Creating a Lapidary Well | Lapidary Beginnings

[@AgateDad]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any suggestions on my methods! Don't forget to subscribe to help support our channel kzbin.info

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

I have a comment but I thought of a hint for you. Watch Mark Ruiz work on fire agates> I think that is all he does and they are beautiful.

[@AgateDad]

LOVE Mark's videos! So good at what he does, I definitely need to go back and binge his videos!

[@Daryl-ht1pi]

Put a square of plywood on four 5 gallon buckets , spray some 3m sticky spray on the backside of the sanding sheets and stick them to the plywood , you can use a marker to label the different grits on the plywood , now you have one hand free and you can add more pressure while sanding , good luck ! Hopefully this is helpful

[@joeljeffery8704]

Great set up! Dust free. You did a fantastic job. When using a Dremel tool change the direction of the grind often. Back and forth then across that should eliminate your little divots. I use a large diamond cut off wheel, Amazon for a buck a piece. They have a large flat surface great for prepping your agates. Looking forward to seeing you progress. Thanks Taylor and have a great day.

[@AgateDad]

That's such a good idea, thanks so much! I figured that's where my errors came in, it's super fun learning this new trade though! Now I cant wait yo start polishing again!

[@pazamour]

I'll probably just lose a finger. I'm terrified of a tile saw so at least I'll avoid that!

[@DamiensFandMadventures]

@@pazamour I've learned from Agate dad that there's no need to be scared of the continuous type of diamond blade because they don't cut they grind so there totally safe to use and you won't lose a finger just bought my first saw so I'll be doing a video soon of me cutting some agate and other rocks can't wait and this video is awesome to learn how to polish

[@samlee2562]

The way you spent 12 hours polishing a little stone and are super happy about it is ADORABLE!!!

[@AgateDad]

Appreciate it 🙏

[@TreasureHuntingNana]

Thank you for showing the REAL things that can happen when beginning. It's nice to see instead of watching people that have done this for years and they make it look easy lol

[@AgateDad]

Yeah im definitely more of a realist and a show as I go kind of content creator! We are all learning together here ❤

[@anon5781]

A coincidence, we talk on ticktock and I had no idea I’ve been watching your KZbin vids to set up my lapidary/agate shaping station 🤣

[@rhondanorton3447]

I collect rocks that catch my eyes in the Adirondack Mountains. I love the different designs and colors. I don't have any equipment like you do. So no cutting polishing,etc. But I enjoy them in different containers around inside and outside my house. Love watching you do all this stuff and the results.

[@Tiggmuffin]

I'm so excited to try and polish some agate my friend sent me from Montana, she rediscovered a rare agate site that was lost in 2004 when the only elderly gentleman who knew where it was passed away. She does her own large scale lapidary work....im wanting to prove to here that the average collector could fix up a small piece.....im so excited to get started!

[@agateenchantmentrockwizard5969]

Good idea on using an enclosure to catch the overspray! Love that agate Too...Nice job on your video

[@AgateDad]

Oh thank you so much!! Really enjoyed using the well enclosure for this project and cannot wait to use it again. Hoping to get going again here in the next day or too!

[@Lindaraylong]

I think it came out nicely. It’s beautiful.

[@thirstfast1025]

$100 tile saw will make getting a flat surface to polish a breeze. Still, good experience! I've never tried polishing with the dremel, so this was neat to see!

[@MarlainaAtkins]

I second that! 🐺🐾

[@AgateDad]

I agree about the saw, my only thing is how am I suppose to control all that water inside my house during winter? That's why I went with the dremel, figured I could control it easier!

[@thirstfast1025]

@@AgateDad Tile saw would fit in that well. Could make it a multi-function station!

[@AgateDad]

@@thirstfast1025 hmmm might have to check into that for size, that would be cool!!

[@thirstfast1025]

@@AgateDad I measured mine, including the cord sticking out I got 15" x 10.5" x 8"

[@dr.kirstenharrison6540]

I'm newly obsessed with rocks and just got a Dremel and I love this idea!

[@patriciamckean4186]

Labor of love, life teaches us lessons. Still a beautiful agate.

[@shirleyrichards2514]

How interesting the stuff you use to polishing your Agate. Cool.

[@Lavendeer201]

Dude yess!! I've been waiting to figure out how to polish these for so long

[@AgateDad]

👍🤘🤘

[@trippingonrocks1165]

Yay, I got a dremel from santa and I wasn't to sure how to start. This is a cool set up, well done.

[@klairesprengel9335]

Tripping on Rocks i also got a dremel type tool from santa xx brill vid agate dad xx happy newyear from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AgateDad]

Oh awesome! Glad it can be of help and it would be fun to swap tips and tricks along the way!

[@AgateDad]

Everyone's getting hooked up with a dremel! Love it!

[@trippingonrocks1165]

I learn so much from everyone just sharing thier shed time and #thefinders has led me to so many pages of so many different hobbies and interests, such a great idea.

[@AgateDad]

@@trippingonrocks1165 it's been the same for me, found so many amazing channels! I'm glad it's working out like that for many people!

[@northwestrockgem9745]

I'll stick to my swiveling lazy boy camping chair in front of my 6 wheel lapidary grinder dual drum and two 12" stones w/lambs wool and felt wheel on either side splash shielding with a vacuum inside pulling the water into the wheels it works great! I'm 28 so I've been working on this for a long time about 9 years so far so thats a good start though! I like the motivation!

[@gutsman85_86]

So glad you got recommended! I've collected so many stones and have needed some incentive to start doing something with them. Your channel looks like just what I needed! I'm hoping to do more than polish them, but use the dremel to sculpt and just need help knowing what bits and techniques will work best. Thanks for starting this! I'm addicted already!

[@AgateDad]

So awesome! I agree, theres a lot to be done in this realm! It would be fun to make pieces for necklaces or bracelets or even rings...oh man now my minds racing!

[@gutsman85_86]

@@AgateDad I hope you get around to doing some things like that! My thoughts on gemstones always takes me back to the exhibit they have in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where they have a section of Vasily Konovalenko's Russian folk sculptures made entirely using gemstones like a painter would use his pigments. I'd love to do something like that eventually. Even if you don't go that direction with the channel, I'm positive I'll learn some valuable things to help. Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@AgateDad]

@@gutsman85_86 I would like to play around with a lot of different things, why not right??

[@ant-1382]

buy your bits at a tool store! don't buy Dremel brand bits you will pay way to much for them. the lapidary store will have some interesting bits that you can use, like tiny drills, and polishing buffs in bulk, to use with diamond paste for a super smooth polish.

[@TheMogjo]

So happy for you Taylor, you did a great job your first time. Right, I know relaxing isnt it. I am one that loves seeing progress in things, love shining boots, mowing lawns and even ironing. I see you were in the military also, thank you follow veteran!! Rockhounding and lapidary has saved me Veteran ROCKS PTSD Shantell

[@AgateDad]

Thanks so much bud! It really is relaxing, I was super nervous to start but then it just chilled me out, loved it! And I was so thank you! Thank you as well, I appreciate everything my fellow veterans have done! I'm so glad these hobbies have helped you out, makes me very happy! What branch did you serve in??

[@TheMogjo]

@@AgateDad Hey there, was in the Army 8 years

[@AgateDad]

@@TheMogjo well thank you for your service!

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

You are just a little bit ahead of me. I just started building my pans to hand polish in. You gave me a better idea. Good job all the way through. Havagudun Bud.

[@AgateDad]

I would like to see the setup you're talking about! Thanks for watching!

[@sarejen6868]

Nice setup! When I mess with my Dremel wanna be (a craftsman) on large stones I use an old mousepad to keep the stone from moving around. I use an old rubber garden hose to wrap the sandpaper when hand sanding, it helps save fingers a bit giving you something larger to hold onto. I've also used the small discs of sandpaper to help polishing, cut the sheet into the small circles with the backing that came in the dremel accessories kit. I would try a bright light to shine on or into your workspace. I use an LED gooseneck light that helps me see the areas I need to work on cracks, fractures, removing host rock etc. I'm not any kind of expert I just started playing with it this past August and I have a bunch of room for improvement! Loved your video great work!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks for all those great ideas! Anyway I can save the hands is a bonus lol I like the mousepad idea as well!

[@mitchellwebber3326]

Great introduction video! My wife and I just got into rockhounding. We are addicted to agates. We live in Washington state so we have been very successful. I have done glass etching for around 13 years and only just now (thanks to your video) have considered carving them. The agates we have found are just so beautiful in their natural state I hadn’t even considered changing them. Now that our collection has grown significantly I may be brave enough to take a crack at it! Great set up for dealing with dust and debris, I may take a crack at that also...lol. Great channel, glad I found you!

[@AgateDad]

That’s exactly how I feel, always hard to change them from their beautiful perfect state! Thanks so much for tagging along!!

[@fourtimezthru]

Oh man- thank you so much for showing us this. 😍🤩😍

[@timcarver5492]

Thanks for sharing. I have a tile saw so I may be able to avoid many of those high/low spots. Looking forward to trying it myself.

[@AgateDad]

Would love to get a tile saw, would be fun cutting open so many pieces!

[@samosdolphins123]

good set up!!! maybe would be a good idea to cut a square in the plexi so that you add a separate window you can pull it off it every now and then and give it a wipe when all the splatter makes it dirty every so often.

[@darynandersonproductions]

till looks great!

[@lauriebaker6608]

I’ve watched a lot of your recent videos. This one has been so fun to watch, to see how you started out. I’m also getting ideas now! I love your work, keep it up!

[@maiguapa8]

Awesome! I started rockhounding last year and love agates. I purchased a dremel last year and just learning how to use. I’m so impressed by your set up, specially when I saw the IV set up. I’m a RN and it all makes sense. I can use this, I live in a small apartment and it’s too messy already. Thanks so much. I also want to send you some of my fire agates from my recent trip to Saddle mountain in Arizona. I would love a sample of Lake Superior agates. One day I will come down to check out that side of the country. Great job, Agate Dad ! You, Rookie Rockhounding, Quest for Details, Crystal Collector, Me miner are my inspirations. I’m too shy to post my videos but maybe this year I will make that happen. Take care!

[@AgateDad]

That's the same for me, I started in may of 2019! And that sounds like fun! I have to admit, I am running out of quality agates from 2019 to send off lol I've been giving them away and I have a Mason jar that I will be giving away one of these days, hopefully once spring shows up I can start getting some serious hounding in! And if you have any questions on my setup feel free to email me, its found on the about section on my channel!

[@beverlyoliverrocks]

Very nice...I have a ton of rocks but have not cut or hand polished anything yet. I did run a few batches thru my tumbler. Maybe I will get brave. lol

[@AgateDad]

Thats how i felt, so scared lol now I'm cutting and can't wait to start polishing!

[@a1fresc0]

Thank you for showing the whole process! The "mistakes" are so useful, your hours spent with the sandpaper just saved me a few hours I'm sure. About to invest in a Dremel setup for polishing agates and currently deciding on what I need and why. It's a little daunting but this helps simplify things a lot. There aren't too many videos around of how people are using a Dremel for polishing agates so I appreciate your effort and time taken. Can't wait to get polishing!

[@AgateDad]

Happy to help! I actually just got a flat lap for polishing and thats a huge time saver, definitely worth checking out 👍👍

[@a1fresc0]

@@AgateDad I "saw" that 😆 maybe one day I can afford one, or perhaps I'll be sponsored too. Congrats btw, that's awesome

[@AgateDad]

Either way hopefully!

[@justafatbass4452]

Order some 2 inch diamond cutting wheels, they are perfect for smoothing out agates. I use an assortment of diamond wheels and bits.

[@AgateDad]

I have a tile saw now so it'll be a lot quicker and easier to smooth them out 👍👍

[@Mummaearth]

So this was where it all began? Good to see

[@AgateDad]

It was the start of lapidary lol humble beginnings!

[@GalXsea-Class]

Wow I love the view of each grit.great job.one of the best each step I have seen.thank you.great teaching moments.thank you again

[@AgateDad]

Of course thanks!

[@JOBAfunky]

Hey there, there are mandrels that can hold sandpaper that you can can use that would help.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks! Will look into that!

[@edtherockhound9944]

Omg I found a monster at the beach here in Massachusetts. I can’t wait to get my Dremel but for now I’m watching your videos best ones out there for learning etc

[@AgateDad]

Oh wow that is quite a compliment!

[@carportraits]

16:14 16:20 Thank you I am about to do something similar for the very first time and leaned a lot from your mistakes

[@KatyDidRocks]

What a great setup! I got the giggles picturing you posting a real-time video of you sanding that little rock for 10 hours... maybe with some dramatic music and closeups of your face, with grim narrative in the background (see Werner Herzog). You are a trooper to keep on powering through! Thanks for sharing your process. :)

[@thirstfast1025]

Get Ken Burns on the line! LOL!!!!

[@AgateDad]

Hahah that and sweat dripping from my forehead and an ice pack on my neck from staring down for 10+ hours 🤣 it was really fun though, rewarding to see the little bits being worked out and turning into a mirrored piece. Thanks so much for watching!

[@rockcrazygal5166]

Good for you, being ambitious enough to try this. I’ve also polished rocks by hand to make windows to see what I have. I’m always curious!

[@MegaSweetp2]

I have used both a rotery tool & diamond coated sanding pads to polish my stone. I am very new to this as well & I really, really like your idea for the container you did your polishing in. If you don't mind, I'm going to use your idea since I live in an apartment.

[@patriciaroysdon9540]

I am jealous. I wish I could do this, too. Have tons of fun, friend!

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

I sure liked your well. I see those sinks at auctions and I will be watching for one to use. Nice set-up. Havagudun Dad.

[@AgateDad]

Right on!

[@MarlainaAtkins]

Nice job Taylor! I started with a dremel and found it to be a lot harder and lengthy than I can stand. Haha! So I use it to shape the stones how I want them mainly. If you want a flat surface I agree with Thirst and would use a saw, or wet sanding discs. It'll really speed the process up. *TIP* Use a marker and mark lines on your stone in a cross secting pattern. As you sand/polish you will sand it off but it allows you to see places on the stone you may have missed or didn't sand enough. I REALLY recommend this! It helps BIG time! Happy polishing✨😎🐾

[@AgateDad]

That marker advice is genius!!! Will have to give that a try and I agree, other gear will speed things up but hard to do inside during winter months.. another reason I cant wait for summer!

[@TheMogjo]

Just thought of another idea that I have just tried, a wet stone for sharpening knives. I know sounds crazy but it does work to remove a lot of material. I just used a cheap stone that anyone can get from Harbor Freight. Woohooo yes the marker, is GREAT too, have used them myself

[@MarlainaAtkins]

@@TheMogjo 😯oooh I likey! Will have to try that thanks😎👍

[@AgateDad]

@@TheMogjo good idea bud! I have to try that marker idea!

[@benatchison6600]

Most awesome stone!!

[@AgateDad]

Heck yes!

[@stinkygraykitty6808]

Super cool setup! I'm gonna have to keep it in mind, it is really a great idea!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks so much! It was pretty easy and a super fun way to do it and control the dust!

[@jorgecinelli6706]

Muy buena tu idea,excelente,felicitaciones.

[@charlesjoseph4092]

Hey love your channel. A tip for getting a flatter surface is by using a diamond knife sharpener from Harbor freight. It comes with 200 300 400 and 600 grits. Works great for floating out to get a better polished surface.

[@AgateDad]

Good idea!! I just got a tile saw too which makes a quick flat surface 👍

[@ambkbero2]

Very creative!! It shows a level of dedication to your craft. Outstanding job!!!

[@CityRockhounding]

Good tips and lessons here. Thanks for sharing this experience. Very helpful. Thanks Taylor

[@yoopermann7942]

heres a friendly tip; spray your hand piece with WD-40 before and after use! it helps lubricate and stops it from rusting as fast. thank you for your tips ! great video!!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks bud!!

[@vlrose07]

What part should be sprayed? I don’t know anything about tools 😂

[@winnievanorden1]

Agate is such a tough material, but you did great for your first go-round. I quite like the wavy surface myself. Kind of a natural polished look. I see many new tools in your future.😏

[@AgateDad]

I do too lol going to be a very fun journey! Thanks so much for watching and the comment, it does have a fun look to it with the waves!

[@HeatherDDawnHowes]

That Well is badass and I been wanting to see the polish compound that came with My Dremel used So Thanks!! Beautiful Agates & Great Job shinning em up

[@GravelBarHopper]

Damn good for just sand paper bro! This is how I started polishing. Well done! If you have any questions just ask bud, I'm here for ya.

[@AgateDad]

Will do and thanks! appreciate it bud!

[@patriciawilliams4314]

Nice work Taylor, that is a lot of work. 🥰

[@AgateDad]

Absolutely it was! Thanks!

[@SRLGemstone]

It was information I needed right now. Thanks for the nice video.

[@AgateDad]

Glad it helped!

[@v7i5k2t5o7r]

🤝👍👍👍👍👍 Well done, my friend! Experience will come. Try turning the cutter along and then across to avoid grooves.

[@AgateDad]

Such good advice, thank you friend!!

[@v7i5k2t5o7r]

@@AgateDad 🤝

[@roxannsejkora1691]

I think that you did an AWESOME job for it being your first time! Like you said, you'll know to take more time taking out the divots, before you move on to the next size of grit. I think the more you do it, the better you'll get! Keep on keepin' on!

[@AgateDad]

Appreciate that so much! Itll be fun to see how much time I can cut with hand polishing by working with the dremel more, I'll have to time it haha

[@tinkerbellblue5142]

Thanks for sharing, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@AgateDad]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jaquelinepaul7384]

That is a Genius set up wow.

[@reiki11]

That piece would make an awesome cat sculpture!

[@jefftaylor8254]

I just did my own drip well and am faceting lake superior agates and am using stone grinding bits. I use green to orange to pink discs and have found they take out cut and grind lines very well while maintaining a level surface. This has cut my time carving by an extreme amount. As easy as the drip feed was to set up, I feel like a complete idiot not having utilized it years ago.

[@dawntiboni8319]

I have to say, Love the I.V. Bag for your water drip..... ;)

[@AgateDad]

It works!

[@virginiarocks]

Awesome! Interested in making my own!

[@AgateDad]

Do it!!

[@MsSandraCGL]

Beautiful

[@TheMogjo]

One thing that you could do, as I have figured out also, once done with the demel is jump back down in grit to like 60 or 80 before you start with the higher grits, will help in leveling things out. Even with the piece you have now done, you could jump back down to say 220 or even 320 they are not really aggressive promise, they are finishing types rated VERY FINE. The polished areas will not scratch a lot or at all. The change has happened in the rock makeup and even 80 would be hard to scratch it.

[@AgateDad]

That's a great idea and a breath of fresh air, I want to come back to this one once I get more practice and make it a perfect piece! I'll be anxious until then but itll be fun to come back to when I'm ready!

[@oakknobrocks1772]

Interesting design! I use an open-topped container and end up spraying water all of my basement when I drill ;)

[@AgateDad]

Yeah I was hoping to control water spray!

[@jessscagliotti2953]

You did a great job

[@thelandofgrace1653]

Mark Ruiz would be so proud 😁 Great job!

[@AgateDad]

What a conpliment!! Hes a legend!

[@thelandofgrace1653]

Mark's a very kind and generous soul. Just reach out to him via his facebook page regarding agate lapidary work. Mark and I are fire agate collectors.

[@AgateDad]

@@thelandofgrace1653 love fire agates!

[@ruksrocksandadventures.5800]

Love this set up, I was just thinking about building something like similar. 👍

[@AgateDad]

Do it!!

[@dietsanddieting1]

Love the set up

[@larryheuston7056]

Awesome video and a great set up !*!*!*! Looks friggin great, way better than my first polishing try, lmao

[@AgateDad]

Man I'm excited to get 5 polishes in and look back and laugh at what I'm doing now lol hopefully itll be better then!

[@narrator6171]

Thank you for this video. I would love to set up a sink like this...likely have to be in a bathroom though as there is no water in my garage. I think it would be great to see videos on ideas for home-shops-innovations. Also I am unsure of when to use a mask/respirator/nothing (eye protection always).

[@AgateDad]

I would play it safe and wear a mask at all times. Not going to hurt when it comes to silicosis risk

[@josephgirone3081]

Great job! You will continue to improve your skills and see that "nothing ventured - nothing gained." Rocks are beautiful, keep up the adventure. You may also want to check out "Rookie Rock-hounding" and "Black Opal Direct." Looking forward to seeing more.

[@AgateDad]

Who's Rookie Rockhounding?

[@josephgirone3081]

Rookie Rockhounding is an Australian guy who loves to rockhound and cut and polish his rocks. Good guy.

[@AgateDad]

@@josephgirone3081 I'm actually familiar with who he is, I was just teasing you a bit. He's actually been in the the intro to a few of my recent videos lol

[@josephgirone3081]

LMAO! I don't watch all videos. But it's good to know that someone like him is appreciated. I know that you are as well. i will pay more attention to the intros. Have a great night and stay safe brother.

[@AgateDad]

Ohhh no worries my man! I get that its hard to watch every vid and every second, I would never expect 100% from everyone, its impossible!! And he's greatly appreciated! Thanks Joseph 😊

[@sheenaritter26]

I have a rock vibrator that I use. It takes some time cuz u gotta buy the rock polishing grit ( which comes in 4 stages). 3 days on each stage and u got a whole bunch of polished rocks. U can get the grit on Amazon. U could also buy a rock tumbler and do it that way it just takes a little bit longer. I use my rock tumbler on the first stage if I have a lot of sharp pointy rocks cuz it will shave those points down then throw them in the rock vibrator to finish polishing them. The vibrators are a little spendy but totally worth it

[@marilyngianadda1661]

Look like a cicada ❤

[@pedrabonitapedraspreciosas]

Congratulations on the video friend ... I found it very didactic and for your first time polishing the result was very good. I want to start here by polishing and cutting here too and I will use some ideas from you. 😅 if you can make more videos with this idea ... thanks so much for sharing 🙏💎👍

[@AgateDad]

I plan on making more! Good luck with your lapidary projects!

[@pedrabonitapedraspreciosas]

@@AgateDad thanks my friend... 🙏💎 Good Year for us....

[@shanannahgins]

For spigot, you could always use n old detergent dispenser so you don't have to build one...

[@johnnysalazar1552]

Ive been at ot for 3weeks learning so many ways to polish rough diamonds and its alot of trial and error.i find it better woth the180 grit dremal sanding disks .and brasso for polish with a small dap of tooth paste it finaly gave me a mirror fire i was looking for. Now on the other one i screwed it up lol . Love the show. See if you can show how to polish rough diamonds . Cause its not easy

[@symonsheppard5519]

Nice set up. Just one observation , using rotary tools is fine but the smaller the bit the more it will follow the contours. The best guide for polishing is when you removed the scratches and it's all the same colour start the next grit, repeat the process , every time you are making the scratches finer until you feel ready for the polish. Polishing can be done in a tumbler, with plenty of plastic filler they will come out fine. Using cerium oxide , which is the only reusable medium in polishing rock , it is better making a paste and polishing on a slower speed, the block of red is called jewellers polish, French red or rouge ( forgive the French grammar) jewellers rouge is what it I have always known it as , not suitable on all surfaces. Moral, if you want flat you need a larger flat area than the rock you are polishing, diamond discs are perfect but two points you must be aware of, firstly if using a single metal disc like I do, it needs a backing plate so there is no flexing. Secondly , do not use excess pressure or you will reduce the life of the disc. Caution, if your aim is becoming a burglar then carry on , if not and you intend keeping the skin on your fingertips, when you start use bigger pieces or dops, superglue is fine and removal is done by the freezing method , alternatively soak in water for several days but cold is a contributing factor. All in all , lessons learned which is a requirement as we all have our own ideas of a better way which I know very well is not true, the tried and tested methods are the best way that's why they are used, although I have possibly developed a method of tumbling in a much shorter time, still under trials and secret.

[@AgateDad]

Very good ideas and very true about the smaller the diameter. I didn't even think about that when going through the first time. That all has given me so much to think about for the next time so I am very thankful! I look forward to all the practice and hopefully producing the best products I can with these methods!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Dude! Hat off to you man! That first time on any tool, as you know from some of my attempts at things, is always a massive learning curve. It’s only the begging dude and I gotta say, rad result man. Keep that bad boy high on your shelf, you’ll be able to say to your grandkids one day, “that’s the first agate I ever polished!” I’d tried it a fair few years back and didn’t even come close to that result dude. I didn’t have a channel back then though so no one saw it. But man, you done well brother! And the well you made is perfect. There’s a dude called Mark Ruiz I think his name is. He does a lot of carving and polishing with a dremel I reckon he’d have some good tips too. Thank you for sharing man, like I said, it’s only the beginning 😉👊

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Beginning not “begging” 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@AgateDad]

He really is great, hes been super helpful in tips in the past few months. I'm still in need of a few pointers so I'm planning on going to binge his stuff! I'm hoping it gets easier as I go, I'm sure it will lol

[@judieahmed98]

Great video

[@AmericangypC]

I can’t wait to build my contraption, right now I just have shit flying everywhere. I do have mask and eye protection but I realized it still gets everywhere. Before I got my dremel I was wondering why u had the contraption, it seemed inconvenient but I get it now. Also I’m finding it hard to get the red polishing agent that came with dremel off my agate after I finish polishing

[@adventuregal9575]

Wow. Thats an awesome set up! I wouldnt have thought of it. I literally do every piece of mine by hand...sandpaper after sandpaper...and lots of elbow grease as they say... I like learning the hard ways of doing things. Your piece turned out great! Looking forward to more. Keep it coming!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks so much Tonia!! I've been meaning to watch your latest video too, I've been sick the last few days so I haven't been able to..tonight though, going to edit a video and then watch it!!

[@adventuregal9575]

@@AgateDad No biggy! I always have to find time to look at vids myself. I work a lot. But I do enjoy watching your vids and rookies vids. Tomorrow I am hoping for an outside adventure while I have the day off!

[@AgateDad]

@@adventuregal9575 it is hard to find time to watch vids sometimes! Doesn't help when sick lol I'm just finishing up editing so I'll be checking it out very shortly!!

[@Mykaldar]

I have had a Dremel for a while. I came across your channel and am inspired to polish up a few stones I have. I'd like to know if you can tell me how you know it is time to go to the next grit of sandpaper? I'm one of those people who would love to see a video of how to choose when to move on to the next grit and about how long it takes from start to finish. If you can answer these then thank you very much!

[@AgateDad]

Are you thinking of hand polishing?

[@Mykaldar]

@@AgateDad Since I'm just getting started to see if this is something I'd really enjoy, yes. I haven't found the finer grit sandpaper for Dremel anywhere.

[@paulcarder8032]

Living in Central Illinois, no hunting great states around here,so I have to purchase them. The only rocks I hand polish are Petoskey Stones because they are way too soft to tumble. What I do if I want a polished face on a Lake Superior or other agate is slowly cut the face flat, or even into a slab, on my tile saw, then tumble them. Way too hard to hand polish. The slabs show the patterns the best and let the light shine through. All just my opinion. Wish I had the Agate hunting grounds you have!

[@AgateDad]

Good ideas! I agree, very hard to gand polish but I'm learning tricks to make it go a bit faster. I also dont have a tumbler so I'm stuck with this process for now!

[@paulcarder8032]

@@AgateDad If you ever want to give tumbling a try. Look for Harbor Freight's 20% off coupons, or their occasional 25% coupons. Their single barrel tumbler is $44 and their double barrel model is $54. With the coupons make it's tumblers even lower and affordable for everyone. I've got 4. The Rockshed has the best prices on grit, tumbling media, and polish. Trim up your Agates with the Dremel, put them in the tumbler and save your hands. My routine for harder stones like Agates 4 or so weeks in 80 grit, 1 week each in 220, 600, and 1000 grit. Then 2 weeks in polish. Voila! beautiful, shiny Agates. 8 to 9 weeks is a long wait, but worth the wait. If you want to watch a great tumbler on KZbin, check out Reiki Gem Wellness videos. Shannon has the best tumbling videos on KZbin. Again just my opinion. I impatiently wait for warmer weather so you can make more rockhounding videos. Thanks for your efforts.

[@AgateDad]

@@paulcarder8032 will look into that! My thing with the tumbler is the impatience to see it turn out lol I would love to go that route though, I love how they turn out in tumblers

[@veronicaperkins8315]

Beautiful 😍

[@ant-1382]

Those finer grits can be purchased at an auto body supply store, cheap! Get a flat polishing buff for your Dremel, and some rubber glue. cut out rounds from your sand paper attach them to the pad, and away you go. Hand sanding whoa, It's 2021!!! The results will amaze you!

[@paigelee6321]

Interesting haven’t seen anyone use a Dremel tool for this funny your using a I’V style bag for water , thank you 😊

[@kimwilliamscarmer518]

A general question, wanting to display rocks found on Lake Superior. In my opinion they are more interesting / attractive when wet. What would you suggest displaying them in so they don’t become slimy or green.

[@AgateDad]

Without having oil on them (dusty) or polishing them, it sure how to avoid the slime.. maybe in an air tight container? Idk

[@Bunnygaming-cx2ny]

Can we use electric mini drilling machine in wet stone????... What about the current

[@keykey1401]

Where do you get your grinding and ither bits friend? And do you use cold water or just normal water? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@vlrose07]

The IV bag is GENIUS!!! Where can I buy this? Or do you know the average cost I’m seeing so much mixed stuff online! Do you have to order the tube part separately? TIA!

[@fredharms8879]

I have a question that I haven't found an answer to. What happens if you touch your finger while working the stone? Does it cut, grind, injure?

[@AgateDad]

Its weird, with those diamond bits it just kind slides along it, im sure if I pressed it hard enough it would give me a "rug burn" like injury.

Beautifil video

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@harlanmorrisson6490]

Your getting a great polish and really earning it. You might want to consider getting a Diamond wheel from an E-Bay seller named Jade Carver. A 6 in. wheel X 1 in. wide runs about $35.00. Find a motor, used, from Minnesota lapidary Supply and you can cut many hours off your time. Minn. lapidary is run by Val Carver and he has a pretty good supply of used equipment on hand . Harley Morrisson ( Agatemaggot ) on the rock tumbling Hobby forum , you might want to check that group out, they have members from all over the world and there are specialists in just about every phase of lapidary work. Anyone with an interest in rocks will fit right in and joining the group is no charge, just a working E-Mail. You can get into the forum and LURK for a while ( to check it out ) but cannot post without the E-Mail if you join ! Keep on rockin, Harley Morrisson, Waterloo Iowa

[@AgateDad]

How can you find the forum?? Can you email me [e-mail]

[@shanellemarieduecker8859]

How can I find the rock forum?

[@elvis_ismyking530]

I need help polishing flat slabs of different stones..agates, Jasper...any recommendations? I tried a tiny dremel polisher it was not good!!! Too small...need cheap!

[@danmills7858]

Great video! How does the plexiglass affect your ability to see clearly? I’m currently a big fan of labradorite, and have a few large pieces polished on two sides, but I’d like them all to shine the same, do you have any thoughts on trimming down the rough parts of the stone, and than getting the entire rock to shine the same throughout. Thank You! for your video! God Bless

[@treasurehuntingscotlandmud9340]

enjoyed the video

[@AgateDad]

I’m glad!

[@LawofMoses]

Hey Bro, you should have a look at Jared's rookie rockhounding vids and see the grinder pads I got him using, they are so much easier than hand polishing. You can get them for under 90 dollars in the hardware stores. Hey its all good, your video is great. I think you would love a 50 dollar tile saw and the diamond pads, it is so much easier on the body. I am physically not well, injured years back at work and so have to learn how to do it the smart way. I think a tile saw could fit in the wash tub. In the future a perhaps better design for the plexiglass on top would be to have it on a piano hinge or a couple hinges so you can open up to clean and to put different pieces inside such as a pad buffer. Actually you could perhaps mount a buffer on the side of the tub your working in and have the pad on the inside. Hey thanks for the ideas😉 #thefinders

[@AgateDad]

I really like his set up, my only thing is I can't have silica water spraying all over in the house and it's a winter wonderland outside the house haha but that set up is something I would love to get down the road!

[@LawofMoses]

@@AgateDad You can actually set up an angle grinder in your tub set up and it would be fantastic. Mount a grinder with a rubber feed bowl( for livestock). If you put the angle grinder or speed controlled buffer which is better under the bowl and then put the pads on it. Then you have a lap pad which is easy to work with. I have a wash tub like yours so I am probably going to set it up. I never thought of how you did it.

[@AgateDad]

@@LawofMoses wish I could see your set up to get some more ideas!

[@LawofMoses]

@@AgateDad none of our stuff has been set back up since we moved but maybe I will get around to it.

[@AgateDad]

@@LawofMoses well hopefully you can find time! I know how hard it is after moving!

[@hdnut4life2]

Hey Taylor great setup!! I just started tumbling and bought a dremel so I can prep the rocks, clean up divots, pits, seams etc etc. Less run time!! I'll eventually get into carving. So it's been a year since you posted this video. Is there anything you would've or have changed about the design of your homemade lap well, better bits?

[@rolintt]

At the 13:30 mark how fast was your Dremel set to? I see the Dremel you list in your Amazon store is variable from 5,000-35,000 which even at 5,000 seems super fast for using a polishing pad and polish.

[@AgateDad]

I honestly don't know, I can't remember that far back for that detail lol