Hello Rick,
I don't life trying to fit a bezel on a stone that bottom edge is
really rounded. I'll go grind it flat.
The trick for getting sharp corners, maintaining calibration and
avoiding the back dimple is gluing cab preforms together back to
back. It also speeds up the grinding, sanding and polishing process
as you have no sharp corners messing up the finish. Some people
separate before the polishing step, I can get an instant polish
using oxides on Pellon on a flat lap for most stones.
Tony.
Anthony Lloyd-Rees.
www.OpalsInTheBag.com
www.TheGemDoctor.com
Oh so you want to know the much guarded tumble finish cabs secret.
Well, Rick, I didn’t realize the gravity of what I was asking… 
so a special thanks for sharing!So, this works a whole lot better in
a vibe tumbler than a, well, tumbling tumbler? I already have one of
those…
Noel
Well, Rick, I didn't realize the gravity of what I was asking...
Yeah, old lapidary hands can be a secretive bunch. Unfortunately
some take their secrets to the grave. I was talking with one cutter
at a gem show just asking what he used for polish because he had a
nice finish on his tumbled cabs. He offered to tell me his whole
process for $10,000. Needless to say I don’t carry that kind of
walking around money. Besides his prices on his cabs where about as
high and wasn’t selling anything.
I don’t mind sharing. In fact I’m putting a rock tumbling
presentation together for the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society,
scheduled in September. “Rock Tumbling – Not Just for Kids Anymore.”
Afterwards I’ll make the PowerPoint available on my website.
I’ve found that I don’t need to keep my techniques a secret to stave
off the competition. I have an eye for stone and shapes. I’ve
discovered a ready market for my free form cabs from wirewrappers.
Now to keep up with demand. Got another 100 cabs coming out of the
tumbler tomorrow.
Rick Copeland
rockymountainwonders.com
I bought a Stuller brand pin polisher. Call Andy the tool man he
will direct you to the best one for you.
Sterling VanDerwerker
Royal Diadem Jewelers
Greensboro, NC