Gemstone Carving Tools Guide. Basic Requirements And Price Estimates

[@mammiv]

One of the best vids on stone/gemstone carving basics I've seen. Thank you for putting this presentation together.

[@RoysRocks]

No worries I'm happy if it can help someone out there get started. It seems daunting before you work out it really isn't so bad and the tools are pretty basic.

[@bbisyy4u]

Fantastic video. Wish I’d found something like this when I was getting started. I was all over the place figuring out what I needed. Would have been so much easier if I knew what I needed and got it all at once. Thanks Roy.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

No doubt. Glad you found what you needed and were able to get it.

[@RoysRocks]

I bet you I was more all over the place! Had piles of sandpaper, whetstones and still have dozens of polishing compounds and tools I dont use anymore.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@RoysRocks sandpaper works pretty well, but it is slow and I had issues, in the beginning, keeping my work area free from cross contamination.

[@bbisyy4u]

@@RoysRocks that is exactly what I did. lol

[@trudyhindle3147]

I use a sharping stone, wet grit sandpaper, emery boards,and Dermal and polish just like you

[@RoysRocks]

Good stuff Trudy! I gave away my sanding stones a long way back but I have done the exact same process in the past. Requires dedication and commitment but the results can be great.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@RoysRocks oh yes, it's a laborious process but it is the cheapest way, unless you're buying premium sharpening stones (but why would you do that? ).

[@ThatOpalGuy]

You only have one style of the nova burrs, the points. There are barrels too and varying diameters of both barrels and points. Great video, Roy, and a another commenter said: knowing the best tools and supplies to have on hand is a godsend for beginners.

[@RoysRocks]

Yeah I did have a set of barrels but ditched them long ago for the bullets. They just didnt have the versatility that I like for carving. Better for cabs though.

[@TipoftheMoon]

Thanks! This was super helpful for a beginner. And recommending a supplier was great!

[@RoysRocks]

No worries. Always just aiming to help anyone I can 👍

[@HanstheTraffer]

I have found that the plated diamond bits last a LOT longer when you spin them very slowly. My rotary tool goes down to about 400 rpm and that is even fast for the longevity of the bits. And like you said WATER is a must otherwise they ruin really fast. The best diamond coated tools I have found are made by THK.

[@RoysRocks]

The slower and more water the better for sure. Anything that keeps the friction down helps a lot but still a set of sintered burrs could last a lifetime.

[@jencapaldi420]

Great video Roy! So much great info! You've answered most of my questions about what I'll need to try this way. I managed to cut two stones last week with sandpaper that I'm actually proud of. They are imperfect, I know, & they didn't take a polish as well as if hoped but for but they are far better than I'd ever hoped for. Thank you for the encouragement! I can't wait to try more later in the week! I'm sure I'll have more questions for you before I start buying my rotary supplies. Lol. Thanks!

[@RoysRocks]

Well you know where to find me so send any questions you have my way and is they are easy I'll be able to help out 😁

[@Historynerd42]

With you Riley and Justin no one need to go to anyone else for the best in the opal world. Thank you Roy for incredible information/education you provide all of us. I haven't been cheated or ripped off since I found you. I truly can't thank you enough. Konstantine (con-stan-tean) everyone has a hard time with my name, lmao.

[@RoysRocks]

Hey Konstantine, thanks I dont think me and Riley think we are on the level of a Justin but we can keep trying and dreaming 🤣💪 Glad to hear you are spotting the winners and avoiding the losers.

[@nancycurtis7315]

Thanks Roy. I am hoping that you squeeze a few more videos before Christmas. Thanks again for today's video and the sharing of knowledge.

[@RoysRocks]

I have 3 almost done so for sure. A bit of variety too with mintabie, CP shell and ethiopian cut, polish and dry. Hope they all end well...

[@nancycurtis7315]

@@RoysRocks Go hard! Thanks for the nova's and sintered bits. The rough. Etc. Now too scared to even dip them in water.( the rough). Got all dressed up, now too scared to GO..........Woe is me. LOL.

[@kennethnew3075]

Good morning Roy. Thanks as always for the great tips. Hope all is well.

[@RoysRocks]

Hey Kenneth! Yeah all good here, heating up a bit in the shed but I got a cooler that tries.

[@jeffholmes1362]

So many Christmas ideas there Roy, a great year, and let’s hope for plenty of shiny rocks next year

[@RoysRocks]

That is partly why I like doing this video in december each year. Lets people hunt and maybe pick up a boxing day sale.

[@BengtRosini13]

Little trick I tried using with the felt buffing tips is to put a bit of super glue into the center part that screws onto the mandrel. Not gluing them on, but strengthening the buff so it doesn't fall apart very easily.

[@RoysRocks]

Its best to just get the dense felt to start with. They last a very long time and hold the metal oxide much better.

[@lisamiller2227]

Awesome to see the full set up, still on my Christmas list to get some sistered burrs and Nova points, but that will take time💜

[@RoysRocks]

One day you'll get em and carve some killer stone for sure Lisa!

[@lisamiller2227]

@@RoysRocks I do what I can with what I've got, I just know that my results would improve with better equipment

[@chadatchison145]

Great video Roy

[@RoysRocks]

Thanks Chad!

[@laurenoreilly4140]

Great information!

[@RoysRocks]

Hopefully helps some people pick the right gear to get going.

[@stevesarginson6020]

Great info mate 👍🏻👍🏻⚡️

[@RoysRocks]

No worries Steve 👍

[@MrComfyAustralia]

You taught me everything i know mate thank you. just shared it to blacklighters and shoreys page

[@RoysRocks]

Happy to help! 👌

[@McDowallManor]

Great clip mate. Yeah, I'm diggin on the torch as well.

[@RoysRocks]

I've used it for about an hour a day for the last week straight! I'm digging up and looking at heaps of stones I decided not to do ages ago. New level of super vision!

[@McDowallManor]

@@RoysRocks I have a serious number of cabochons now (none are opal). I am desperate to improve my silver skills.

[@offyarocka]

replacing collets with a keyless chuck on my dremel has been a game changer for my budget rig

[@RoysRocks]

KZbin hid this comment for some reason. The keyless chuck is a good adapter for any dremel. Mine is on the way out so I'll have to order another.

[@offyarocka]

@@RoysRocks it made buying burs and bits so much easier

[@thevalligator6517]

Thank you so much for the great info!

[@RoysRocks]

No worries Valligator.

[@pkgoldopalhunting]

good info for beginners mate

[@RoysRocks]

Hopefully saves them some money getting the right tools from day 1.

[@mysticalrockhoundingfossil5464]

Nice Video , those Diamond bits are usable The cheaper the better , they do last ( like what Hans says, ) sort of and The long shaped boxes are good 5 / 10 Euro,s on the web.

[@RoysRocks]

I did use them in the past so certainly do work but it is still 2 different worlds when one set could last a lifetime and the other lasts a few dozen stones if careful.

[@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv]

Great Video thanks Roy.!

[@RoysRocks]

No worries. Hope it helps.

[@elishadoyle8191]

Giday 😊 just wondering Do those nova points fit a Dremel Lite? I like how you explain things and show it aswel. Thanks

[@RoysRocks]

They fit you just need the right sized collet or an adjustable chuck.

[@elishadoyle8191]

@@RoysRocks thanks for replying 😁

[@sophiakanthak5162]

all these carving and polishing bits are so hard to find in Europe...I found a german seller that produces polishing bits (only 4 grids but better than nothing haha). But the sintered diamonds are impossible to get if you don't want to pay 20$ or more for shipping😓

[@RoysRocks]

Yeah I feel for the Europeans. If I were there I'd be importing in bulk for sure. I have had to send a few sets over there as a last resort for some people.

[@davidmatthews9813]

So I bought a set of the nova burrs grom suva and done how you showed on your videos on how to prep them for use and I'm having a problem with them not being even on both sides and all of them are egged shaped. I would have thought it would be that way where they put the two parts together in making the nova tips but it's the other way opposite of the seam on the tips. What can I do to fix the issue or can I?

[@RoysRocks]

Not sure what has happened based on this description. Might need to email me with some pictures or you can post something on the website forum and I'll have a look.

[@kristenbingel4648]

I carve Labrador and go through diamond bits like dirty underwear!! I wish sintered diamond bits are super expensive. $54 is a killer price!! Do you sell the dressing as well?

[@RoysRocks]

Hi Kristen, Yeah they are way to expensive so I started getting them made and have been selling them like hotcakes on the website roysrocks.com. Dressing sticks as well since I also use them on my resin burs.

[@kristenbingel4648]

@@RoysRocks that's awesome! I can't wait to get the set!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

The only issue I have with chopsticks (and I do use them) is that they are not always straight. This can be an issue with moving the stone in a smooth, uniform manner (perhaps this isn't as big an issue with using a flex shaft, but with my set up it can be). Also, you didn't touch on the idea of creating your own polishing burrs with wood. Do you still use those, I wonder?

[@RoysRocks]

They can be pretty wobbly at times. Especially reusing them. I still use the wood polishing burrs but only for diamond paste which I rarely ever use since I made the CeOx and AlOx. Anytime I would have used diamond paste and wood I use AlOx and felt nowadays. Only when I have small dips and need a toothpick and diamond paste.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@RoysRocks I think I may need to try your cerium, but I live in the US. Is shipping here really that big of a pain?

[@RoysRocks]

@@ThatOpalGuy Shipping white/off-white powders in the mail can always be a little tricky.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@RoysRocks lol. I forgot to consider that. but I ordered both red cerium and optical grade white cerium and didnt notice any issues. but those were from large companies. perhaps that is a difference?

[@floppytomato3991]

Where can one find that 10 pack of diamond sintered burrs if they cannot ship to their region on your site?

[@RoysRocks]

Depends on where you are located. I am restocking any day now and when they arrive I am adding a few new countries to the list of places that can buy through the store.

[@11178111]

Hi...what kind of stones can be engraved?

[@RoysRocks]

So long as you are using diamond burs just about anything softer than diamond. Harder stones I would recommend using sintered diamond as the electroplated burs will be ruined very quickly.

[@pizzutistudio]

Where are you purchasing the sintered bits? I found one supplier who only had three left because he wasn't selling them anymore, paid $30 each for three, and they lasted a month. 🙁

[@pizzutistudio]

OK, never mind, just got to that part of the video...

[@RoysRocks]

This one was a pretty old video the best thing to check out for a beginner is this kit: www.roysrocks.com/product-page/low-budget-stone-carving-and-polishing-kit

[@pizzutistudio]

Not a beginner but I will ;)

[@ceric4910]

What kind of oxide do you suggest for Ethiopian opal?

[@RoysRocks]

I don't. I use nova points up to 50,000. Diamond paste can also work. I will test out the use of CeOx and AlOx on Ethiopian opal at some stage once I get through the list of shorts I need to get done.

[@julianboyer9252]

what glue/epoxy do you use for making doublets?

[@RoysRocks]

Doublets I use a different mix known as epoxy 330.

[@drfill9210]

This only just appeared in my feed. Check your stats. Has there been an unexplained decline recently or was it just me?

[@RoysRocks]

Jan is always a terrible month and everything drops off a cliff on youtube. I dont try to understand the algorithm these days. Just need to try and make the best video I can and get it up on the channel.

[@drfill9210]

@@RoysRocks yeah you do you

[@urmaisgay6495]

theyre usually leaded on

[@RoysRocks]

Not sure what you are referring to as being "leaded on"?