Cutting and Polishing Minnesota Rocks

[@Paul8661]

I fell into a “KZbin” rabbit hole and discovered your channel. I’ve become a regular watcher and am now inspired to collect and polish rocks. This has been a wonderful experience to share with my five year old grandson. We search for rocks together and he looks forward to our weekly ritual of inspecting and recharging the tumbler. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to learn that he understands there is no instant gratification with rock tumbling and that it’s a long process. During our weekly inspection he has a good eye for imperfections and is quick to return rocks to the tumbler for another week’s grinding. I’m hopeful that we may have some completed rocks for him to enjoy by the time he starts school in the fall. Best to you, Paul.

[@MichiganRocks]

I love stories like that, Paul! I have also found that kids don't have a problem with waiting for rocks to finish. My son was better at finding imperfections that I was and was also quick to put them back in for another week. My teenage neighbor Sam is the same way. I always enjoy the process of tumbling and I think the kids do too. Thanks for sending the nice comment to tell me what you've been up to.

[@storytimewithunclebill1998]

Those came out really good. Must be exciting to slice open new rocks. You never know whats in them. Cool to see cooper in there. Amazing how much those rocks end up shining. Was fun to watch. Great video

[@MichiganRocks]

The copper was a fun surprise. I didn't expect that.

[@NurseMickiLea]

Fun to see rocks from where I hunt in MN all shined up! Thanks to you both for sharing!♥️♥️

[@SyntaxMSU]

Two of my favorite channels together! I love it. I suspect this is Taylor's attempt to convince his wife to let him buy a cabbing machine. "Look, hun! See how nice Rob made our stones look?"

[@MichiganRocks]

You've got to have a plan for these things.

[@samanthajoanna72]

I really enjoy your videos and it's awesome to see how many rock hounds there are out there!! I appreciate your quality videos and your willingness to share your knowledge.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying them.

[@Perfectionseeker1967]

I like that you and Agate Dad (Taylor) are combining your forces to take a closer look at some of this stuff! Thanks for your efforts!

[@MichiganRocks]

I had a lot of fun shining those up. It's different when it's for someone else. Plus, I got to see rocks that I wouldn't normally find on my own.

[@Perfectionseeker1967]

@@MichiganRocks :P I'd be more than happy to send you some of mine too. lol Take your pick/s from any of my Lake Superior "beach rocks"! You can keep a "slab" from every stone that you cut and polish for me!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@Perfectionseeker1967 Oh no, what have I started?

[@Perfectionseeker1967]

@@MichiganRocks lol

[@silkeeberle8484]

I watched Agate Dad unbox the Rocks and enjoyed it very much. What a fun Box you sent!

[@MichiganRocks]

It was fun to do those for him. I knew he’s appreciate it.

[@georginabuziak5110]

LOVE the mystery rock idea here.....and to see just what you can do with them is simply awesome......our precious earth gives us so many treasures....sometimes all ya have to do is look down!!!!! My rock collection is MASSIVE.......I have a small business (which I will not plug here) my late husband and I began almost 30 years ago....in down time right now due to major medical issues......but he and I created things using stones plus we sold tumbled and rough stones.....we also spent tons of money on estate sale rocks collections.......I have some condor agates that are to die for...as well as tons of other types of rocks! Large pieces cut in half..........rare pieces too........might have to start doing online auctions but it would cost a small fortune to ship so just not sure how to proceed......the struggle is real..........lol

[@MichiganRocks]

It sounds like you have a bigger problem than I do! My problem isn't looking down, I have to remember to look up once in a while. I just said a little prayer that you get healthy so you can get back to selling rocks. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@georginabuziak5110]

@@MichiganRocks Thank you so much for the prayer.....yeah I have the same problem....I'm always looking down.....I meant that comment for those who don't take the time to enjoy what is right beneath their feet : )

[@patriciamckean4186]

That was so nice of you, helping Agate Dad.

[@MichiganRocks]

That was a long time ago when he was just getting started.

[@MACorrupt]

That was so nice of you to do that I watched both of your videos. The community in the rockhound and culture is fabulous! I really enjoyed both your channels.

[@MichiganRocks]

From looking at the comments on Agate Dad, I think we have a lot of overlap. I enjoy Taylor's videos.

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

I just watched Agates Dads video. Now you cutting and polishing them. So interesting to watch with amazing results. Very nice of you to do this for Tayler :)

[@MichiganRocks]

I think we both had a lot of fun with this.

[@rosalindhendricks6337]

Enjoyed watching your experiment. All of your videos are “to the point” and give interesting info. Can’t wait until the next one.

[@PingerProspecting]

Rob, you sure can polish a rock. I really enjoyed the show. It was very interesting to see the inside of the rocks after you sliced them in half and shined them up. Thanks

[@MichiganRocks]

It's fun seeing what's inside. I'm glad you liked it too.

[@lilalightandlove421]

Great to see cooperation between fellow Rockhounds.

[@MichiganRocks]

It's nice to help out the new guys. Taylor is now doing all this stuff himself. It has been fun to watch him progress from complete beginner to where he is now. I also got to meet him in person last month. That sure was fun.

[@mamuanilutmang5148]

Inside is much pretty cool than outside. Amazing creature i can observe from you; thank you so much.

[@MichiganRocks]

You’re welcome!

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

I watched his vid showing your work. Beautiful! Thanks for doing that for him. Your a good guy. Havagudun Rob.

[@MichiganRocks]

I got at least as much enjoyment out of this as Taylor did. It's fun to see some different rocks, and fun to help another rock lover out.

[@LadyYoop]

Holy wha! I need to start counting the OMG's that come screaming out of my mouth! Too darn cool! Thank you!

[@paulcarder8032]

You did a great job on AgateDaf's rocks. I especially enjoyed the rocks out of the Lot - O tumbler. Rob you were right when you told me I would love my Lot - O.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's a great machine. I'm glad it's producing some shiny rocks for you.

[@karenpacker8862]

Always enjoy your beautiful rocks!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, but these weren't mine!

[@karenpacker8862]

@@MichiganRocks miswrote this but awesome job!

[@gwynnfarrell1856]

I recently started watching Agate Dad and watched a video a few days ago where he's picking up agates galore. I enjoyed watching you go through each rock and seeing the results. Great video!

[@MichiganRocks]

His most recent video on the more secluded beach was awesome. I would have stayed until the sun went down.

[@johnriceman3235]

Especially liked this vid because of the different methods of cutting and polishing used the different kinds of rocks i.e not just calcedony

[@MichiganRocks]

It's good to have a variety of methods for different situations. It didn't start out that way, but I've been able to slowly accumulate some nice used tools.

[@brendamariatuazon7444]

Amizing you find that all rock.

[@markreetz1001]

I believe there is a huge open pit copper mine near Duluth. They come by their copper honestly. I really liked those stones that were undercut in the tumbler.

[@MichiganRocks]

I didn't know there was copper there. My sister lives near Hibbing where it's all iron mining. Being from Michigan, I think of copper as coming from the Keweenaw Peninsula.

[@markreetz1001]

@@MichiganRocks You were correct and I was wrong. It is iron they mine extensively. I did read there are some big copper and nickle reserves, but are just starting to be mined. Sooo....Oops!

[@kimbain4368]

Even the rocks that you say are "undercut" and thus disappointing, I find to still be beautiful. They are part of nature and I think nature is beautiful in all its forms. And really, what is perfection? Does not everything in nature have some imperfections? Thanks for sharing. These rocks are lovely.

[@MichiganRocks]

They weren't a total failure, but they weren't nearly as nice as the rocks that tumbled well.

[@williamjohnson5777]

Great video! Nice results. What a gift box you sent Agate Dad! Nice job!

[@MichiganRocks]

I was sending a box his way anyhow, I thought I'd throw in a few goodies. I knew he'd appreciate them.

[@brennendow9341]

I appreciate the heck out of you! Thanks for putting these vids out

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. I appreciate all the people who watch them. It wouldn't be much fun if no one saw them. The comments are the best part.

[@silentmantra4924]

I think the Mossagate is beauuuutiful! 💙Thanks for this Video! :)

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, glad you liked it.

[@laurawoodruff3484]

Love this! Just watched his unboxing and really enjoyed your collaboration... I’m a big fan of the flat polish and leaving the rough side... you did a great job... big fan

[@MichiganRocks]

This was a fun project. It was fun seeing some different rocks and doing something a little different than I usually do.

[@cws333one]

Love the colab with agatedad. Great job with the cuts and polish!

[@MichiganRocks]

This was my first collaboration. I really had fun with it.

[@jtcowboy5518]

Always enjoy watching your videos.

[@virginiarocks]

Wow. Gorgeous! Wish I’d seen this sooner - missed it somehow.

[@MichiganRocks]

Better late than never.

[@wyomingadventures]

I love the porphyry( thank you auto correct) I subbed to Taylor while back when you talked about him. Anyway I love how you cut and polish rocks. Maybe I'm crazy but I like it when you can still see some of the cracks and dips on the outside of the rock.👍

[@MichiganRocks]

You're not crazy (at least for that reason). I like rocks to be perfectly smooth, but a lot of people prefer them more naturally shaped.

[@jbolf6]

Rob, those rocks really came out nice. I enjoyed seeing them.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@lylelay]

You get an excellent polish! Wish I could get'em that good. I've done a fair amount of research on the Lake Superior Basin and I suspect that the "Septarian" may be one of the Minnesota Thundereggs!!. ) I haven't seen one in person yet but it does look quite a bit like the Michigan Thundereggs (as Thundereggs go they aren't great.). The Prehnite (with copper) may be from either the Keweenaw or Minnesota as it occurs on both sides of the lake (as well as under). Love my Lot-O!

[@MichiganRocks]

Have you watched my video on tumbling crazy lace agate? You should be getting great results from your Lot-O. That video shows exactly what I do. Make sure you have high quality grits and polish. I get mine from The Rock Shed. I rarely have a batch that doesn't turn out great. therockshed.com I have some of what I think are thunder eggs from the Keweenaw Peninsula. They're very small, smaller than a golf ball. I wasn't aware that Minnesota had them too.

[@lylelay]

@@MichiganRocks Most of my polish problems have can be traced to patience and lack there of. Email me to discuss the Mich Thundereggs [e-mail]

[@DenimHatDave]

What a cool video! I really liked the variety of rocks and techniques used. I especially liked having the chance to see what a 'failed' rock looks like; I think I've mostly seen your successes. Someone decided to color in her coloring book while watching the video though.

[@MichiganRocks]

She never came down to the basement to see my lapidary techniques, so I'm not surprised that she wouldn't watch a video of them. It's ok, I didn't color with her either.

[@Abpgsetiloincawdyubkolmbrs]

Oooh! Agates! I have porphyry from Vancouver Island in the tumbler doing its stage two spin right now.

[@MichiganRocks]

That sounds like fun. Good luck!

[@rhondalynn2922]

Another great video! I’m in west Michigan I love all the pudding stones you find!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@justjulee9135]

I’m subscribed to both of your channels as well as several others. I really like how you all work together to help each other out! Great community!

[@MichiganRocks]

Yes, I like the group of rock hunters who work together to some degree. I'm going to try to get together with Taylor this summer, either in Minnesota or the U.P. I think that would be a lot of fun.

[@dianegreen6635]

Very cool. They all are so different yet shine beautiful. How do you know the best way to cut a stone , width or length ?

[@MichiganRocks]

I did what Taylor wanted. For many rocks, it doesn't matter. For some rocks, cutting in the correct direction is critical. For example, turretilla agate should be cut so the little shells are cut lengthwise. Some obsidian shows sheen or chatoyance better if cut the right way. Petoskey stones are usually cut to show the hexagons best.

[@elenabarantcheeva1971]

Thanks. Cool rocks as you said.

[@MichiganRocks]

They were fun to work with.

[@queenelcene638]

Another great video! TY, namaste

[@coreymerrill3257]

Beleive it or not an old compact disk or dvd secured to your flat lap, with some diamond paste will polish stones. its an expediant ,so it needs to be tweaked to work for you, but it does work well once you set it up right. Differant cds can have higher and higher grits without worry of cross contamination. The polish will embed in the polymer once rubbed in by hand like car wax basically, then it can be ran under a. Slow drip like normal , just secured on top of your existing lapping disk for the support.

[@MichiganRocks]

I could see how that could work, but wouldn't you lose a lot of grit just sliding off too? When I bought my used flat lap, it came with a lot of different materials attached to plywood disks for different types of polish. I really haven't learned how to use any of them. I use either diamond laps or silicon carbide laps and have pretty good luck.

[@coreymerrill3257]

@@MichiganRocks only if over applied. it wouldnt be any more loss than on a tin or copper lap and probably less because its softer surface grabbing the grit...nust a proptionatly smaller dab should work in fine and not be to much of an issue. Its far to soft for the cutting but makes for very clean surfaces on gems for sure. You can even just outright buy the lap sized polymer disks but old cds are cheaper. The downside is the disk itself wears quicker. Are they like felt pads and stuff? On the wood bakers? Generally the softer a material is the softer the polishing cloth or wheel should be so it doesnt grind the material away instead of shining it up. Also slower speeds are used for soft material. Hard stuff generally seems to do well with finer grit at higher speed on harder laps .most people say 14000 is all that is needed but others will go as far as 1,000,000 in competitions or for highest end gemstones. So it seems worth experimenting with them but not anything to actually worry about as long as your results are good .and they are from what i have seen

[@MichiganRocks]

@@coreymerrill3257 I'm only polishing up to 3000 I think. I'm not much of a cabber and I could really step up my game in that area. I've been casually looking at some machines that I could get. My current machine has a pretty bad vibration. I need to track that down if I don't get a different machine. I'm not sure if the wheels are out of balance, the shaft is bent, or the bearings are bad.

[@coreymerrill3257]

@@MichiganRocks oh that's a pain . one thing recomended for gunsmiths for their shop tools , to deaden vibration and sound is placing a layer of a material called navcom under the contact zones and relocking it to the floor studs. Maybe that on a smaller scale would be a quick cheap fix until you can trouble shoot the source. Alot of limbsaver brand products are navcom. They are usual recoil pads or this slide the barrel harmonic dampener. Thats a readily available source at most places including walmart, but you can also order sheets. Its a winwin with that stuff for any machine , from laps to lathes to mills and drill-presses and saws. You will find alot of handy videos on stone cutting and cabbing right on youtube of you decide to get into it more. Black opal direct and pulitzer opal are both entertaining and show up close how they cab . Justin K Prim is ALLL about the gem cutting . plus watching various GIA videos also show alot. I want some sort of faceting machine but idk what one yet. There are several types.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@coreymerrill3257 I have zero interest in faceting. A friend of mine has a faceting machine that he offered to give me, but I turned him down. One reason I'm not interested is because I don't really like faceted stones as much as cabbed stones. Another is that I have heard it takes a huge amount of time. I'm patient, but not that patient. I'll check out that navcom stuff. Thanks for the tip.

[@deanaleonard1647]

Great job!!! Even loved the one you said you messed up on. Would be proud to have in my collection

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

Beautiful

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

Wonderful work!

[@chanellekirch]

Awesome! What cutter are you using? Also, how many times have you lost a thumb tip?🤣 I am at the edge of my seat watching you.

[@MichiganRocks]

@Chanelle Kirchgestner I have never cut myself on my saw. Watch this video at 6:10: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnuaoqWfhKtjqJY I cut some of these in the garage (off camera) on a Lortone ST-10. The saw in the video is a GemLap saw. Neither saw is produced anymore. They're both really old.

[@mariavictoriatantau1156]

Hola Amigo!!! Excelente vídeo!!!En las playas del Mar Mediterráneo, hay muchas piedras volcánicas y Jasper petrificado de los fósiles, una maravilla!!! Un fuerte abrazo desde España!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

¡Hola! También encuentro muchos fósiles aquí en el lago Huron en Michigan. Gracias por ver mis videos.

[@miguelleonio6002]

Lindas pedras. Trabalho perfeito. Parabéns. É magica?? Pedras feias e... Pedras lindas.

[@MichiganRocks]

Não é mágico, basta usar as ferramentas certas.

[@miguelleonio6002]

@@MichiganRocks 👏👏👏👏👏

[@asmaravilhasdocriadoretern133]

Top sucesso,trabalho trasformador👌👏🙏

[@ariellepaisley2956]

I'm a rock lover, Could you please tell me the types and names of the machinery that will need for my stones? Please I would appreciate it greatly☺

[@MichiganRocks]

It depends on what you want to do with them. Do you want to tumble them, cut them, make cabochons? What are you expecting to spend? Give me some more details, and I'll try to help you out. I also have an Amazon store in the description of this video that has some supplies. There's also a link to The Rock Shed where they carry lapidary supplies at good prices.

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

Found you through AgateDad. You have some cool vids. Got my sub.

[@MichiganRocks]

Cool, Taylor is a good guy.

[@unclespongehead]

I wonder if a black screen behind your camera would block the reflections. Worth a try.

[@MichiganRocks]

Maybe. I'll play around with some different things.

[@quran_arge]

👍👏 Sakalınız hoş olmuş.

[@MichiganRocks]

Teşekkür ederim.

[@debzyj376]

Thank you!

[@mamasgonecreating1967]

That was nice of you to do for Taylor.

[@MichiganRocks]

It was fun to work with some of his agates. I got at least as much enjoyment out of it as Taylor did.

[@debbielucas7792]

I'm up late watching election results as they come in and I have TV muted as I watch Taylor and your videos. You are both great guys and I've been watching agate dad since I started watching your videos because I saw his channel mentioned somewhere in one of your videos. You did a great job on Taylors' rocks and that was wonderful of you to send him petosky stones, pudding stones and the crosses and turtle. He sure was excited to receive them!

[@MichiganRocks]

He sure was excited. I really had fun doing those for him and sending him some of my stuff.

[@iranfernandespedrasprecios8297]

Very good my friend.Very Nice!

[@highenergyog]

Taylor is an awesome fellow and I'm a subscriber to his channel, I just watched his latest video and that's how I found and subscribed to yours . He spoke quite highly of you and your channel, looking forward to watching more of your videos .

[@MichiganRocks]

I enjoy his enthusiasm too. I wanted to get my hands on some of those agate, so mission accomplished!

[@millerviz]

Just had a thought. I wonder if a polarizing filter would remove the glare on your rock photos?

[@MichiganRocks]

It might, but sometimes I want the glare. The glare shows off the shine. I can usually move the rocks around to get a reflection of the lights or to remove that reflection. I'm certainly open to suggestions on how to get better pictures though. I'm not a great photographer. I'm also using a point and shoot camera. It's a Sony DSC-HX200V.

[@Luz-xl5bk]

Is there any beginner lap equipment you would recommend?

[@MichiganRocks]

I have two flat laps. I bought both of them used. The first one I bought and the one I use all the time is homemade as far as I can tell. The other one is my back up in case something breaks beyond repair on my other one. That one is a GemLap and they haven't been made for a very long time. The cab machine I have was also purchased used. I believe it is a Lortone model that was rebranded as a Kingsley North machine. Those are still sold, but I'm not sure of the exact model I have. If I was to buy a new machine, it probably wouldn't be this one, so I don't really want to recommend anything. I'd take a look at the Genie and the Cab King if I was buying new, but possibly one of the many others available.

[@mlstuart6332]

Thanks again for sharing. I'm planning a trip to Lake Superior in September, I would like to know if the beach in Grand Marais MI is easily accessible and how far from the parking lot to the beach? Thank you

[@MichiganRocks]

I have never hunted right in Grand Marais, but the beach is right there. I'm not sure where the parking lot is, but it can't be far from the water. A place that I do go is Perry's Landing, which is right next to the Lake Superior rustic campground, east of Grand Marais. If you park there, you have to go down maybe a dozen steps, then walk across a couple hundred feet of sand, and then you get to the water and the rocks. Look for the Gitche Gumee Agate Museum in Grand Marais. You could email Karen and ask her about accessibility. agatelady.com

[@mlstuart6332]

@@MichiganRocks Thank you

[@maiguapa8]

What kind of tumbler do you have? Fantastic job by the way! Keep up the great job. I have tons of rocks since I started rockhounding last year. Would you be interested in fire agates/chalcedony from Saddle mountain in Arizona? I also have rocks but unfortunately I don’t have a polisher and cutter. That would be awesome to find out what my shiny rocks are inside. Thanks for sharing this. Hope to have all the equipments you have one day. I in love with my rocks. ☺️💕

[@MichiganRocks]

I've never had a fire agate. Are they big enough to tumble, or are they better polished by hand? Seems like I've only seen people polish them with a Dremel or similar tool. They look like they require more skill to polish than other rocks. I have Lortone barrels in a homemade tumbler. I also have a Lot-O vibratory tumbler that I used in this video. Look around my channel and you'll see both of my tumblers in action. If you're interested in learning how I tumble, check out my video on tumbling Mexican Crazy Lace agate.

[@spaceoddity8292]

LOVE IT!!!!!!

[@rockfly8384]

Love KZbin collaborations

[@MichiganRocks]

This was my first and I loved it too!

[@andreareeder1030]

Prehnite! One of my favorites

[@brianwilson8119]

My son has a "National Geographic" tumbler in which he uses different packets of various grits. The rocks still come out a little hazy. Any tips on how to get a luster on rocks? He tried buffing wheels on my bench grinder; but still have haze. Any suggestions on polish? Thanks

[@MichiganRocks]

I have heard a lot of people with the same complaint. I would try a different polish than whatever comes with that tumbler. I get my polish from The Rock Shed. therockshed I would suggest reading this thread on the Rock Tumbling Hobby where they discuss the same problem. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/82195/rocks-polishing-frustrated

[@brianwilson8119]

@@MichiganRocks thank you so much!

[@antoniabonatti5747]

Está é a parte que mais gosto , quando vc serra a pedra e a vem a surpresa óóó

[@MichiganRocks]

Cortar pedras é sempre divertido.

[@elvis_ismyking530]

that polish is amazing?! what do you use?

[@MichiganRocks]

I buy my polish from The Rock Shed. It's aluminum oxide polish. There's a link to the Rock Shed in the description of this video.

[@tiffanybathurst7087]

How can we send rocks to you to have it cut? My 8 year old son likes looking for rocks and thinks he has one with green jade in it. I’m not sure. He purchased a cheep rock light. We are located in Minnesota.

[@MichiganRocks]

I don't usually cut or polish rocks for other people. I just don't have the time. I did this for Taylor when he was just getting his channel started to help him out.

[@tiffanybathurst7087]

@@MichiganRocks oh ok, that makes sense. Thank you.

[@davidhile5363]

In real time how long does it take to cut one of those larger stones in half ? Your videos are always so interesting !!!

[@MichiganRocks]

The ones that you didn't see me cut were cut on the saw in my garage. I just clamp them in the vice and come back later and they're done. Those rocks took about 10-15 minutes in that saw. The smaller rocks that you saw me cut by hand took a minute or two.

[@davidhile5363]

Michigan Rocks I have seen places on the western shores of Michigan where there have been stretches of black sand or earth and in that black material you could see sparkling pieces of copper. I’m not sure if that was copper ore or what. Maybe possibly spilled from a ship.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@davidhile5363 That's cool. I thought copper was only found in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

[@davidhile5363]

Michigan Rocks I was thinking that this was something that was maybe spilled from a ship and had washed ashore.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@davidhile5363 Oh, I understand now.

[@paulmerrill2349]

Just watched a couple of your videos. My fiance and I have been rock hounds for the last few years, and are about to start processing them. We have a couple tumblers, and a saw. Enjoyed the videos, and plan on watching more of them, to gain a little knowledge on the process. I noticed in one of your tumbling videos, that you may have some ties to Alpena. I was born and raised there, and still have family there. Are you still in the area?

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm sitting in Alpena as I type this. I grew up on Hubbard Lake, went to college, moved back to Alpena, and have been here ever since. It's a nice place to live.

[@paulmerrill2349]

@@MichiganRocks I'd love to move back there. I grew up on Campbell st, just a few houses down from the old Cap N Bottle Party store on the corner of Campbell & State. A couple , more questions for you.... Have you ever been out to, I think it's called Negwegon beach south of Ossineke? Just wondering if there are any rocks to be found there? Do you ever give any tours of your shop? I'm going to start putting our lapidary area together in the next month or so, and could always use some ideas. Your tumbling cabinet, looks pretty slick....

[@MichiganRocks]

@@paulmerrill2349 Negwegon has zero rocks to the south of the parking lot. To the north there are some rocks, but they’re all sunk down in the dirt like a cobblestone road. I have a video on Negwegon, but it’s all sand in the video. I used to live on the corner of Cambell and Second, about a block from you grew up. If you’re in town, look me up. I can give you a shop tour, although I don’t know that it’s all that impressive.

[@susanmatako8469]

The one that was so called ruined, could you not cut it again? Liked them all but my favorite was the one that started with a P. Purafee or something like that🤔😁

[@MichiganRocks]

I could have cut it again, but it probably wouldn't have shined up anyway. It was a rock that was just too soft too polish well. The word you were looking for is "porphyry". I probably should have written it on the screen.

[@littledabwilldoya9717]

Susan Matako I think you mean porphyry?🙂 I wondered about recutting, also.. And M.R.- I don’t know if can ever really ‘ruin’ a rock!😆

[@stevewoods7299]

Nice!

[@paqer7018]

good 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏😍

[@paqer7018]

My friend, what is the powder you weigh?

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm sorry, I don't know what you are trying to ask.

[@elvis_ismyking530]

what type of tumbler is that?!

[@MichiganRocks]

It's a Lot-O vibratory tumbler.

[@JohnGotts]

I wonder if rock #2 had silver.

[@MichiganRocks]

I wondered that too. I'm not sure how to tell. It was silver colored.

[@BeachBushandBeyond]

I have workshop envy

[@MichiganRocks]

The key is to buy used and build it slowly.

[@BeachBushandBeyond]

@@MichiganRocks used or new equipment seems to be hard to come by here in Aus. I'd love to send you some Aus Jasper for your collection (as a thank you for all your videos/learning)

[@MichiganRocks]

@@BeachBushandBeyond That's really nice of you, but I have lots of rocks waiting to be tumbled and shipping to from Australia is really expensive. (I know from personal experience.)

[@BeachBushandBeyond]

@@MichiganRocks well, I'd really love to send you some Aussie rocks for your collection. No expectations re polishing...you can do that if you think they are doable 😉

[@MichiganRocks]

@@BeachBushandBeyond It’s really not necessary, your thanks is enough. I feel appreciated.

[@MNRockHounder]

I enjoy rock hunting and watching rock videos and whenever I do you pop up in my feed :) might as well sub

[@MichiganRocks]

I’m not sure if I should apologize for taking over your mind or what the proper response is.

[@stephenrothwell8142]

Maybe stand a square of black cardboard behind the camera. This will eliminate most of the reflection

[@MichiganRocks]

Would they still look shiny if the reflection didn’t show? Reflection is good and bad. I like to show how shiny the rocks are but at the same time I like the pattern on the rock to show. I’m looking at the camera screen when I record close up shots, so I can usually move the rock to show both.

[@stephenrothwell8142]

@@MichiganRocks yes due to the ambient light, you would be able to see more of what's going on inside the stone

[@MichiganRocks]

@@stephenrothwell8142 I might give it a try. I already have my next five weeks of Tuesday night videos done, so I won't be trying it for a little while.

[@johnparrish336]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@aidairis2996]

Amo seu CANAL...preciso de ajuda.....amo pedras....sonho em poder deixá-la belas assim.

[@MichiganRocks]

Obrigada!

[@ที่พึ่งคนไกล-ฮ9ง]

ถึงจะนานแล้ว.ก็ยังเปล่งปลั่ง.สีสันใม่ตก.ดุจเพรชมณี.ถึงจะนาน.ถึงจะเก่าหลายปีแล้วสีสัน.ก็ยังสวยงามเปล่งปลังดูแล้วชั่งหน้าประทับใจ..ทัก.ทายสวัดดี..

[@НатальяГончарова-ф9х]

😃👋👏 👍👍👍😘

[@TheArdavan]

metalic 100% pyrite for copper .

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm not sure what you're saying. Do you mean that the stuff I thought was copper is actually pyrite? Or do you mean the metal in the black rock was pyrite?

[@TheArdavan]

Hi I studied mine exploration. But unfortunately I didn't enter the job market. What I remember is pyrite copper ore and found with malachite and ... Sometimes it's hard to get wrong with gold. Of course, again I may be mistaken. But I enjoy your work and I always love all the rocks.thanx

[@shelbynjakesdad]

Hi, I've been a subscriber of your channel for a while and as a beginning rock collector / "lapidarist" I have learned a lot from your videos. Anyway, we recently found a cool spot in the Idaho desert loaded with plume agates... I'd be happy to send a box of them to you if you'd like to try working with them - they don't look like anything I typically see on your channel. A trade would be fun, but I don't need anything in return other than maybe a video if you do work with them or a shout out to my KZbin channel. :) It's a new (small) KZbin channel mostly about mountain climbing here in Idaho. If you are too busy or already have too many rocks I totally understand, keep making the great videos!

[@MichiganRocks]

Hi Dan. I really appreciate the offer, but I'm having trouble keeping up as it is. I have done trades like that in the past and I always enjoy them. The problem is, I took in rocks a lot faster than I could process them. And I keep going out and finding my own rocks. I'm going to jot down your name and KZbin channel and keep you in mind for the future. Thanks for the offer.

[@mostafasaadinasab6338]

#awesome

[@abderrahmanbellali8522]

My freen كن حذرا عن اصابيعك ربي يحفظك وسلامي لك من المغرب اليوم كنت في رحله بحت عن الاحجار نواحي مراكش

[@MichiganRocks]

شكرا لك. نصل الماس على المنشار الخاص بي لن يقطع أصابعي. شفرات الماس تطحن من خلال الصخور. هم لا يقطعون. يمكنني لمس الشفرة أثناء دورانها ولا تؤذي.

[@abderrahmanbellali8522]

@@MichiganRocks الله لقد ريحتني كلما شاهدتك اقول ربي يحفظك

[@MichiganRocks]

@@abderrahmanbellali8522 شكرا لك!

[@rajkumarahirwar431]

Cam dis india

[@mostafasaadinasab6338]

#Qualität Güte du Awards best

[@chrisvlogs5025]

Well you can't polish rocks

[@MichiganRocks]

Sure you can, that's what they make rock tumblers for.

[@chrisvlogs5025]

@@MichiganRocks but those are not rocks