I watched this video and was admiring your passion and skill at lapidary art, then I got to the end and I had tears in my eyes! Thank you for doing this-I can guarantee that you have made an impact on many people’s lives. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas 😊
What a wonderful thing to do with the rocks you acquire. The love put into each cross increases as it is passed along. Beautiful. Thank you also for demonstrating the vibratory tumbler. I noticed that you didn't add water except for a few squirts in the beginning, and that you're able to entirely fill the tumbler. Time for me to research vibratory tumblers! I'm a new rockhound and only have experience with a rotary tumbler and a tile saw. Ah, the endless possibilities of the hobby! Great video!
With a vibratory tumbler, you just want the rocks wet, no standing water. I open the barrel two or three times a day and add a few squirts of water if they're drying out. The 220 stage has to be watched the most carefully. There is more rock being removed and the rock dust dries the slurry out. I really like my Lot-O tumbler. I highly recommend getting one. Vibes use way less grit and finish rocks really fast. Most of my rocks spend a lot of time in rotary barrels for the first stage before going to the Lot-O, but the crosses go straight in.
Fantastic gifts! If that doesn't put the Christ in Christmas, what does? That Unakite blew me away. Seasonal colors too. As always, great job and Merry Christmas to you.
I appreciate your videos and have probably learned more from you about lapidary work than from anywhere else. You do beautiful work. I was hand polishing a few stones and now have a trim saw and tumbler. Next is probably a cab / polisher to improve and speed up my hand work. I am close to retiring and want to do more of this as I have time. Thank you for sharing your talent. God Bless and Merry Christmas!
I apologize for the money I have cost you. Have you been to forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/page/rocktumblinghobby? That's where I learned almost everything I know. There are people there who are much more knowledgable than I am and are also very helpful. Merry Christmas!
I watched this video last night and was happy to hear I could get some of these locally. I went to Alpena today and picked up a couple of these beautiful crosses at Olivet Book and Gifts. Thanks Rob. I'll be buying more, hope they don't run out before Christmas. I'm a nurse working at Compassionate Care in Alpena and I'm thinking of including these in a Christmas card for my wonderful clients.
I have some on hand here that I just took out of the tumbler. Mary always calls when she’s getting low. I should probably get a few more cut out. Thanks for the purchase!
This is a great video. I want to make crosses and discovered your video immediately. Covers all of my questions. I'm very impressed with what you do with the finished crosses. I'm going to make some necklaces for our annual church holiday boutique to sell. Proceeds go to local charities to help the poor. I like the idea of giving them out to carry during Lent. I may make some for our pastor to pass out to those having life problems. Great idea. I'll be making some for family and friends to carry during Lent also.
Bless you for making these for your priest and your bible study men and also having some available for people that would like to purchase one. They are really wonderful.
I don't really have that much money into it. Most of my stuff is used, so it's not as expensive as you might think. Plus I sell a few things locally that helps me cover my costs.
I found a great deal on a used model "J" although the arbor is below the cutting edge. I'm so glad I dug deep and found this video. I knew you explained this
@@MichiganRocks I found it on Craigslist its been up for sale a while I hope they contact me back the seller lives just outside of Ann Arbor. I am sure they will not have a problem meeting at Zeeb and I-94. That way I can eat at Metzgers german restaurant a win win. You gotta know the place right?
@@ICEPICK7882 Nope, I haven't been there. I lived in Ann Arbor for four years of school, but I ate in the cafeteria, Taco Bell, or somewhere else within walking distance and cheap. The rest of my life I have lived in or near Alpena. When I travel, I prefer to go north.
Great video. I continue to learn a lot from your presentation formation. Was just wondering what brand of saw you use to make the clean 90 degree cuts. Thank you.
I just finished up a video about saws and fingers so I don't have to explain that every time and so people don't have to worry. I have a few videos made ahead, so I'm not sure when it will be released.
I just got 4 of your crosses in the mail from Oliver. Beautiful! One question. Do you ever drill a hole at the top, either before or after polishing so they can be used as a pendant?
Hi Paul. I just mentioned your name in Agate Dad’s video because I agreed with your comments on agate polishing. I can’t imagine spending that long polishing one little rock. Thanks a lot for buying some of my crosses. I didn’t even know if they mailed them out or not. I have drilled other things similar to that and glued in a small eye for a pendant. There’s a video I made about a pendant I made for my son where I did that. I also drilled a hole in a Michigan shape for my sister in law to wear as a pendant. I use a Dremel in a drill press with one mm diamond bits. Then I shape my own eye from silver wire and epoxy it in. The crosses you bought would be ones I made in this video. They were completely out when I made this video, and all of these went there, so I know that for sure.
Yes. That was supposed to be out today, but something came up and I didn't get it finished. The rocks will be out tomorrow and I'll definitely have a video posted next Friday. Sorry to make you wait. Several people have asked about that one.
My LOT O finally arrived! I have painted my concrete block and am wondering if just the self-stick adhesive will be enough to keep it secure for the long haul. It looks like yours does not have any thing extra added. Have you ever had any problems with it coming loose from the block?
I just used the included double sided tape and have never had any problems. It's been stuck to the block for about ten years now. You're going to love that machine. I have a second one ordered for myself.
Nice setup, beautiful work- Lovely that you give them away. The energy and intention that you put into them travels to those in need, and gives them a reminder in stone that God is always there.
This video came up and it is of interest to me because I cut a lot of slabs and was looking for a rather "simple" design to use up the slabs that probably would otherwise never get used. I do not have a vibratory tumbler and am wondering if you have ever taken the stone crosses to polish in a rotary tumbler. Perhaps if the time in the tumbling stages was limited to 3 or 4 days. Any thoughts?
I haven't tried doing shorter runs in a rotary, but I'd be afraid that they wouldn't get a good shine. I think the best plan is to run them in a vibratory tumbler. If you want to see the difference, look at this video. I shows crosses made of the same material run in a rotary and a vibe. You might not mind how they look when done in a rotary. th-cam.com/video/5V33xUTkmRM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again, you can see I am working my way through your videos. I have a quick question again if I may. I have the Hi-Tech diamond 6" trim saw. I use it to cut and trim smaller rocks. I tried cutting a symbol before I watched your video and experienced the deeper cut on bottom due to arbor sitting below table. You said to build a ramp so the blade hits at a 90 degree angle. I can build the ramp but how do I know it is going to hit at 90 degree? Would I buid it at a 45 degree angle or just have to play around with it to get the 90 degree?
Taking some measurements and doing a little math will help. If you aren't great at math, I guess you could always do it by trial and error. What you want is the top of the ramp to line up with the center of the blade. I hope that helps.
Beautiful work, both with the stones and reaching out to your friends and neighbors. Two things I have got to do now, buy a vibratory tumbler and go to Michigan and find some of those rocks!
This will work fine with other kinds of rocks too, but Michigan is a beautiful state to visit. There's a link in the description for The Rock Shed if you decide to buy a vibratory tumbler. They usually have the best prices. I really like my Lot-O.
I love your videos, and have learned so much! Thank you! Have you ever tried making a cross from petrified wood? Im thinking of giving that a try to give as gifts this Christmas. 😊
Hello from Danmark. I love your channel. I’m very new in tumbling rocks but I’ve watched a lot of your videos. I love the little crosses and hope to be able to make some myself. Getting a proper saw here is unfortunately not very easy. But someday 😊 thank you for some great advise in your videos.
If you can't find a lapidary saw, you could always use a tile saw. That will cut rocks with no problem, but from what I've seen, they get you very wet compared to a good lapidary saw. For that reason, they're best used outside during the summer.
@@MichiganRocks thank you very much. I’m gonna try with a tile saw then. Right now I’m just trying to get a shine on my first ever batch of beach rocks ☺️
I think mine are about an inch and a half. I think that's a good size. I think of them as pocket crosses, so much bigger would be too big to carry around in a pocket. If you want to use them for something else, I don't see a reason to limit the size.
CplSki USMC most everything I have, except for my tumblers, was purchased used. I have some money invested, but I bought stuff gradually over several years. The saw in this video was given to me and it cost me about $150 to fix it up. I think I paid about $300 for the saw with the ramp. Not super cheap, but not nearly the price of new saws. The old ones were well built too.
@@olemorningstar3107 I have a Dremel and a couple of diamond bits, but it would be time consuming and tedious trying to do something like that and I don't think the end product would be what you were looking for. I've worked with agate with just hand tools and it's very difficult.
A lot of people use a tile saw to cut slabs. It might be a little difficult to get your cuts parallel, but with some practice, I think you could do it. You can see my saw in this video: th-cam.com/video/Xms841Zo8Vo/w-d-xo.html
Very nicely done ... Thanks for sharing your procedure! A question, if you will, what kind of cutting fluid do you use in your saw? Thank you very much.
I use plain water in that saw. I used to put in an additive made just for rock saws, but it was kind of expensive. It's supposed to make your blade last a little longer. I don't know if it saves enough blade to pay for itself though. In my slab saw in the garage I use mineral oil.
Thanks for the prompt response - Interesting - I purchased the exact same saw that you're using from GemLap Equipment - Ferndale, Michigan a quite number of years ago. Liked their 90 degree cut shoulder design. It will be the saw I'll be using for this application. Not sure what I'll use as lubricant as I noticed that plain water makes the outline easier to see. Thanks again!
Of course I do. In fact, I have a short version and a long version. Short: th-cam.com/video/2MVTZq0DQew/w-d-xo.html Long: th-cam.com/video/DIOBskqTRDc/w-d-xo.html
Watching this a few years after the first time. I knew you had some sort of “jig” for your trim saw so that is cut on a 90. Are there specs for the jig?? Thanks
The jig is just a ramp that has a slot in it for the blade. You would have to make a different ramp for every saw. The only thing you have to do is make the top of the ramp point toward the center of the blade. It's like the radius of the circle.
@@MichiganRocks I would love to but can't for a while. My wife Sandi and I began RVing full time in May. I'll be able to do some work when we get back home, but that may be a couple years. For now I'm only able to collect 😁
@@MichiganRocks It's definitely different but we're really enjoying it. We've seen some beautiful country in the boundary waters area of MN and the UP and mitten. Currently in Anchorville on the north end of Lake St Clair. Part of the enjoyment is probably due to being retired from work. Speaking of work, are you still teaching?
@@spencerpearson3688 No, I retired last summer. My wife worked her thirtieth year from home last year and then retired this spring. The school just called her and asked her to come back, so she’s in the other room working again. It was nice while she was retired for three weeks this spring.
I like your jig on an angle to keep the blade 90 degrees from center. Cut the ends then the inner corners, just saying it so it sticks. Thanks for the tutorial!
How do you determine the thickness of the slab for the design you have in mind? Thanks for giving thorough answers to all questions asked on your site. The teacher in you shows.
Good morning i just bought a beacon star 10" trim/slab saw. arbor is above the deck the last owner was usinf baby oil to cut rocks. is that ok ? if not what shoud i be using and also how much liquid should i put in the tank? thanks chad
Baby oil is mineral oil with scent added. I use mineral oil in my slab saw, but I use water in my trim saw. Add water or mineral oil until the bottom of the blade is covered about 1/4 inch. As long as the blade is flinging water or oil around, it should be enough.
Excellent video. Really interesting how the are made! When you hand them out to you tell people how long it takes to make them? Kind of a reminder how good things take time and faith.
A rotary tumbler is good for shaping and rounding rocks. That's nice for just tumbled stones, but not good for shapes that you would like to stay that shape. That's what vibratory tumblers are really good at. They shine things up while retaining their original shape. So you would want to use a vibratory tumbler for any shaped rock or cabochon, not just crosses.
No, because you have to make it to fit your saw. Just make it so the top of the ramp points toward the center of the blade, like the hand of a clock. In other words, the ramp top should be along the radius of the blade. It just needs to be close, not perfect.
Lol! The corners. Every time I screw up, somebody out there likes it better that way. It took me years to accept that many of my screwups were really prototypes.
I'm looking to buy that vibration tumbler. I'm having difficulty finding one. I've also heard there is a dual barrel as well... would you have any information?
I buy all of my tumblers from The Rock Shed. They almost always have the best prices. Everyone seems to be out of tumblers right now because of COVID. I would not suggest getting a double Lot-O. I have a lot of rotary tumblers running rocks in the first stage. Even with many barrels running, I can’t keep one Lot-O barrel fed. You have to have both barrels full, so I would not want more volume to keep fed. rockshed.com
Great video. I learned a lot just by watching. Got my Lot O Tumbler and just picked up a used MK Diamond Tile Saw last night. Got a feeling I am going to have to wait to January to use them. Can't wait.
Make sure you mount that Lot-O to a concrete block. I filled my block's holes with concrete too. I hear that the newer ones don't have a deep hole in the bottom. Mine did have a hole that trapped pieces of ceramic. It was a pain to dig them out every time. I filled the hole with epoxy and it has lasted for years. No more digging out stuck ceramics. If you haven't watched my crazy lace agate video, I recommend it for learning to use your Lot-O. If you follow my basic recipe, it's hard to mess it up.
love your videos and what you do! I'm curious to know what areas you studied and for how long to be so knowledgeable on so many stones and the formation of them. Also love how you represent Michigan with your fashion sense... That Oppe Tshirt is awesome. I'll refer to you as the Oppe Stones guy from now on! True Michigander! Happy Holidays from down in Oakland County!!
Nichole Sasser ha ha! I guess I should have tried that shirt on before buying it. Having the C and the R in my armpits isn’t ideal, but when I pretend to be an airplane it looks great. Oh well, no one ever accused me of having fashion sense anyway. I don’t have any geology training at all. I don’t remember even learning about geology in a junior high or high school science class. Therefore, I’m not very good at the subject at all. I have a couple books on Michigan rocks that I refer to, but that’s about it.
@@MichiganRocks Hahaha that's too funny! you can pull it off as a Michigan thing if you keep your arms down and write sorry right underneath it. I recently had an out of state friend tell me everyone she'd met so far out here says it constantly, now that I'm aware of it I counted myself in one day and realized that we do. Well for having no formal education you deserve even more kudos. You could pass as a geology teacher I'm an amateur and you've taught me alot of things those must be some good books! I'd love to give them a read. Do you know of any areas around me that are good spots to hunt? you seem to know a lot of awesome places but unfortunately its all really far from here. It'd be a 3 or 4 day trip for me to get in good time. Any tips would be great!
good morning i have a question, i have a mjr 18# tumbler (ie 3 6# barrels) i have gone through 4 of them they keep getting holes in the bottom i was thinks is could fit a piece of rubber to glue to the bottom of the barrel. would you have any suggestions? thank you
PVC barrels are going to wear out a lot faster than rubber barrels. I have never used one, but that's what I've read. You could try what I did here: th-cam.com/video/FgNL9ws4AS8/w-d-xo.html
Is there a reason Borax wasn't used with the first Tumbling Session /68-80+ grit and dawn dish soap? Beautiful Shine. You Sir Are A Master At Polishing. We've seen other videos on your You The Tube Channel.
I don't use it in my rotary tumbler, although I've been talking to someone recently who uses it in all stages. She seems to know what she's talking about, so I'm going to start trying it. I also don't use it in the first stage in my vibratory tumbler because it makes the slurry a little too thick.
No. That would have no chance of working. You could do it with a tile saw. Those can be pretty affordable if you find one used. Some people buy one for a remodel project and then sell them when the project is done.
When you run your lotto 2 or 3 days in a row, do you change your grit out everyday. For example if you have to do a three-day run in your lotto, do you everyday clean it out and add new grit after day 1 and after day 2 and so on?
You have asked this same question on about three different videos. I answered it on one of the other ones. Asking once should do the trick. I don't miss many comments.
I loved your video. I would like to try this but I don't know any thing about vibrating tumblers. would a five pound metal vibratory tumbler work? I cant afford a lot o tumbler. Harbor freight has one on sale. Ore can you suggest some thing else better that does"t cost allot. I think its great that you donate the crosses to your church. Good idea. I would like to do that if I can make them.
Tumblers made for tumbling things like brass for reloading are not made for the weight of rocks. The hoppers are also not designed for abrasive grits like silicon carbide used in tumbling rocks. I haven't heard much about Harbor Freights vibratory tumblers, but their rotary tumblers do not get good reviews. I've read of some people who keep them running for a couple of years, but there are also a lot of people who report them breaking after just a batch or two of rocks. I wouldn't buy a Harbor Freight tumbler at any price. I'd suggest that you start saving up for a Lot-O or other quality machine. I really like the Lot-O, personally, but that's all I've ever used. Even if it takes a long time to save up enough money, I think you'll be happier in the long run.
Nice! I have so many finished projects that I don't know what to do with. You're doing it right. Quick question: Doesn't the mist settle on horizontal surfaces, covering everything in dust? I want to move some equipment indoors for the winter but I worry about contaminating my home. Thanks for the vids!
Hello there. This is Chad west I just won a 18# tumbler from mjr ie it has 3 6 pound barrels. My question is how much water How much rocks How much grit Any knowledge would be appreciated. Thanks
Fill the barrel about 75% with rocks. Then fill with water to just under the first layer of rocks, maybe an inch below the top of the rocks. If the barrels are six pound barrels, I'd use 6-8 tablespoons of grit.
good morning i have a question i do not usually have rocks bigger than my lot o tumbler but here we are so i have a mjr 18# ie - 6# barrrels how much grit should i use or stages 3 and 4 and how much water in a 6# tumbler. thanks
Honestly, I have way more experience with my Lot-O than with the later stages in a rotary tumbler. My experience with finishing rocks in a rotary tumbler is almost all in three pound barrels. I usually just go with the same number of tablespoons as the barrel is rated for. So in a six pound tumbler, I'd just use 6 tablespoons. That's just my best guess, but it's someplace to start.
I've Got another question. I just received a Lot - O tumbler I ordered from The Rockshed. I'm waiting for the paint to dry on the concrete block before I mount the tumbler. I've noticed on TH-cam that some have filled in the Holes, some haven't. I didn't, so I'm wondering if it really makes any difference. I appreciate your input.
I have mine filled in. I don't know if that was in the directions that came with the Lot-O or if I read it somewhere else. I have no idea if it makes a difference because I have never done it any other way. If you decide to do it, it's easy. I just put it on an old piece of plywood, filled it with Quikrete and used another board to scape across the top to level it. I think you're going to love that machine.
@@codyb.7690 Oops, I just reread your question. I haven't looked in the lower peninsula either. That's also on my list of things to try. Someone told me that Petoskey stone fluoresce under UV light, but they didn't with my cheap light. I want to buy a better light to take to the U.P., so I'll try that on the Petoskeys too. My family used to trailer our boat to Hessel every summer for the antique boat show. I love that place!
Michigan Rocks my daughter and I have been out a few times looking for Yooperlites, but only on Lake Superior. Yes, Petoskey stones and fossils will glow under a black light.😁 They’re more of a white, blue, or orange solid color, compared to the Yooperlites’ random, brighter color. Fun to find! Love your videos. Always love to ‘tag along’ with you, exploring.😊Thank you for the time and effort you put into your trips and videos! God Bless!🤗
@@littledabwilldoya9717 I'm getting more eager to get out and check out the Lake Huron beaches with a black light. I'll definitely bring my light to Lake Superior this summer too.
I was going to ask what you did with them.... I would love to have one but live in Indiana and am unable to make it up to your local shop that sells them. I love your videos and am learning so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks for posting the video! Wanted to ask if the saw with the 90 degree angle is a wet tile saw or a wet diamond saw (is there a difference/is one better for shaping and cutting semiprecious gemstones)?
My saw is a lapidary saw, not a tile saw. It’s a Gemlap, which is a very old brand that is not made anymore. I have never used a tile saw, but it should do this job fine. The biggest problem with tile saws is that they tend to soak the user from what I’ve seen. I have several saws and some spray a fine mist. Wearing a vinyl apron takes care of that, it’s not much water. I use that saw inside with no problem except a quick wipe of the floor when I’m done. The saw in this video doesn’t get me wet at all, but the counter on either side gets a very small amount of mist on it.
It would be about that same as what I did here. The challenge might be clamping a sphere into the slab saw. You'd have to put some wedges in to keep it from turning as the vice moves forward through the blade. After it was slabbed, you'd cut it up the same as I did in this video.
@@MichiganRocks it’s a citrine sized about a typical “crystal ball”…. 30 years ago it was worth 700$ or so…. If I shipped it to you, would you be able to make crosses from it to give away?
@@IgivemylifetoChrist Nope. I don't really have time to do commission work. Plus, I think your crystal ball will be worth a lot more as it is than it would be cut up into crosses.
@@MichiganRocksI don’t mean commission, just a donation. I don’t want the ball to be used for new age stuff by anyone…what about one big cross that you keep for yourself?
Those crosses in the Lot-O - were all the steps totally dry or was there some water in there? I've seen some of your videos where you used some water. Maybe you've changed your recipe over time.
Unakite make a great stone for crosses. Many rockhounds call it the "Christmas stone" because it has red and green. After watching most of your tumbling videos, I know Chert and Unakite are your two favorite Michigan stones for polishing because they have banding and don't undercut. Do you have any other Michigan stones that you like to tumble? Thanks for your excellent videos!
Jim K I tumble anything that looks cool. I tumble puddingstones, Petoskey stones, quartz, jaspelite, banded rhyolite, and probably a bunch of others that I’m not thinking of right now. But the two you mentioned are definitely two of my favorites.
I haven't, and I would be concerned about the softness and the tendency to chip. I don't think I've ever cut obsidian on my saw either. I'd worry about the sharp corners holding up in the tumbler.
@@MichiganRocks I'm wanting to do some squares and rectangle smaller pieces with various Obsidians for a lady in my Church who does stained glass and is willing to make a piece with polished slabs. I think I'll cut some pieces of more common Black Obsidian and see how they turn out in my new Lot-O. I've got some Snowflake and Apache Tears in it now using the Rockshed's recipe. Doing fine for now. Thanks for your input.
Damn! I did my first stone cross yesterday with a Dremel 4000 and a Diamond wheel on a 3mm shank. That cross being 6mm thick of Golden Lace agate took me about an hour! haha! No joke man. An hour! I need to get me this saw. Now I am looking for ways to put a bail on it, or maybe do a wire wrapping on it?
The rocks I'm cutting aren't quite as hard as an agate, but I can cut a cross out in a minute or two. I just make these as pocket crosses, but you could drill a hole in the top and put in a little eye pretty easily. I do it all the time for other things I make. I drill a 1 mm hole and use scrap silver wire to make a little eye. Put a jump ring on the eye to pass a chain through. I'd drill before tumbling. Check out this video to see how I drill and make eyes. th-cam.com/video/VDoZL4MiPgQ/w-d-xo.html
Not a cross, but other shapes. It works fine. Here are the videos: Tumbling Yooperlite: th-cam.com/video/5wiAY3vVFws/w-d-xo.html Slabbing Yooperlites: th-cam.com/video/xJUMoIpOhoo/w-d-xo.html Making Yooperlite Fridge Magnets: th-cam.com/video/ejpOt6Ru2jk/w-d-xo.html
None of the saws I used are being manufactured any more. The slab saw, which I didn’t show, is a Lortone ST-10. Lortone still makes saws, just not a ten inch version. The trim saw that I used is a Gemlap saw. The saw with the ramp is a Frantom. Neither of those companies are in business. Those are very old saws. The tumbler is a Lot-O. I got mine from The Rock Shed.
Good morning i have a couple of questions for you first i an still looking for a gemlap trim saw like the one you use here,,, but ran across this on ebay wanting to know it this will cut crosses the model number is jbfg tiny trim saw 4" blade johnson bros. with cast iron base. second question i have a rock that will not fit in my lot o tumbler was wanting to know on state 3 and 4 in my lorton 33b how longs for each stage, and how much grit should i use. thanks chad
I just looked up that eBay listing. I have never seen a saw like that. It's really interesting. It does look like the blade is centered vertically on the table, so it should work fine. The problem I see with it is that it's really, really small. You won't be able to fit a very big slab on that table. Look in the description of this video for the answer to your second question: studio.th-cam.com/users/videodYGFal0e1WY/edit
I just sent a picture of that saw to a friend. He said he owned one once but never used it. He said they're used with very thin blades by jewelers who are working with very expensive materials. Buy using a thin blade, there's less waste. He didn't think it would be a great lapidary saw.
I'm 79 yrs. old and always been fascinated by polished rocks. Thank you for presenting us with these tutorials
You're welcome, Elvin!
It's an honour to learn from you, and to hear what you do with the finished crosses, it restores my faith in humanity.
There are lots of good people out there, I'm trying to be one of them.
I watched this video and was admiring your passion and skill at lapidary art, then I got to the end and I had tears in my eyes! Thank you for doing this-I can guarantee that you have made an impact on many people’s lives. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas 😊
Gee, I didn't think I'd cause tears.
Wow, those came out great. Awesome colors. Didnt realize how much work went into it. Really great job. Was fun to watch. Great video
Crosses are some of the easiest things I make. Once you get used to making them, they're pretty easy to do.
What a wonderful thing to do with the rocks you acquire. The love put into each cross increases as it is passed along. Beautiful. Thank you also for demonstrating the vibratory tumbler. I noticed that you didn't add water except for a few squirts in the beginning, and that you're able to entirely fill the tumbler. Time for me to research vibratory tumblers! I'm a new rockhound and only have experience with a rotary tumbler and a tile saw. Ah, the endless possibilities of the hobby! Great video!
With a vibratory tumbler, you just want the rocks wet, no standing water. I open the barrel two or three times a day and add a few squirts of water if they're drying out. The 220 stage has to be watched the most carefully. There is more rock being removed and the rock dust dries the slurry out. I really like my Lot-O tumbler. I highly recommend getting one. Vibes use way less grit and finish rocks really fast. Most of my rocks spend a lot of time in rotary barrels for the first stage before going to the Lot-O, but the crosses go straight in.
@@MichiganRocks Great tip! Thank you! I'm going to look into that.
Thanks for sharing why and how you distribute your creativity.
Sharing your gifts is amazing and generous. Wishing you many blessings.
Fantastic gifts! If that doesn't put the Christ in Christmas, what does? That Unakite blew me away. Seasonal colors too. As always, great job and Merry Christmas to you.
I appreciate your videos and have probably learned more from you about lapidary work than from anywhere else. You do beautiful work. I was hand polishing a few stones and now have a trim saw and tumbler. Next is probably a cab / polisher to improve and speed up my hand work. I am close to retiring and want to do more of this as I have time. Thank you for sharing your talent. God Bless and Merry Christmas!
I apologize for the money I have cost you. Have you been to forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/page/rocktumblinghobby? That's where I learned almost everything I know. There are people there who are much more knowledgable than I am and are also very helpful. Merry Christmas!
Love this! My goal is to make my own Rosary and will definitely need a cross ❤️
I'd like to do that too. If you figure out a good way to make decent beads, let me know.
WOW, l am imprese what you do for the church. GOD BLESS you and your family
I watched this video last night and was happy to hear I could get some of these locally. I went to Alpena today and picked up a couple of these beautiful crosses at Olivet Book and Gifts. Thanks Rob. I'll be buying more, hope they don't run out before Christmas. I'm a nurse working at Compassionate Care in Alpena and I'm thinking of including these in a Christmas card for my wonderful clients.
I have some on hand here that I just took out of the tumbler. Mary always calls when she’s getting low. I should probably get a few more cut out. Thanks for the purchase!
This is a great video. I want to make crosses and discovered your video immediately. Covers all of my questions. I'm very impressed with what you do with the finished crosses. I'm going to make some necklaces for our annual church holiday boutique to sell. Proceeds go to local charities to help the poor. I like the idea of giving them out to carry during Lent. I may make some for our pastor to pass out to those having life problems. Great idea. I'll be making some for family and friends to carry during Lent also.
I have four in my pocket right now! I'm on vacation, but haven't found the right person to give any to quiet yet.
Bless you for making these for your priest and your bible study men and also having some available for people that would like to purchase one. They are really wonderful.
Thanks, Lyn!
Such a beautiful project, bless you.
FANTASTIC! You got big bucks sunk into your beautiful craft!! I want to be a fly on the wall!! Beautiful stuff...just beautiful! Thanks...
I don't really have that much money into it. Most of my stuff is used, so it's not as expensive as you might think. Plus I sell a few things locally that helps me cover my costs.
@@MichiganRocks Awesome! Good for you~! Shared this w/my nephew, who does an annual fishing contest w/Brad....
I found a great deal on a used model "J" although the arbor is below the cutting edge. I'm so glad I dug deep and found this video. I knew you explained this
The little ramp works well. I did all my cutting like that before I got this saw.
@@MichiganRocks I found it on Craigslist its been up for sale a while I hope they contact me back the seller lives just outside of Ann Arbor. I am sure they will not have a problem meeting at Zeeb and I-94. That way I can eat at Metzgers german restaurant a win win. You gotta know the place right?
@@ICEPICK7882 Nope, I haven't been there. I lived in Ann Arbor for four years of school, but I ate in the cafeteria, Taco Bell, or somewhere else within walking distance and cheap. The rest of my life I have lived in or near Alpena. When I travel, I prefer to go north.
I am in awe! Would like to learn and produce beautiful items like you. Now I'm looking forward to retirement!
I made this video before I retired. No need to wait, get started now.
So kind of you to give away the beautiful crosses!
Thank you for sharing, and for giving to those who need to know where their help truly comes from! Love your channel!
Thanks for watching!
Just found you on youtube. Great info! Am using dad's estate funds to set up my rock workshop. He would have approved.
I'm sorry you lost your dad, but I'm glad you're doing something he'd approve of with your inheritance.
What a great use of the rock and your time. great job.
Great video. I continue to learn a lot from your presentation formation. Was just wondering what brand of saw you use to make the clean 90 degree cuts. Thank you.
It's a GemLap. They're not made anymore though.
Beautiful just beautiful. Love them. I thought how soothing to have one in your pocket. Good man.👍
Thank you. Love your videos. Very well done and loads of information
You're welcome!
So glad we don't have to worry about your fingers lol! I watched the turtle video and flinched a lot lol.
I just finished up a video about saws and fingers so I don't have to explain that every time and so people don't have to worry. I have a few videos made ahead, so I'm not sure when it will be released.
I look forward to viewing it when it is complete.
I just got 4 of your crosses in the mail from Oliver. Beautiful! One question. Do you ever drill a hole at the top, either before or after polishing so they can be used as a pendant?
Hi Paul. I just mentioned your name in Agate Dad’s video because I agreed with your comments on agate polishing. I can’t imagine spending that long polishing one little rock.
Thanks a lot for buying some of my crosses. I didn’t even know if they mailed them out or not. I have drilled other things similar to that and glued in a small eye for a pendant. There’s a video I made about a pendant I made for my son where I did that. I also drilled a hole in a Michigan shape for my sister in law to wear as a pendant. I use a Dremel in a drill press with one mm diamond bits. Then I shape my own eye from silver wire and epoxy it in.
The crosses you bought would be ones I made in this video. They were completely out when I made this video, and all of these went there, so I know that for sure.
Great video is the one about the puddingstone coming that new way to tumble pudding Stone really looking forward to that one
Yes. That was supposed to be out today, but something came up and I didn't get it finished. The rocks will be out tomorrow and I'll definitely have a video posted next Friday. Sorry to make you wait. Several people have asked about that one.
@@MichiganRocks very cool. love your videos
My LOT O finally arrived! I have painted my concrete block and am wondering if just the self-stick adhesive will be enough to keep it secure for the long haul. It looks like yours does not have any thing extra added. Have you ever had any problems with it coming loose from the block?
I just used the included double sided tape and have never had any problems. It's been stuck to the block for about ten years now. You're going to love that machine. I have a second one ordered for myself.
Very nice. I appreciate the tip with the ramp for the saw
Yep, the ramp is very important for most saws.
Nice setup, beautiful work- Lovely that you give them away. The energy and intention that you put into them travels to those in need, and gives them a reminder in stone that God is always there.
Thank you for sharing all this! Good Luck!
You're welcome!
This video came up and it is of interest to me because I cut a lot of slabs and was looking for a rather "simple" design to use up the slabs that probably would otherwise never get used. I do not have a vibratory tumbler and am wondering if you have ever taken the stone crosses to polish in a rotary tumbler. Perhaps if the time in the tumbling stages was limited to 3 or 4 days. Any thoughts?
I haven't tried doing shorter runs in a rotary, but I'd be afraid that they wouldn't get a good shine. I think the best plan is to run them in a vibratory tumbler. If you want to see the difference, look at this video. I shows crosses made of the same material run in a rotary and a vibe. You might not mind how they look when done in a rotary. th-cam.com/video/5V33xUTkmRM/w-d-xo.html
This guy’s channel is fantastic, 🏴
Gee, thanks.
Love your crosses! It's nice what you do with them too.
Great thing you do with the crosses. We dont know how something so small may affect someones life in big way,,,
I hope that happens with a few of them.
Thanks again, you can see I am working my way through your videos. I have a quick question again if I may. I have the Hi-Tech diamond 6" trim saw. I use it to cut and trim smaller rocks. I tried cutting a symbol before I watched your video and experienced the deeper cut on bottom due to arbor sitting below table. You said to build a ramp so the blade hits at a 90 degree angle. I can build the ramp but how do I know it is going to hit at 90 degree? Would I buid it at a 45 degree angle or just have to play around with it to get the 90 degree?
Taking some measurements and doing a little math will help. If you aren't great at math, I guess you could always do it by trial and error. What you want is the top of the ramp to line up with the center of the blade. I hope that helps.
Beautiful work, both with the stones and reaching out to your friends and neighbors. Two things I have got to do now, buy a vibratory tumbler and go to Michigan and find some of those rocks!
This will work fine with other kinds of rocks too, but Michigan is a beautiful state to visit. There's a link in the description for The Rock Shed if you decide to buy a vibratory tumbler. They usually have the best prices. I really like my Lot-O.
I love your videos, and have learned so much! Thank you! Have you ever tried making a cross from petrified wood? Im thinking of giving that a try to give as gifts this Christmas. 😊
No, but it should work fine.
That is certainly a blessing to others.
Thanks, that was great. I love that you give them a way to your brothers.
Hello from Danmark. I love your channel. I’m very new in tumbling rocks but I’ve watched a lot of your videos. I love the little crosses and hope to be able to make some myself. Getting a proper saw here is unfortunately not very easy. But someday 😊 thank you for some great advise in your videos.
If you can't find a lapidary saw, you could always use a tile saw. That will cut rocks with no problem, but from what I've seen, they get you very wet compared to a good lapidary saw. For that reason, they're best used outside during the summer.
@@MichiganRocks thank you very much. I’m gonna try with a tile saw then. Right now I’m just trying to get a shine on my first ever batch of beach rocks ☺️
@@lindaquistgaardchristoffer3527 Good luck!
Very interesting the way you explain to us about the security and the way how to cut the stone keep it up.
It's nice if you can avoid the mistakes I made. That's the point of an instructional video I guess.
Thank you. Do you suggest a max size of rock crosses?
I think mine are about an inch and a half. I think that's a good size. I think of them as pocket crosses, so much bigger would be too big to carry around in a pocket. If you want to use them for something else, I don't see a reason to limit the size.
Beautiful! I wish I had some of the great lapidary equipment you have... maybe some day.
CplSki USMC most everything I have, except for my tumblers, was purchased used. I have some money invested, but I bought stuff gradually over several years. The saw in this video was given to me and it cost me about $150 to fix it up. I think I paid about $300 for the saw with the ramp. Not super cheap, but not nearly the price of new saws. The old ones were well built too.
is it possible to make a cross if I only have a dremel?
@@olemorningstar3107 I have a Dremel and a couple of diamond bits, but it would be time consuming and tedious trying to do something like that and I don't think the end product would be what you were looking for. I've worked with agate with just hand tools and it's very difficult.
@@CplSkiUSMC Thanks for the answer
How do you cut the rocks into slabs ? An can you do it with a tile saw ? I absolutely love it !
A lot of people use a tile saw to cut slabs. It might be a little difficult to get your cuts parallel, but with some practice, I think you could do it. You can see my saw in this video: th-cam.com/video/Xms841Zo8Vo/w-d-xo.html
You have inspired me to try lapidary. Love your saw. What is the make and is it loud and messy when you cut rocks?
It's a GemLap, it's pretty loud, and it's no longer made, so you'll have to find a used one. It was made in Ferndale, Michigan.
@@MichiganRocks Thank you.
What a lovely gift and how you share them.
I like making these and sharing them. I also sell some, so they're not all given away.
those are beautiful! thank you for sharing
Very nicely done ... Thanks for sharing your procedure! A question, if you will, what kind of cutting fluid do you use in your saw? Thank you very much.
I use plain water in that saw. I used to put in an additive made just for rock saws, but it was kind of expensive. It's supposed to make your blade last a little longer. I don't know if it saves enough blade to pay for itself though.
In my slab saw in the garage I use mineral oil.
Thanks for the prompt response - Interesting - I purchased the exact same saw that you're using from GemLap Equipment - Ferndale, Michigan a quite number of years ago. Liked their 90 degree cut shoulder design. It will be the saw I'll be using for this application. Not sure what I'll use as lubricant as I noticed that plain water makes the outline easier to see. Thanks again!
@@kiotipass That saw is really great. I just bought another one a couple months ago as a back up saw in case something happens to this one.
Thanks for sharing your work and faith!
Awesome video. Incredible the step by step you provide in your videos. Do u have similar video on how you make the turtles
Of course I do. In fact, I have a short version and a long version.
Short: th-cam.com/video/2MVTZq0DQew/w-d-xo.html
Long: th-cam.com/video/DIOBskqTRDc/w-d-xo.html
Watching this a few years after the first time. I knew you had some sort of “jig” for your trim saw so that is cut on a 90. Are there specs for the jig?? Thanks
The jig is just a ramp that has a slot in it for the blade. You would have to make a different ramp for every saw. The only thing you have to do is make the top of the ramp point toward the center of the blade. It's like the radius of the circle.
Great video Rob! Thanks a million!
You’re welcome, Spencer. Are you going to make some?
@@MichiganRocks
I would love to but can't for a while. My wife Sandi and I began RVing full time in May. I'll be able to do some work when we get back home, but that may be a couple years. For now I'm only able to collect 😁
@@spencerpearson3688 That must be a fun way to live. I think I would like that, at least for awhile. My wife wouldn't enjoy it so much though.
@@MichiganRocks
It's definitely different but we're really enjoying it. We've seen some beautiful country in the boundary waters area of MN and the UP and mitten. Currently in Anchorville on the north end of Lake St Clair. Part of the enjoyment is probably due to being retired from work.
Speaking of work, are you still teaching?
@@spencerpearson3688 No, I retired last summer. My wife worked her thirtieth year from home last year and then retired this spring. The school just called her and asked her to come back, so she’s in the other room working again. It was nice while she was retired for three weeks this spring.
I like your jig on an angle to keep the blade 90 degrees from center. Cut the ends then the inner corners, just saying it so it sticks. Thanks for the tutorial!
You're welcome, Nicolas.
How do you determine the thickness of the slab for the design you have in mind? Thanks for giving thorough answers to all questions asked on your site. The teacher in you shows.
I cut almost all of my slabs 1/4 inch thick. For guitar picks, I cut them much thinner, of course.
Good morning i just bought a beacon star 10" trim/slab saw. arbor is above the deck the last owner was usinf baby oil to cut rocks. is that ok ? if not what shoud i be using and also how much liquid should i put in the tank? thanks chad
Baby oil is mineral oil with scent added. I use mineral oil in my slab saw, but I use water in my trim saw.
Add water or mineral oil until the bottom of the blade is covered about 1/4 inch. As long as the blade is flinging water or oil around, it should be enough.
Excellent video. Really interesting how the are made! When you hand them out to you tell people how long it takes to make them? Kind of a reminder how good things take time and faith.
I don't tell them how they're made unless they ask.
If I have 12,000 grit polish. Can I skip the 1,200 polish?
Can you use a regular tumbler or have to be vibratory? Would other shapes work in a regular tumbler?
A rotary tumbler is good for shaping and rounding rocks. That's nice for just tumbled stones, but not good for shapes that you would like to stay that shape. That's what vibratory tumblers are really good at. They shine things up while retaining their original shape. So you would want to use a vibratory tumbler for any shaped rock or cabochon, not just crosses.
I am trying to get my son to make some of these. Do you have dimensions for the wood jig? Both of his saws are not the 90 degree ones.
No, because you have to make it to fit your saw. Just make it so the top of the ramp points toward the center of the blade, like the hand of a clock. In other words, the ramp top should be along the radius of the blade. It just needs to be close, not perfect.
Hello. I have a question. How should I tumble sea shells from California? They are thick. Thanks for the info
I don't know. I have some shells that I want to experiment with, but I haven't done that yet.
They are awesome, where can i find that tumbler?
The Rock Shed sells them, but they've been out of them for awhile now.
Lol! The corners. Every time I screw up, somebody out there likes it better that way. It took me years to accept that many of my screwups were really prototypes.
Screw ups are usually good learning experiences. I think it's better to think of them that way.
Absolutely love this video
I'm looking to buy that vibration tumbler. I'm having difficulty finding one.
I've also heard there is a dual barrel as well... would you have any information?
I buy all of my tumblers from The Rock Shed. They almost always have the best prices. Everyone seems to be out of tumblers right now because of COVID. I would not suggest getting a double Lot-O. I have a lot of rotary tumblers running rocks in the first stage. Even with many barrels running, I can’t keep one Lot-O barrel fed. You have to have both barrels full, so I would not want more volume to keep fed. rockshed.com
@@MichiganRocks thanks for being helpful
Great video. I learned a lot just by watching. Got my Lot O Tumbler and just picked up a used MK Diamond Tile Saw last night. Got a feeling I am going to have to wait to January to use them. Can't wait.
Make sure you mount that Lot-O to a concrete block. I filled my block's holes with concrete too. I hear that the newer ones don't have a deep hole in the bottom. Mine did have a hole that trapped pieces of ceramic. It was a pain to dig them out every time. I filled the hole with epoxy and it has lasted for years. No more digging out stuck ceramics.
If you haven't watched my crazy lace agate video, I recommend it for learning to use your Lot-O. If you follow my basic recipe, it's hard to mess it up.
love your videos and what you do! I'm curious to know what areas you studied and for how long to be so knowledgeable on so many stones and the formation of them. Also love how you represent Michigan with your fashion sense... That Oppe Tshirt is awesome. I'll refer to you as the Oppe Stones guy from now on! True Michigander! Happy Holidays from down in Oakland County!!
Nichole Sasser ha ha! I guess I should have tried that shirt on before buying it. Having the C and the R in my armpits isn’t ideal, but when I pretend to be an airplane it looks great. Oh well, no one ever accused me of having fashion sense anyway.
I don’t have any geology training at all. I don’t remember even learning about geology in a junior high or high school science class. Therefore, I’m not very good at the subject at all. I have a couple books on Michigan rocks that I refer to, but that’s about it.
@@MichiganRocks Hahaha that's too funny! you can pull it off as a Michigan thing if you keep your arms down and write sorry right underneath it. I recently had an out of state friend tell me everyone she'd met so far out here says it constantly, now that I'm aware of it I counted myself in one day and realized that we do.
Well for having no formal education you deserve even more kudos. You could pass as a geology teacher I'm an amateur and you've taught me alot of things those must be some good books! I'd love to give them a read. Do you know of any areas around me that are good spots to hunt? you seem to know a lot of awesome places but unfortunately its all really far from here. It'd be a 3 or 4 day trip for me to get in good time. Any tips would be great!
good morning i have a question, i have a mjr 18# tumbler (ie 3 6# barrels) i have gone through 4 of them they keep getting holes in the bottom i was thinks is could fit a piece of rubber to glue to the bottom of the barrel. would you have any suggestions? thank you
PVC barrels are going to wear out a lot faster than rubber barrels. I have never used one, but that's what I've read. You could try what I did here: th-cam.com/video/FgNL9ws4AS8/w-d-xo.html
Is there a reason Borax wasn't used with the first Tumbling Session /68-80+ grit and dawn dish soap? Beautiful Shine. You Sir Are A Master At Polishing. We've seen other videos on your You The Tube Channel.
I don't use it in my rotary tumbler, although I've been talking to someone recently who uses it in all stages. She seems to know what she's talking about, so I'm going to start trying it. I also don't use it in the first stage in my vibratory tumbler because it makes the slurry a little too thick.
Can I do this with a regular Chisel by any chance?
No. That would have no chance of working.
You could do it with a tile saw. Those can be pretty affordable if you find one used. Some people buy one for a remodel project and then sell them when the project is done.
God bless you ... for the tutorials and your good deeds
Thanks!
When you run your lotto 2 or 3 days in a row, do you change your grit out everyday. For example if you have to do a three-day run in your lotto, do you everyday clean it out and add new grit after day 1 and after day 2 and so on?
You have asked this same question on about three different videos. I answered it on one of the other ones. Asking once should do the trick. I don't miss many comments.
@@MichiganRocks sorry 😐
the ramp is a brilliant solution
Making it Matters I can’t take credit for the ramp idea. I agree that it’s a great solution to the problem though.
I loved your video. I would like to try this but I don't know any thing about vibrating tumblers. would a five pound metal vibratory tumbler work? I cant afford a lot o tumbler. Harbor freight has one on sale. Ore can you suggest some thing else better that does"t cost allot. I think its great that you donate the crosses to your church. Good idea. I would like to do that if I can make them.
Tumblers made for tumbling things like brass for reloading are not made for the weight of rocks. The hoppers are also not designed for abrasive grits like silicon carbide used in tumbling rocks. I haven't heard much about Harbor Freights vibratory tumblers, but their rotary tumblers do not get good reviews. I've read of some people who keep them running for a couple of years, but there are also a lot of people who report them breaking after just a batch or two of rocks. I wouldn't buy a Harbor Freight tumbler at any price.
I'd suggest that you start saving up for a Lot-O or other quality machine. I really like the Lot-O, personally, but that's all I've ever used. Even if it takes a long time to save up enough money, I think you'll be happier in the long run.
Nice! I have so many finished projects that I don't know what to do with. You're doing it right.
Quick question: Doesn't the mist settle on horizontal surfaces, covering everything in dust? I want to move some equipment indoors for the winter but I worry about contaminating my home.
Thanks for the vids!
Not as much as you might think. Right around the saws, I have to wipe it up, but it doesn’t affect areas much farther than that.
Amen! Thanks for sharing.
Hello there. This is Chad west I just won a 18# tumbler from mjr ie it has 3 6 pound barrels. My question is how much water
How much rocks
How much grit
Any knowledge would be appreciated. Thanks
Fill the barrel about 75% with rocks. Then fill with water to just under the first layer of rocks, maybe an inch below the top of the rocks. If the barrels are six pound barrels, I'd use 6-8 tablespoons of grit.
Thank you
Great gifts 🎁
good thinking on that ramp!
I can't take credit for the ramp idea, but it is a good one.
Thank you for sharing. How you make your beautiful crosses. Do you ever sell your work. You and family have a wonderful weekend.
I sell some at a local gift shop. The link to the shop is in the description.
good morning i have a question i do not usually have rocks bigger than my lot o tumbler but here we are so i have a mjr 18# ie - 6# barrrels how much grit should i use or stages 3 and 4 and how much water in a 6# tumbler. thanks
Honestly, I have way more experience with my Lot-O than with the later stages in a rotary tumbler. My experience with finishing rocks in a rotary tumbler is almost all in three pound barrels. I usually just go with the same number of tablespoons as the barrel is rated for. So in a six pound tumbler, I'd just use 6 tablespoons. That's just my best guess, but it's someplace to start.
❤that looks relaxing ❤
I love it! Nice.
Muy bonito la piedra cruz 👍😮colores todos??? Gracias sorda Lety
¡Gracias!
I've Got another question. I just received a Lot - O tumbler I ordered from The Rockshed. I'm waiting for the paint to dry on the concrete block before I mount the tumbler. I've noticed on TH-cam that some have filled in the Holes, some haven't. I didn't, so I'm wondering if it really makes any difference. I appreciate your input.
I have mine filled in. I don't know if that was in the directions that came with the Lot-O or if I read it somewhere else. I have no idea if it makes a difference because I have never done it any other way.
If you decide to do it, it's easy. I just put it on an old piece of plywood, filled it with Quikrete and used another board to scape across the top to level it.
I think you're going to love that machine.
Great video. What saw is this?
It's a ten inch GemLap saw. They aren't made anymore though.
@@MichiganRocks Thank you!
Love your videos I have seen all of them. Have you ever found a Yooperlite in the lower peninsula?
I haven’t looked yet. I bought a cheap UV light, but I forgot to bring it with me last summer.
I live in Hessel and have looked around but no luck
@@codyb.7690 Oops, I just reread your question. I haven't looked in the lower peninsula either. That's also on my list of things to try. Someone told me that Petoskey stone fluoresce under UV light, but they didn't with my cheap light. I want to buy a better light to take to the U.P., so I'll try that on the Petoskeys too.
My family used to trailer our boat to Hessel every summer for the antique boat show. I love that place!
Michigan Rocks my daughter and I have been out a few times looking for Yooperlites, but only on Lake Superior. Yes, Petoskey stones and fossils will glow under a black light.😁 They’re more of a white, blue, or orange solid color, compared to the Yooperlites’ random, brighter color. Fun to find! Love your videos. Always love to ‘tag along’ with you, exploring.😊Thank you for the time and effort you put into your trips and videos! God Bless!🤗
@@littledabwilldoya9717 I'm getting more eager to get out and check out the Lake Huron beaches with a black light. I'll definitely bring my light to Lake Superior this summer too.
I was going to ask what you did with them.... I would love to have one but live in Indiana and am unable to make it up to your local shop that sells them. I love your videos and am learning so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Vicki Zeller I guess you’ll just have to make some yourself. Making them is half the fun!
@@MichiganRocks If only that were possible. I so enjoy your videos!
How did you determine the angle of the ramp to make it hit the blade at 90 degrees?
Just make sure the top of the ramp points toward the center of the blade, kind of like a spoke on a wheel.
@@MichiganRocks thank you for replying, and clarifying sir, I really appreciate it.
Happy hunting.. 😁
Nice tip there with the ramp.
Not my idea, but essential for cutting shapes like these.
Thanks for posting the video! Wanted to ask if the saw with the 90 degree angle is a wet tile saw or a wet diamond saw (is there a difference/is one better for shaping and cutting semiprecious gemstones)?
My saw is a lapidary saw, not a tile saw. It’s a Gemlap, which is a very old brand that is not made anymore. I have never used a tile saw, but it should do this job fine. The biggest problem with tile saws is that they tend to soak the user from what I’ve seen. I have several saws and some spray a fine mist. Wearing a vinyl apron takes care of that, it’s not much water. I use that saw inside with no problem except a quick wipe of the floor when I’m done. The saw in this video doesn’t get me wet at all, but the counter on either side gets a very small amount of mist on it.
Thanks so much for your reply! Appreciate the info!
Hi how hard would it be to carve a cross from a large quartz crystal ball? I wouldn’t do it myself though… thanks
It would be about that same as what I did here. The challenge might be clamping a sphere into the slab saw. You'd have to put some wedges in to keep it from turning as the vice moves forward through the blade. After it was slabbed, you'd cut it up the same as I did in this video.
@@MichiganRocks it’s a citrine sized about a typical “crystal ball”…. 30 years ago it was worth 700$ or so…. If I shipped it to you, would you be able to make crosses from it to give away?
@@IgivemylifetoChrist Nope. I don't really have time to do commission work. Plus, I think your crystal ball will be worth a lot more as it is than it would be cut up into crosses.
@@MichiganRocksI don’t mean commission, just a donation. I don’t want the ball to be used for new age stuff by anyone…what about one big cross that you keep for yourself?
@@IgivemylifetoChrist Oh, I understand now. That's not a project that I want to take on. I'm pretty busy making videos. Thanks for the offer though.
Those crosses in the Lot-O - were all the steps totally dry or was there some water in there? I've seen some of your videos where you used some water. Maybe you've changed your recipe over time.
The only thing I have tumbled dry was Petoskey stones. Everything else is wet.
Unakite make a great stone for crosses. Many rockhounds call it the "Christmas stone" because it has red and green. After watching most of your tumbling videos, I know Chert and Unakite are your two favorite Michigan stones for polishing because they have banding and don't undercut. Do you have any other Michigan stones that you like to tumble? Thanks for your excellent videos!
Jim K I tumble anything that looks cool. I tumble puddingstones, Petoskey stones, quartz, jaspelite, banded rhyolite, and probably a bunch of others that I’m not thinking of right now. But the two you mentioned are definitely two of my favorites.
Another question. Have you ever made crosses with any type of Obsidian? Being a softer stone, I was wondering how it would hold up.
I haven't, and I would be concerned about the softness and the tendency to chip. I don't think I've ever cut obsidian on my saw either. I'd worry about the sharp corners holding up in the tumbler.
@@MichiganRocks I'm wanting to do some squares and rectangle smaller pieces with various Obsidians for a lady in my Church who does stained glass and is willing to make a piece with polished slabs. I think I'll cut some pieces of more common Black Obsidian and see how they turn out in my new Lot-O. I've got some Snowflake and Apache Tears in it now using the Rockshed's recipe. Doing fine for now. Thanks for your input.
@@paulcarder8032 I hope it turns out ok for you. Obsidian is tricky, but I've had good luck in my Lot-O.
Damn! I did my first stone cross yesterday with a Dremel 4000 and a Diamond wheel on a 3mm shank. That cross being 6mm thick of Golden Lace agate took me about an hour! haha! No joke man. An hour! I need to get me this saw. Now I am looking for ways to put a bail on it, or maybe do a wire wrapping on it?
The rocks I'm cutting aren't quite as hard as an agate, but I can cut a cross out in a minute or two. I just make these as pocket crosses, but you could drill a hole in the top and put in a little eye pretty easily. I do it all the time for other things I make. I drill a 1 mm hole and use scrap silver wire to make a little eye. Put a jump ring on the eye to pass a chain through. I'd drill before tumbling. Check out this video to see how I drill and make eyes. th-cam.com/video/VDoZL4MiPgQ/w-d-xo.html
@@MichiganRocks Thanks so much!
So cool, those are beautiful
what do you do with the left over small pieces?
Nobody ever asks that. I wish they did because I have a two minute video with the answer. th-cam.com/video/EFcd3A_4yWY/w-d-xo.html
Have you done this with a yooperlite? I would love to have a yooperlite cross to keep with me but I'm afraid to cut and destroy my giant yooperlite.
Not a cross, but other shapes. It works fine. Here are the videos:
Tumbling Yooperlite: th-cam.com/video/5wiAY3vVFws/w-d-xo.html
Slabbing Yooperlites: th-cam.com/video/xJUMoIpOhoo/w-d-xo.html
Making Yooperlite Fridge Magnets: th-cam.com/video/ejpOt6Ru2jk/w-d-xo.html
LINKS: to machinery used please ?
or List of them, including the wet saw brands. Thank you.
luv the vids btw, very helpful.
None of the saws I used are being manufactured any more. The slab saw, which I didn’t show, is a Lortone ST-10. Lortone still makes saws, just not a ten inch version. The trim saw that I used is a Gemlap saw. The saw with the ramp is a Frantom. Neither of those companies are in business. Those are very old saws. The tumbler is a Lot-O. I got mine from The Rock Shed.
Good morning i have a couple of questions for you
first i an still looking for a gemlap trim saw like the one you use here,,, but ran across this on ebay wanting to know it this will cut crosses the model number is jbfg tiny trim saw 4" blade johnson bros. with cast iron base.
second question i have a rock that will not fit in my lot o tumbler was wanting to know on state 3 and 4 in my lorton 33b how longs for each stage, and how much grit should i use. thanks chad
I just looked up that eBay listing. I have never seen a saw like that. It's really interesting. It does look like the blade is centered vertically on the table, so it should work fine. The problem I see with it is that it's really, really small. You won't be able to fit a very big slab on that table.
Look in the description of this video for the answer to your second question: studio.th-cam.com/users/videodYGFal0e1WY/edit
I just sent a picture of that saw to a friend. He said he owned one once but never used it. He said they're used with very thin blades by jewelers who are working with very expensive materials. Buy using a thin blade, there's less waste. He didn't think it would be a great lapidary saw.
Send me an email, please. abramr@mac.com