Nvm.  Just saw the link that someone posted to the original.  I do have a different question however.  Our program is being forced to use Alumina as a main polish instead of Cerium Oxide due to the increased cost and limited budget.  Does anyone have any feedback on the shortcomings of Alumina that I should be aware of so I can share with students?  thanks!

I don't suppose anyone has this original list handy that they could share with me?  That original link that Ajo posted no longer works.  Thanks!

Great, I will look you up when I'm there.  It will be nice to finally meet you.  Is Desert Gardens the same as Electric Park?  I know there have been some name changes over the years so I'm not sure. 

Is anyone going to be still exhibiting in February?  I don't get there until February 3rd.  Tony how about you?

I thought I would pass along this information in case anyone was interested.  There is a deal on for 10 years of Lapidary Journal (2003-2013), digital download for $79.99.   Deal ends tonight.  I prefer to read the magazine, but I have downloaded older issues before and read them on my Ipad when I travel.  I always find useful information every time I do even if it is dated. 
Deal ends tonight!

http://www.interweavestore.com/lapidary-journal-jewelry-artist-ultimate-digital-collection?source=igodigital

I'm not exactly sure what this is called, I seemed to recall someone saying it's a Diamond Demon?  I purchased it a few years ago and never really had the time to play with it until recently.   I had been trying to purchase a flat lap but realized I could probably just use this instead since I already have it.  I purchased it at a Faceting Guild summer flea market.  It came with a lot of pads of different grits, etc.  What it didn't come with was any kind of water supply.  I would also like to get some of the missing grits but I have no idea where I would find them.  Does anyone know who would supply missing parts for this?

Thanks as always for your input!

Jenn

I really liked Digipod's Luna Agate and Kenefick's Blue Tigereye.  I thought they were both very interesting.  Tough choice.  Nice selection of entries to choose from. I ended up voting for the Luna Agate.  I really liked the layout.

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Carol:

One of the suppliers I recommended to you when you first joined supplies some of the nicest Lapis I've seen.  I always buy from him.

http://lapisgemslapidary.net/

Jenn

Nice piece.  I've tried foldforming this before and of course I went right through.  Not the easiest stuff to work with at all.  Great job!

I have done several billets using Argentium / Copper combinations as well as Copper / Regular Sterling and I prefer to use the Regular Sterling.  I found that the Argentium bled when heated to really hot temperatures and basically erased any pattern I had. 

Carol - Argentium silver is very volatile when hot.  If you were to add pressure (eg. a third hand) or binding wire to it, it can break and crumble under the pressure.  Same can be said for quenching it.  While you don't necessarily have to wait until it's room temperature, you do have to wait until it's not cherry red unlike Sterling.  It can crack.  After spending the amount of time required for making Mokume the last thing you want is it cracking.

Thanks for the feedback.  I'm thinking that based on your comments I will pass.  I think I"ll try and figure out a way of using what I have for the time being.  May post some pics of my current setup to get some ideas.  Thanks again much appreciated.

Hi guys:

I have the opportunity to pick up a used 8" Ameritool with 6 discs for $400.  Is that a good deal?  What should I be looking for when looking at it other than the wear and tear on the discs?  I want it for flat lapping inlay and for making flat top cabs.  Would the Ameritool be good for this?  I have only ever used the really old flat laps with the metal discs but I have been looking for years and they're really hard to find.

I appreciate your feedback.

Jenn

That's really amazing Kurt!  You have such vision when carving.  Some people I guess just "see it".

Great job!

Hi Mick:

I'm not sure where you are located, but it does mention accepting Canadian applications so I can't see them limiting it to North America.   It also does state that you have to be a member of the AGTA which I think for an individual who is not a student is just over $300.  I can say that I did join the AGTA this year and they do give you plenty of resource material to justify their fees.  I have been pleasantly surprised. 

Good luck!

Jenn