensive, so I'm a little hesitant to buy them if they're also going to wear out quickly. Here's a link to the exact ones I use: kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100.html?ref=robertabram1& (affiliate link)
❤
What holder were you using for your dremel/drill?
It's a Dremel drill press stand. It's in my Amazon storefront in the description.
@@MichiganRocks thanks! I looked but didn’t see it there…I’ll go back and check. Either way , thanks for responding ✌️😎
wow
شكرا لك
من المغرب احييك
شكرا لك
Awesome!! What type and size drill bit did you use for the holes? Thanks!
I used a 1 mm drill bit from Kingsley North. They're not great, but they get the job done. Sometimes I wear out a bit before finishing one hole, other times I get a dozen holes. kingsleynorth.com/diamond-drills-kingsley-north-inc-pkg-of-100.html
@@MichiganRocks Thank you! I appreciate your help and advice! Your work is awesome!
@@MichiganRocks I bought the Zam product. When I tried to apply it to my dremel wheel it is hard like rock. Is it suppose to be really hard? thanks!!
@@karenmerklinger7505 Yep, it's really hard. As you run your Dremel on it, it should sort of melt it. I use a felt wheel.
I'm dying watching your fingers get so close to that saw.
The diamond blade on that saw grinds through rock, it doesn't cut like a wood saw. I can touch the running blade with my finger and it doesn't hurt at all.
Do you sell them ?How much if you do ?
I made these for a friend to give as gifts. I do sell some of my stuff, but only locally. I´m not ready to start shipping stuff out. I appreciate you asking though.
You can not be that far from me, do you sell without shipping? @@MichiganRocks
There are some for sale at Olivette gift shop in Alpena.
What machine's are you using to do this i can't find anything online
I started with a lapidary slab saw to cut the rocks into slices. Then I used a lapidary trim saw to cut the shape of the heart. Neither of my saws are in production anymore, but you can still buy lapidary saws. I bought mine used.
Then I moved to a cabbing machine. I also bought this used. It has six grinding wheels of varying grits. There are quite a few brands available. I think mine is a Lortone machine rebranded by Kingsley North. Other popular manufacturers are Cabking, Diamond Pacific, and Barranca. Here are some for sale at Kingsley North:
kingsleynorth.com/lapidary-equipment-supplies/equipment-grinding-polishing/cabbing-machines.html#q=&idx=kingsleynorthenglish_products&p=0&hFR%5Bcategories.level0%5D%5B0%5D=Lapidary%20Equipment%20%26%20Supplies%20%2F%2F%2F%20Equipment%20-%20Grinding%20%26%20Polishing%20%2F%2F%2F%20Cabbing%20Machines&nR%5Bvisibility_catalog%5D%5B%3D%5D%5B0%5D=1
@@MichiganRocks thank you i really appreciate your help
what was the name of this quarry in Marquette?
A. Lindberg & Sons Inc.
@@MichiganRocks Thanks!
What kind of grit in the tumbler for the polishing of harder stone?
I use a Lot-O tumbler.
Two days in 220 silicon carbide (2 TABLEspoons)
Three days in 500 aluminum oxide (1/2 TEAspoon) plus 1 tablespoon of borax
Two days in aluminum oxide polish (1/2 TEAspoon) plus 1 tablespoon of borax
See this video for more info: th-cam.com/video/ARWY8zC2iZc/w-d-xo.html
Here's a great website with great tumbling advice: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com
Do you have a website? I NEED one of them hearts!!
Nope. I don't sell anything online. Sorry about that.
@@MichiganRocks Sniff. waaaaaaaaaaaaaah....
@@LadyYoop what town did you move to? Do you ever get back to Lake Linden?
@@MichiganRocks Nope. I'm in Baraga and waiting on a handicapped apt in Houghton. I worked for the State and they moved me here. Worked for about 16 years then got MS, went out on disability and here I rot. lol
Are u going to sell them ♥️
I already sold those. I’m not planning to make any more soon. I don’t sell anything online, just a few things locally.
Sorry for your comment of getting MS, when life /God hands you rocks make heart, crosses & turtles. My sister & her family moved to MI about 40ish years ago. They lived in Belleville, now I believe they live in Canton. Anyways you make fine jewelry & your humors not so bad either! Thanks
Jodi Gould are you confusing Lady Yoop’s comment with my comments?
Michigan Rocks I apologize for my misunderstanding. I wish only the best for those I may have disturbed. May we all have strength, wisdom & forgiveness
@@jodigould765 no problem here, I just didn't want you to be confused.
@@MichiganRocks تريد ترجمته عربي
@@mkmk-mh2ql انا لا اتحدث العربية
What gauge wire do you use?
Here's my friend Chuck's whole tutorial, including wire sizes and hardnesses:
forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/68169/groove-wrap-tutorial-photo-heavy
To help keep your material from cracking and splitting while you're cutting on the trim saw, try stabilizing the slabs with PaleoBond Penetrant Stabilizer (PB002). It will seep deep into the soft porous material and keep even unseen cracks from coming apart. Additionally, it will allow you to polish the material on your cab machine, and come out with a high glassy finish, out to 8000-grit .... Almost like it was agate! I use this stuff on my soft material spheres with great success.
PB002 Penetrant Stabilizer (1 oz) paleobond.com/product/pb002-penetrant-stabilizer-1-oz/
PB002 Penetrant Stabilizer (2 oz) paleobond.com/product/pb002-penetrant-stabilizer-2-oz/
PB002 Penetrant Stabilizer (16 oz) paleobond.com/product/pb002-penetrant-stabilizer-16-oz/
Thanks for the tip, but I think I'll keep doing what I'm doing. I'm sort of a purist when it comes to coating my rocks with anything. Some people make their Petoskey stones shiny by coating them with polyurethane, oil, vaseline, or something similar. That makes me cringe. I like the rock to still be 100% rock when I'm finished with it. I realize that for some rocks, like chrysocolla I think, you have to use stabilizer or they'd crumble and fall apart. But Kona dolomite is quite stable if you just avoid fractures. It doesn't get super shiny, but I'm ok with that. It's just the way this rock is. I think it looks good a little less shiny.
Thanks again for the tip. It was a good one, just not something I'm interested in. Others who read this might feel differently so I'm glad it's here.
Do you sell these heart pendants ?
I have some at a local shop called Olivet Book and Gift. They don't have an online store, but they will send you one if you email them. I don't know if they have any left or if they are are any Kona ones left. I make them out of other rocks too.
@@MichiganRocks do you have there email address?
@@MichiganRocks never mine I found there email address thank you
What is that rock called
That's Kona dolomite from Marquette, MI.
Buen harte👍
A. Lindberg and Sons is the name of the company that owns the gravel pit.
tom49895 yep, that’s the place. Thanks.
Super lake
The trim saw looks dangerous😥
You should watch this video. I made it just for that comment. th-cam.com/video/Er4YLn4fXUA/w-d-xo.html
There is NO possible way to say a rock is 2 billion years old, 2 million years old or even 20000 years old. Somebody just said that and everyone says okay. 😂