I have been using stainless steel for my shafts. Seems to work great.

I have picked rocks for as long as I can remember as most people that live here do(at least a little). Its due to the Lake superior agate being the state gemstone that I got heavy into it . I thought If I ever move I wont have any LSA's to show off. So I picked until I had a bowl full. Then I got the fire I picked everywhere far and wide. Now I will never move from here as I live to look for agate, Lakers specifically. Some day I will have to post some pictures, there more fun to look at than words.

:X dang lap sold as soon as I posted. Sorry.

I have a hi tech lap that I don't use due to owning a 12" highland park flat lap. I would sell it for cheap if you or anyone else is interested. Its older but works great. I would sell it for $75. If you or anyone else is interested I  can post a pic of it.

This seems overpriced but wonderful

Thats funny because I already have one of those desert torches. Maybe I will give that thing a try. I would like to eventually get a serious set up but sounds like I may be able to get started sooner than in 2 months.

Thanks everyone. The man with the smith torch said it was for use with propane. He wanted 60 for the torch and 100 for the regulators. I was hoping to go with the least dangerous/ insurance liability since it's to cold in the winter to do anything outside.

I see I can get a used Smith Jewelers Torch locally for $60 any thoughts or experience with that torch?

So I have a box full of cabs and want to start making a finished product. I want to keep the design basic to keep cost down to the consumer. I have no experience with silversmithing but want to get some starting equipment to hang my cabs. I was looking at someone's post on the forum where they were taking 5mm wide silver around the edge only and soldering on tube silver to hand it. I really liked the look and would like to do this myself. I'm going to do a study with the local university about quitting smoking and they are going to pay me $580 for quitting. I would like to use this money to get a torch and a foredom.

So my question is what is a good torch that can be used for a beginer and the experienced. What type of gas should I go with. What other tools should I need?

I think it's frustrating when someone undercuts prices. Its a great way to get a following of customers, but a bad way to make alliances with other cutters. I think his cabs look great, I just am curious to how long his prices will remain at the current level. If I sold my cabs @ that price I would lose money, but then again I don't sell my cabs.

Didn't find enough to be satisfied. I must hunt a few more times before I post any finds.

I use super glue with a clamp to set the stone. When I want it off I slice it off with a fresh razor blade. I also use cork(from wine bottles) as a dop stick so It's never to hard to remove.

So I live to Pick lake superior agates but rarely get to go. I'm in luck on sunday I get to make a day of it. We just had major flooding, some say its a 100 year flood. It's taken out roads, rail road tracks, and some bridges. With all this erosion I'm sure to find a Prize laker. I cant wait. I will post my findings on monday if I do get lucky. I dont think I will need that much luck though. (maybe just a little luck not to get caught in a private gravel pit by an owner.... LOL). Wish me luck

I know a lot of people who use drain cleaner watered down to clean lake superior agates. After the soak they use baking soda to neutralize the acid. Works well, but I don't usually do that with mine as I just stack mine in a milk crate in the basement anyways.

If I can get permission from my wife I will be going to the agate show.