Stone Beads for My Wife's Pandora Bracelet-Maker's Challenge 2021

[@MichiganRocks]

Beads like these are now available at Olivet Book and Gift here in Alpena. They don't have a website that you can order from, but you can send them an email and they'll send you a bead. They also sell my crosses and some heart pendants. olivetbookandgift.com

[@lisacotter6227]

I just purchased 3!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@lisacotter6227 Woo-hoo! Thanks!

[@annuitcptis3032]

How much are they?? Pretty cool stuff. I love natural stones!!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@annuitcptis3032 I honestly don't remember what they're priced at. You'd have to send Mary an email.

[@SisterShirley]

Rob, I know I've asked you before about selling your Petoskey Turtles and you said no. Well since you're selling your beads, hearts, and crosses at Olivet, any chance you'll change that no to a yes? I'm an actual honorary Michigan Turtle. I was gifted the title from the Madame Turtle of Michigan herself. It would mean the world to me if I owned one of your Petoskey Turtles. 🤞

[@redhedhik-chik2510]

Eyebrows raised; I'm like 'what CAN'T this man do' (?) Cannot wait.

[@MichiganRocks]

Dancing is not pretty.

[@daydbaysinger4572]

@@MichiganRocks i wanna see that

[@kd7ign]

@@MichiganRocks video required 😆

[@MichiganRocks]

@@kd7ign I'm 6'2". I always say that's the worst part of being tall. When we're at a wedding and my wife drags me out to dance, I try to hide by going to the middle of the people, but my head sticks up above most so you can still see it bobbing out of sync with everyone else. Oh well...

[@kd7ign]

@@MichiganRocks 😆

[@gracieosornio9291]

Better than a Pandora, this is truly a unique "make" and it's an art piece really! I bet your wife is amazed at such a thoughtful gift. Thank you for the video.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm amazed that she puts up with me.

[@TheoKellison]

No surpises here, but fantastic work! They look amazing! And you took what is a somewhat complicated process and made it look downright easy! Beautiful stones!😄thanks again for being a part of the challenge! You have always been a huge lapidary role model for me so it meant a lot to have you involved in this!😄

[@MichiganRocks]

From what I've seen of your channel, I don't think I'm really ahead of you. You seem to know what you're doing. I have never even tried carving a rock, that impresses me.

[@gb57hevy3]

Very, very lapidary that "Michigan" is ! Among many other things. Sorry to butt in to you guys' conversation. I couldn't "chuckle/snort" help myself.

[@mawi1172]

No surprises? Where's the ones you made? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mawi1172]

@@MichiganRocks i want some rock beads. Where do i get some???

[@MichiganRocks]

@@mawi1172 Olivet Book and Gift in Alpena. They don't have an online store, but they will send you one if you email them. olivetbookandgift.com

[@heatherpurdin7206]

I’m with the others who have said this, “I will never complain about the cost of gemstone/ crystal beads again! BTW, you are a great teacher!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@gwynnfarrell1856]

Absolutely beautiful! Your rounding method is so clever, as is the bead on the drill. The end product looks professional and finished. I do believe you are a mechanical genius!

[@MichiganRocks]

Let’s not get carried away! I barely managed to build my rock tumbler. I’m far from a genius of any type. Thanks for the compliment though!

[@KatyDidRocks]

WOW, what a lot of work! What a nice husband you are. :) Great video, Rob.

[@MichiganRocks]

These aren't that much work, really. There are a lot of steps, but they all go pretty quickly.

[@mihaelfajt293]

am i the only one anxious about how close he puts his hands to the tools?

[@MichiganRocks]

No you're not. That's why I made this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6OXin-kacuLi6M

[@barbarchibald6255]

I would much rather have these on my Pandora than store bought items! I'm grateful for the detailed video so many can make their own. You are a blessing to so many!

[@MichiganRocks]

I hope that a few people attempt these. Obviously, it takes a few tools, so not everyone can just do this, but for those who have invested in tools, I hope to be able to give them idea on what to do with them.

[@maryseaman312]

The process absolutely gives a whole new meaning to the saying: Cold hands, warm heart. Truly a labor of love. This may not be rocket science, my friend, but most definitely your comprehension of physics is on full display!

[@MichiganRocks]

I suppose there's a little math and science in there.

[@MarlainaAtkins]

What a fantastic idea! The petoskey look amazing! What a gift. I loved watching the process. You are a man of many talents. Cheers Rob✨

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks Marlaina! I just need to learn some of your wire wrapping talents, that's something I don't enjoy and am not very good at.

[@406findings]

It turned out great thanks for showing the whole process 👍

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@cindyheimdahl227]

My favorite project so far! You have figured things out to be able to make gorgeous beads! Your wife is a lucky woman. TY for sharing!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Cindy! Nancy might be lucky to get some jewelry, but she does have to put up with a lot of noise in the house too.

[@aliciam.7005]

Lucky Lady! Fabulous idea! Looking forward to watching 👀😀 We love your Jewelrockery.

[@MichiganRocks]

I love that word.

[@sherlesmith5997]

You have a great mind for making things easier ...

[@MichiganRocks]

It's either that or make lumpy beads. I don't like lumpy beads.

[@mctron22rd]

You invent the best and easiest ways to do just about anything when it comes to amazing rocks. Your an ARTIST!

[@MichiganRocks]

These ideas were all stolen from others. I can’t take credit for them. Now you can steal them from me!

[@christinavallem5669]

Brilliant MacGyver, corner cutting jig. Thanks for sharing!

[@MichiganRocks]

Like I said in the video, that wasn't my idea, but I do like the idea.

[@juliecalhoun9279]

This is my all-time favorite video of yours, and of all of KZbin, for that matter. You're awesome, and concise, and funny, and a Michigander! Thanks for taking the time to make all of your videos... I've learned an incredible amount of info from you. You are my Rock Guru, if you will. Keep up the great work, and have fun frolicking the shores of the Lakes!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks Julie! All of KZbin? That's quite a compliment. I haven't even gotten through half of them yet!

[@jamespiel946]

The bracelet looked Great. I think that he has a lot of ingenuity. Have watched quite a few of his videos and he has some wonderful tricks up his sleeve. Thanks for igniting the spark in all of us.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you liked it. You should try making one of your own, it's not hard.

[@tinkerbellblue5142]

Wow just wow 😮😮😮😮😮😮, those are stunning Rob 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@chrishunt8130]

Wow, not only are those beads incredibly gorgeous, you are quite the process innovator. Thanks for sharing how that’s done.

[@wyomingadventures]

Rock jewelry! Love it.

[@CobCeo]

I enjoyed watching you make these beads for your wife. Thank you.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, glad you liked it.

[@patriciamckean4186]

NANCY is blessed to have you make her wonderful beads. Great work.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm blessed to have Nancy to give them to.

[@VintageLPs]

All I can say is that your beads are incredible! You have one lucky wife. Thanks for this video.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks. I need to make some more of these one of these days.

[@sarejen6868]

WOW! That is a VERY good present idea, what a cool way to show off stones for a rockhound! The jig idea was a good borrow from a woodworking video. You shared a bunch of things to help others. Thank you for sharing!

[@MichiganRocks]

I worry that my videos get too long, but if I was watching, I'd want to know all the details, so I include them. It's nice to know that they're appreciated. Thanks!

[@kastah]

WOW, loock like you have done this many times, sooo well done!! THUMBS UP!! Beutiful beads.

[@MichiganRocks]

Not too many, actually.

[@cara.d1982]

Your beads are just beautiful thank you so much for sharing them with us my father who is 90 years old now would go to Lake Superior and pick up agates and other stones all his family lived in that area when we moved to Vancouver Island dad tumbled the stones and made us earrings and necklaces so we are big fan of superior stones and thank you again so much for sharing keep well

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Cara. Sounds like some really nice stuff that your dad made for you. I'm sure you treasure them.

[@kd7ign]

Lucky wife. Neat jig for the table saw. With a different jig I think I could sand it on my Jet lathe.

[@MichiganRocks]

A lathe should work very much like my drill did. Just be careful to dry it well so it doesn't rust.

[@leezardo9324]

WOW! Fantastic, so well done. What a treasure you have created. Very meaningful.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@kaybree6738]

Nicely done. A gift for generations.

[@marlamorey5914]

This BEADER, Is envious -those are very COOL and turned out spectacularly. U R the best!

[@MichiganRocks]

I see your BEADY little eyes poking up over your mask!

[@stephaniem839]

Oh I LOVE these!!! Such great, creative ideas to make the process easier. Thanks for sharing!

[@aydamercado6798]

Wow beautiful!!! This are the greatest pandora beads!!! Enjoy all the creative process!!! Thanks for show and sharing with us!

[@MichiganRocks]

I"m glad you liked them, Ayda!

[@mk-xq1tt]

Too beautiful. Hard to believe they were rocks.

[@MichiganRocks]

They still are rocks, just a little different shape than they started out.

[@jonathonlafave3698]

That is so cool. I enjoyed this video. Now I know what polish to get. Thank you. ☺️🌍👑

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

WOW, the drill shaping and polishing was very handy. Love the ideas.

[@Nikkisavage100]

Wow, i like this idea of bracelet !! Its amazing, its so much better than a pandora, she must be very proud you did for her, unikite are great stones .

[@MichiganRocks]

She likes it, but rarely wears jewelry since retiring.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Gorgeous work!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@MsSandraCGL]

I have enjoyed these so much everyone did so good, Yours is my favorite, but I have just loved them all!

[@MichiganRocks]

I have really enjoyed watching all the videos too. I learned quite a bit and got some great ideas.

[@MsSandraCGL]

I got some good ideas too, just awesome how you made the beads, I would have never thought you could make them that easily, well time consuming, but do able

[@deek16JH]

This is amazing, I think I'll head out to the garage and start puttering with my collection after seeing this...Great Job!

[@MichiganRocks]

Good luck!

[@joang.cavanna2046]

These beads are so beautiful! And unique! You have so much patience and skill. Truly wonderful.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Awesome video Rob!! That trick with the saw making the perfect cylinder was extremely cool! I'm going to steal that idea! They turned out amazing. Congrats on a great video. 💥👍

[@MichiganRocks]

That’s my favorite part too. It’s a fun way to center the hole.

[@agateenchantmentrockwizard5969]

Excellent video and lots of cool ideas shared, Thank you 😊☺

[@MichiganRocks]

I owed you one for the knife scale video. I learned a thing or two from that.

[@agateenchantmentrockwizard5969]

@@MichiganRocks Thank you! Really nice video 📹 work on your beads!

[@kimfrommn7162]

Your wife must love showing off the jewelry you make her! After reading a lot of the wonderful comments people gave you, I have to agree with all of them! I am very thankful I found your channel !! 🤗

[@MichiganRocks]

Nope, she rarely leaves the house lately, so she rarely wears jewelry of any sort. But she used to wear pendants I made for her all the time.

[@kimfrommn7162]

@@MichiganRocks Don’t take it to heart, even if not worn right now, she loves it! Can you imagine what she would say if you never gave her any jewelry made from your rocks?!??? She would be crushed! But I do know, she is really missing out on going with you rock hunting! So much beautiful nature she is missing out on! But...you have a lot of other people going with you on your hunts! Even if we aren’t actually there, your talking to us and we all are having a great time watching you!!! Have a Great Day!! 😊

[@MichiganRocks]

@@kimfrommn7162 It doesn’t bother me at all. I think it bothers her more. She also goes rock hunting with me a couple times a summer. She doesn’t mind going for an hour or two, but I usually go out for 4-5 hours. When I go up to the U.P. I pretty much go from sun up to sun down. She is not interested in hunting for quite that long.

[@kimfrommn7162]

@@MichiganRocks Super!! Happy to hear that !!!! I’m glad she goes with you sometimes and going alone isn’t bad either! You get to go where you want , when you want, stay as long as you want, etc.! Oh, I told rockshed (?) the place you recommended, I was referred to them by you!! They talked highly of you! I had to find out when a product would be back in stock!! 😊

[@MichiganRocks]

@@kimfrommn7162 I have sent Shawn a lot of business. I really like shopping there, so it's hard not to recommend his shop. I'd love to visit there some day.

[@agordianknot]

A lot of work, but the results are gorgeous. I look at your craftsmanship, and knowing why you made the bracelet, and realize your wife is the only person in the world that has a bracelet like that. Yeah, I know there are others but there's only one like that. Beautiful work. I hope to do the same for my wife in the not to distant future. Great video.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have an urge to go clean a gun.

[@thrownasearched7779]

nice to see a master jeweler at work. this is a good tutorial.

[@MichiganRocks]

"Master jeweler" is a bit beyond my rank, but I'm glad I've got you fooled!

[@SmallWonda]

Really lovely; so special to be able to wear stones you've collected and crafted into something so lasting and uniquely gorgeous. I'm sure she was thrilled! 👍🐅🐾😎

[@MichiganRocks]

She likes them, but works from home now, so she rarely wears jewelry anymore. She used to wear stuff that I made all the time though.

[@grannyjclay-joannieholdhus925]

WOW!!! You did an amazing job on those!! Beautiful!! You are quite the artisan! Thank you for sharing!👏

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Joannie!

[@phild8095]

I deeply appreciate your videos. You teach the way I learn. My wife and I are just getting into this. Have a two Hi-Tech Diamond tools, a saw and a flat lap, a tumbler, a dop pot and a rotary tool. And lots of rocks and some containers for various steps.. Right now I'm just getting the feel for cutting and cabbing on a flat lap. I made some button sized cabochons from granite and an arrowhead from a sliver of smokey fractured quartz. Woo Hoo! But it is so good to see all the tips, and noticing where you get supplies. Saw Rio Grande tonight. I've already bought stuff from them once, and like what I saw of other things. I want to be as good at this as I was as an engineer. Thanks again.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. As an engineer, you'll probably come up with other jigs like the one I made in this video. If I can find a way to make things more precise, I do.

[@jerryklutts8615]

Very good bead making out of rocks/stones.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Jerry.

[@RocksForBrains]

Wowwwwww! Those came out awesome! Definitely putting all these little tricks into the memory bank for when I get a saw. Thanks for sharing all the steps! 😁👍🏻

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. The only problem with this is that you need a fair amount of equipment to make it work. I always feel bad that not everyone can try what I'm teaching for that reason. It took me a few years to buy enough used equipment to do these things.

[@RocksForBrains]

@@MichiganRocks hmm, did you use anything that you didn’t show in the video? I have everything else you showed but a saw. Well, I don’t have a cabbing machine but I do have a flat lap.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@RocksForBrains You should be able to use the flap lap instead of the cabbing machine. I don't think I used anything I didn't show, except my slab saw. You can slab on a trim saw.

[@staceymcmahan5016]

Wow ! Enjoyed this beautiful bead making . Such tedious careful work. Yes, I cringed a little when I saw your fingers that close to the saw blade. Beautiful work! Thank you

[@MichiganRocks]

Please watch this video so you can enjoy my future videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6OXin-kacuLi6M

[@sparband]

Those are really beautiful. Kind of one of a kind beads and unique to Michigan because of the rocks that you used. I’m sure that your wife will love them.

[@MichiganRocks]

She has them safely stored away. Since she hasn't left the house much lately, she hardly ever wears jewelry. She used to wear the stuff I made all the time though.

[@sparband]

I’m kind of the same way with my jewelry. I still enjoy looking at it though. I’m sure that the beads mean a lot to her because you made them for her.

[@mariemoss2475]

They turned out beautifully, I hope your wife liked them 👍💕

[@MichiganRocks]

She did, thanks!

[@deborah2063]

Just beautiful! Your wife must feel very blessed to have you making such beautiful beads for her!

[@MichiganRocks]

She probably doesn't feel that blessed to hear the sounds of them being made in the basement.

[@victoriadawydiuk4172]

Beautiful! I’ve been watching the other videos as well. Interesting to see what other people have come up with.

[@MichiganRocks]

There sure has been a lot of variety. Who knew so many things could be made of stone?

[@lorimihelick5475]

Those are some awesome beads😍

[@geosobservations9496]

Ohhhhhh nice nice nice... my daughter would love love this... im going to watch this one a bunch...

[@MichiganRocks]

I have some more coming out of the tumbler soon. I've been busy making more.

[@geosobservations9496]

Oh this is absolutely 💯 % awsome !!!

[@geosobservations9496]

I haven't flinched since this one started

[@MichiganRocks]

@@geosobservations9496 Good for you!

[@jimlancaster6120]

Turned out great, loved the choice in stone's really nice.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Jim!

[@ruthchapman3847]

Wow, that's a very involved project. Kudos for your creativity to create them. Bet your wife will love them. Thanks Ron

[@MichiganRocks]

There are a lot of steps but none of them take that long or require much skill.

[@carolestronski2220]

Labor of Love my friend! Beautiful!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Carole.

[@Alibumstead]

The only pandora I’d ever wear! Lol great job!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@betojdesigns]

Those beads are awesome, and way better than original Pandora beads. Love all the clever ways you have discovered to use your tools to get the best results. Would love to find me a vintage table saw like that one. Great job 👏, lucky wife !

[@MichiganRocks]

The old saws are great. Keep you eye on Craig's List.

[@GREEKEXPLORERS]

Congratulations!! Great job my friend!! Have a good time !!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@rebeccatelgenhoff3540]

Your Pandora Beads looked beautiful and your wife has more gorgeous beads to add to her collection 😀! I had been waiting all week for your video and how you were going to represent Michigan and you did a Splendid job at it! 👍🏻👏😀. Thank You from one Michigangander to another. 😀👍🏻

[@MichiganRocks]

So you liked it?

[@rebeccatelgenhoff3540]

I did! They are beautiful! You did a wonderful job!

[@rebeccatelgenhoff3540]

😀👍🏻

[@sandmaker]

Wow, what a neat way to make beads I love the wooden jig to round it off Be safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@MichiganRocks]

I think that jig is a lot of fun too.

[@Lupfield08]

This is SO WHOLESOME 🥺🥺🥺

[@auntTdesigns]

Beautiful! Re the blowout, I've seen other bead makers drill the hole from both sides, flip it over when about 3/4 thru,. But you'll need a way to keep it aligned.

[@MichiganRocks]

A friend of mine used to hire me to drill 1mm holes in puddingstone scraps to make beads. I'd tumble them either before or after drilling. ln that case I drilled from both sides. I know I could do the same here, but I find it easier just to grind the chipped out area off.

[@lynettepavelich7540]

Oh my GOSH!!!! I LOVE those!!!! Lots of work involved; super cool!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Lynette!

[@easterazali9237]

Wow ! You’re a great artist indeed ! I love those gorgeous beads , well done 🥰⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm not sure I'd call me an artist, but thanks!

[@easterazali9237]

@@MichiganRocks your humility is admirable , but you are 💗

[@chattychickadee4192]

Holy moly these are absolutely gorgeous!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@ЭльджинРагнаров]

Beautiful

[@gingermackeen5741]

Great job, Rob! Beautiful beads!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Ginger!

[@kirstencorby8465]

I am dumbfounded by the sheer amount of time, effort, and MONEY that went into making these little beads. I bow before you. I'm a paper crafter, I don't have the patience for such an effort! People who don't make any sort of handcrafts just have NO IDEA what is involved.

[@MichiganRocks]

When it's fun to do, the time and effort don't seem to count. There was some money on equipment spent, but at that time, almost everything was used and acquired over several years, so it wasn't so bad. Plus, I use it for a lot more than just the beads in this video.

[@kerinl.holmstrom1810]

Nice job Rob! I've made many, many beads over the last 25yrs & these impressed me! I used a mini diamond keyhole cutters & a Dremel. Those look just as nice, if not better than mine. Thank you for a great challenge. 😁 ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@MichiganRocks]

I wasn't sure what a keyhole cutter was. After a quick Google search, I see it's the bit that makes the sort of hole you might make to put the head of a screw in and slide it over into a slot. Is that what you mean? Could I use it to improve on what I'm doing? I'm always looking for better ideas.

[@GermanGemcutter]

Excellent job, i love the way you work, so many brilliant ideas👍 Great Video, very inspiring

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks. I don’t think any of these ideas are original. Now you know them and can add them to your bag of tricks too.

[@Grimes60]

Super cool and beautiful 👍😃

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@themobleys]

Excellent work they’re beautiful!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thank you!

[@reneehemingway512]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Renee!

[@criddyboy1968]

real great vid,i had no idea how to make stone bead,really cool idea to shape them using the wood working method (as a woodturner i do the same to make bowl blanks on the bandsaw) your wife must love the bracelet

[@MichiganRocks]

She does love it. And I'm glad to have a reason to make stuff.

[@Sunshine-n1n]

So amazing. They are truly beautiful!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Janice!

[@Svetlij-ja]

Brilliant!

[@klairesprengel9335]

Fantastic xx i love these sooo much xx u make such beautiful things with rocks xx i love ur work and ideas xx gr8 vid xx u rock xx

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Klaire!

[@jennyromano9449]

Thanks for the tutorial here, I have been debating whether to make a couple beads. Probably not something worth doing a lot, but I have a rock I’d like to use for this. Watching this video helps me think through the stages. I didn’t look super hard, but I wasn’t finding other videos for this very helpful since they were always showing using equipment I don’t own. I don’t have a cab machine, but I can use the other method you showed with the drill and sandpaper.

[@MichiganRocks]

I hope it works out for you. At least you have some ideas to get you started.

[@claudiac6886]

Such beautiful work. These are simply amazing!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@toddawwiller6963]

Wow, that's alot of work. They look great !

[@MichiganRocks]

These actually don't take as long as some other things. They're pretty easy to do if you have the right equipment.

[@kims4529]

These are fabulous, Rob! Your wife is lucky to receive your works of art!

[@MichiganRocks]

Hopefully they make up for some of my flaws.

[@SherryAustinMcginley]

Loved the beads that you made. The green and red beads would look great at Christmas.

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you see the Christmas tree ornament I made out of that same rock? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHXSi39qgs6DnbM

[@SherryAustinMcginley]

@@MichiganRocks I sure have and I like them very much. 😁

[@QuestForDetails]

so cool ! Im Excited now ! I can adapt these techniques and it will help allot, I love the little jig , like a revers lathe, and then onto the drill , simple and smart , the cloth and the past for buffing..... thank you so much ! as usual , I have learned a bunch from you in one vid , your one of my favorite teachers !

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad to share ideas. None of these were actually my ideas though, just things I picked up along the way.

[@CityRockhounding]

These are beautiful, thanks for shown us the process. Very helpful. Great idea for cutting it round!

[@jeannieschannel1107]

Wow! Those are so special!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Jeannie!

[@sammnew]

Awesome!!❤

[@shereetompkins3358]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Sheree!

[@candywarmuth2455]

Brilliant. Thanks for all the info. Just what I needed to know. I think the chip proves it's authentic, I prefer them. Very professional looking.

[@MichiganRocks]

They're authentic, alright. That chipped one is still setting down there waiting for some attention.

[@iuliaalexandra4571]

They look very nice. Good job!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@AngelWings144K]

OMG that is gorgeous!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Laura.

[@BecilBeatts]

Love the videos! Thanks for posting your process publicly, it’s been super fun to watch and learn! I’m more of a woodworking background and I was thinking about the blowout problem from drilling through, my first thought was marrying a temporary sacrificial rock to the back side of the rock being drilled to see if that reduces the blowout, the next idea was drilling halfway from the top then halfway from the bottom to meet the hole in the center to prevent blowout, but then aligning the drill press with the piece gets more complicated and using a smaller bit through the entire rock to maintain center on both sides before using the core bit creates extra passes through the rock on the drill press which may be even more burdensome, then my last thought was to drill the holes in the rock initially then slab them to thickness after but wasn’t sure how slabbing would work on pieces that already have a hole cut through the rock. Your solution to resolve it doesn’t seem that labor intensive so may not be worth trying to narrow down any more efficiencies, I just like thinking about the process and was curious if it would help. Keep up the great work!

[@MichiganRocks]

It seems like the farther you drill into a rock, the slower it goes. So drilling before slabbing doesn't seem like a good option. A friend of mine sometimes hires me to drill 1 mm holes in a couple hundred little puddingstone beads. I also tumble them. For those, I drill from both sides. I drill about halfway through first. Then I use a piece of wood that I have a short piece of drill bit sticking out of. It's only out about 1/16 of an inch. I line that up with the bit in the drill, then place the half drilled bead on top of the drill sticking out of the wood. Now when I drill, I know the holes will match up. I could do the same with these bigger holes, but grinding off the back I just a little easier.

[@TheOldladyB]

Beautiful.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thank you, Darlene.

[@rgdMotherNature]

Beautiful! I love these!😃

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!