SNS

It's that time again, it's time for another Saturday Night Special where we talk about everything rockhounding related.
Thanks for watching!
Be sure to check out my website at currentlyrockhounding.com for tons of additional rockhounding resources and much more!
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#CurrentlyRockhounding

[@Mrjoshuasjourneyzzz10420]

For the cause!!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh my gosh, thank you!

[@mma171]

My wife and I go to rock shows just to see different examples of various rocks and minerals and how they are finished. We only want to collect rocks we find and prepare ourselves. Basically we attend shows for the fun of looking and being around others who have a passion for rocks.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. www.patreon.com/currentlyrockhounding

[@stanbogosian-mm8bs]

Jared, The clinoclase is likely from the Copper Stope, Majuba Hill Mine, Pershing Co. , NV. Collected in there a couple of times. Ceiling collapsing, really funky spot to collect, and this was years ago.

[@joechiaretti4131]

My wife and I went to rock shows in Quartzsite and Tucson this year. Most of the shows in Tucson have many International vendors. Some of the vendors have stuff that's unique and interesting, but most is just redundant, boring, and overpriced. One exception in Tucson is the Miners Co-op Show west of the city. It has vendors with material mostly from the US, Mexico, and Canada. It's a "Mom and Pop" type of show with vendors who know what they're selling and are enthusiastic about it. The shows in Quartzsite are very similar to the Miner's Co-op show. Their prices are very reasonable as well.

[@WorldofRockhounds]

Further comment on rock shows - there should be some kind of organization as far as what kind of vendors there are and what they offer. Such as, there shouldn't be 3 or 4 vendors selling the same exact thing. It would be a nice to see a show where each vendor has something different to offer. Since I sell rocks myself - most of the stuff I see, I could probably get anyways...or request to get in. I prefer to find more specimens, rough, and slabs at reasonable prices. I'm also very picky too.

[@savage1r]

I've 3d printed everything from rifle and pistol lowers to a sleuce box and a blue box. They can be as durable or more durable than other plastic products as long as you adjust the thickness to match the properties of manufactured products, which will usually need to be larger as a result.

[@steveegbert7429]

Jared, I appreciate your candor and honest opinions. If I go to any kind of show or sale, if it's not labeled or priced, I walk on by. If the seller can't put in that little bit of effort, then I'm not wasting my breath haggling with them. Whatever you have on the burner that precludes you doing videos, then I'm sure it's going to be great. Blessings to you and Sara from Oregon.

[@Harkart59]

You are right on about the rock shows. I remember a big rock show my dad took me to in Carson City Nevada as a little kid about 7(1967) and I learned so much that day. Nearly every vendor was showing me different rocks and telling me about the different minerals and all the whys and why nots about everything in there. One guy was selling these little envelopes that said "Rattler! Watch out!" Of course I looked inside and it made the exact sound of a rattle snake. It was really a bobby pin opened up with a very thin button wound up with a rubber band. I thought that was so cool! I think people who are vendors now (not all) just don't want to learn about what they're selling. Taking the easy route and losing air in their tires as they go. 😂Great video!

[@notinmanitou]

We attended The Kalamazoo Rock and Gem Show this weekend. It's been many years since we've gone, and it was somewhat disappointing. Displays were poorly lighted and mounted on the wall. Vendors were not as good as we remembered from years ago. Lots of junk. Prices not marked on many things. A few were good. We think that these shows should be juried, like our local art show. Artists and vendors submit photos of their work or even examples and judges determine if they are good enough for the show. We have a good rock shop nearby and it's a lot more fun to go there. Too bad, we were really looking forward to the show.

[@markattardo]

I'm a little out of the loop but do know 3d printing materials range from various plastic, plastic infused with wood and other materials to metal. I've mostly dabbled with PLA as it's fairly easy and suitable for the smaller things I used to make. If I were going to try to make a lapidary machine I would lean towards combining 3d printing with common off the shelf components like bearings and shafts. I would also want a printer that has a large enough build volume to accommodate the largest part Enjoy your time off from SNS!

[@coffee19837]

Jared my husband I went to a rock show and it was very cool seeing all the different kinds of rocks that they had on display some got tumbled and some didn’t some got turned into figurines like animals, cars, or even anime characters. Hope you have a great bless weekend and thank you for all you do for your videos Jared. God bless you

[@patriciamckean4186]

I never buy anything that is not priced! I agree 100%. My favorite thing about shows are books and display cases. Cases by lapidary youth is awesome! Thank you for all your work and sharing your thoughts.

[@seattlemichele664]

Also wanted to add that I never 3d printed until March '24. So I bought 3 tumblers AND a 3D printer within the last 6 months for much less than a 10" Hi-tech diamond trim saw. For a beginner not sure about investing in a new hobby, "this is the way....." 😜. The printer can be used for so much more than rockhounding stuff. Just my newbie 2 cents. Rock on!

[@micheleslaughter1324]

Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you very much!

[@sandmaker]

You do what you have to do, we will be here when you come back❤. I have no comments on 3d printing. It's still in its infancy and copy right laws will have to shake out on if you can copy or not. Try to have a bit of fun along the way. 😷⚒

[@davidschaer8974]

In the world of readily available 3d filament, nylon would be the most abrasion resistant. No sure, but nylon with catbon fiber might be a good choice. Nylon, however might be too flexible if the part needs to take load, so the part would have to be designed accordingly.

[@seattlemichele664]

So I'm a fairly new rockhounder that just started tumbling in November '23 and subscribed to several awesome channels including yours. Got bored with tumbling rather quickly, so wanted to start cutting and face polishing but didn't want to spend $2-3k on a trim saw and flat lap. I found a YT channel (SweetgumNYC) that 3D printed an all-in-one lapidary/woodworking/metalworking device that allows me, as a beginner, to enjoy learning about this FANTASTIC hobby. In time, I will buy more expensive equipment as my skill set grows, but for now the 3d printed equipment is awesome and affordable for this newbie. I'd encourage you to take a look at his channel. He makes his own lap grinding discs with tumbling grit and resin. I also think carbon fiber nylon can be a great choice for a lot of this equipment, but honestly I find that simple petg works just fine for the saw and flat lap attachments. Thanks for all you share - I've enjoyed learning from you!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have seen his design and I think he suffers from some of the issues I spoke about here in this video. He talks about it like it's a direct replacement for the normal 'real' machines that we're used to but doesn't have any himself to test against and obviously, he would be biased in those tests. I like the idea but there needs to be some real legit unbiased testing done of 3D printed machines.

[@seattlemichele664]

@@CurrentlyRockhoundingI completely agree that it cannot sub for real equipment for a serious rock collector. I view it more as an entry level tool for someone just starting out like me; it’s an affordable alternative to learn with. On the topic of gem shows, I forgot to mention that having only attended three, I thought not showing prices was the norm and absolutely I hate it! Thx for sharing!

[@seattlemichele664]

…still thinking about the 3D lap eqpt market possibilities. For tumbling, beginners have Nat Geo and HF with entry level prices. There is nothing similar for sawing and face polishing. Tile saws and Dremel/hand grinder/drill adapters are what I looked at and even tried before considering 3D printed equipment. There is a void for entry level equipment. When I learned to play golf, I didn’t start with Callaway or Titleist, I started with used Wilsons………..3D equipment fills the void.

[@thomaschilders5737]

Well, I just literally got my LLC and have been acquiring material and equipment to be able to do sell online and at shows. There will be very little that will be just bought and sold from me. I plan on transforming everything on some level. I'm already figuring out better lighting, tables, and have pricing stickers. But I do get the pricing thing because pricing every little thing takes a lot of time. Maybe using the pricing colored dots with a sign is a better option and just individually price the unusual pieces would be better. I know *I* hate having to ask every flipping time what the price is. I don't know how good I will do, but at least I should know what every rock is and know how it came to the state it is in to sell.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I wish you all the luck with the endeavor and I get that it can be a lot of work, but ultimately, it will pay off.

[@WorldofRockhounds]

Business cards are SUPER important. I'm on the 2nd version of my card and I feel it could be better. For filming in/at shows - it may be for some people but it's not for everyone. For example, I ran into several people that follow my channel and I'm glad I didn't go live or even record because I got to give them my full attention. There are other reasons that I didn't record or go live but I don't think going live or recording at shows will be for me, personally.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm right there with you. Being able to provide contact information is important.

[@maryberger112]

Sorry to see the specials go, but I'll still watch all your other videos. Take care!

[@mikez104]

Totally agree with the lack of prices. If you can't be bothered with putting a price on something, then I can't be bothered looking at it. And that's not just rock shows. my local beer distributer does the same thing. I see a cool IPA with no price and I'm like screw it. I feel stupid asking.

[@markdavidson9720]

I’ve been told, if you have to ask the price, then you cannot afford it !

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

People who have told you that are wrong.

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

I'm happy for you and your good things. I'm sad we won't see you here for a while. I'm with you about prices, just put prices on everything, then everyone knows and it's fair. Also I don't like to go to place where it's by donation and I have no idea what the donation should be. (I also don't like tipping for fast food or take out.) Call me crazy! It wouldn't be the first time. Thanks Jared! The best to you and Sara.

[@francisgram9548]

used to like rock shows, then 1/3 of the area became beaders soon followed by 1/3 sellers selling the same imported prepared and boxed stuff. The miners/rockhounders/tumblers/slabbers petered away. Entry prices went up as did parking fees. At the end i went in on the last day (last few hours) and got any deals i could - who wants to cart home that unsold heavy stuff. As for filming, i agree to all that difficulty, not to mention those who create a scene when they are filmed. Have not been to a show for more than 5 years. Now buy from web stores (free shipping - well except for those blasted opals. I also have 3D printers. Great for creating mold forms and 1 off samplers for trials. Some filaments can contain wood or metal fibers and may give a bit more life but they will wear out that printer nozzel. Laser can cut wood or thin metals but if you want heavy durability a CO2 laser (thousands$$) and space with electrical and exhaust ports . . . price of a replacement tube, ouch. Think i have more letters here than you have seconds of video, sorry, i will try to restrain but need to say your doing great stuff - love that gimble

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I agree with your assessment of most shows.

[@user-gu4xr1zj3j]

I agree that the showcases are the best part of rock shows. I liked seeing the junior member cases in your last video. It looks like they might be working on some Future Rockhounds of America badges. I haven't seen the pricing problem at our local club show here in Utah. Our vendors keep things well labeled, and I feel like we have a good balance of vendors. Some booths are more "gift shop" like and really attract the general public. We have an opal booth that seems to attract investors, and then we have our booths with great material that attract more of the serious rockhound/geologist group. Maybe you could simplify your show videos with just the showcases and a recap showing what you purchased?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

What club are you in?

[@user-gu4xr1zj3j]

Timpanogos Gem and Mineral Society 👍

[@davidpattullo4881]

I enjoy going to rock shows and have benefitted from the variety of material available, but generally pass by the vendors with no pricing. I will stop if there is something I cannot live without, but set a mental price I'm willing to pay. A few years ago someone was selling a trim saw I wanted and surprised me with a low price of $125. Now I stop by the booth every year because prices are always good. Most of the no price tag vendors miss judge me as a big spender and price too high. Let it be known I'm a bargain hunter! Paradoxically, I believe in a fair markup based on the product.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

$125 for a saw is an amazing price!

[@lapidarydave]

❤🙏💎

[@Mrjoshuasjourneyzzz10420]

Sad to see it go but on to the next!!!!

[@largent45]

Well having been severely handicapped, i just at haven't been able to get to a show, and i dont know how i could handle crowds and just walking that much, but i enjoy it when someone like lapidary dave covers the shows because he has veen doing it for so long now, the vendors and many of the people attending the shows, knows him and knows that is whar he does. But for the average youtuber, its hard to fairly cover a show. And its hard to enjoy the show if you are trying to cover it. And i say, leave it to Dave, and just enjoy the show! And 3D printed products are fine for some things but they havent got it down yet for the 3D printers that regular consumers can afford, to be used to make machines like saws for sale. Maybe if we had the type of commercial printers that sell for thousands, that can be used by like NASA, those printers maybe fine, but the ones that consumers like you and me, arent foing to be able to sell a machibe that we printed. Those machines are cool and now almost affordable, cant produce but 1 piece of anything, in a relatively long time, and it will always have that layered look. Maybe someday. And putting SNS on hold while you move is a more than ok! We love your SNS but its not forever, and its a worthy cause! They will understand! And besides, if it is going to make things better for you going forward, than thats great! Im happy for you! And i know you will be back soon❣️ Thanks Jared! And best of luck to you guys, and hope it all goes smoothly for you❣️

[@GaryCBenson007]

Jared, do you have a source for the magnetic blade guides?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm sorry, what exactly are you talking about?

[@GaryCBenson007]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding The orange, 3-D printed blade guides at 10:13 in the video

[@user-ei9cj6tb5g]

interesting vid. I live in Singleton NSW Australia and I am guessing your misses is prego and if so all the best. Never been to the USA but in australia rock shows are much more low key and more exhabition than sales. Guessing it was gin you were drinking this week rather than bourbon. Where I live it gets to high 30's c deg in summer and around 3deg C in winter so able to cut rocks all year round. Keep on keeping on cobber.

[@megalotherium]

The telltale lines from 3D printing stop me from wanting anything that's 3D printed. If it's presented as art my brain is just, no you cheated, it's not even finished. At least sand the ugly lines off before trying to sell it. The first video of yours I watched was a tailgate show video. You were obviously having a lot of fun, which kept me watching. As a rule, I don't buy anything that doesn't have a pricetag. I'm an introvert and I don't like getting dicked around by salespeople.

[@Mike-br8vb]

If a garage sale doesn't have prices marked, I immediately ask how much? How much? How much?...etc. So annoying. As for rock shows, I found items to be marked, but way overpriced. 1"×2" Malachite specimen for $45! Keep it!

[@DanFarrar]

Good night to SNS for a while. It might feel uncomfortable to use a camera in a public rock show but you’re a KZbinr (a dang good one too) and you represent an opportunity for community and information. You’re conscientious when in public so no problem. Any of the 3d printed stuff I’ve come across is tough and thin.

[@micheleslaughter1324]

There's an obvious difference between the vendors who love the hobby and want to share and those that just want profit. The hobbyist have the best prices on the coolest stuff on the first day and everything they sold is marked up on another vendors table the next day. So many good hobbyists are giving up because they are being shamelessly snaked by the people at the same shows. It's sad to see.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You can really tell who is in it because it's a job for them, and who is in it because they love it.

[@philstover2422]

Hi Jared, I have done several things with the 3D printer and rock displays. My favorite is a UV display (kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6jdhKCGhcuWiMksi=-H0LNXGDcR3RXQht). I have also done an iris agate display (kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXOyYYOnpdSnm7ssi=GjeCURmjXidmZfna). Some other things I have done and don't have videos on are backlit slab displays, display shelves, and quite a few types of stands. I enjoy your videos and the information you share in them.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

3D printed stuff like what you showed in your videos is rather impressive that you can just make that on the computer and print it.

[@philstover2422]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thank you. My job is CAD Administrator for a very large global company. I am working in a professional 3D CAD program every day and always thinking about what I can design for my rocks. 🙂