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What You'll Need to Make the “Turquoise
Mystic” freeform cabochon
by Tom & Kay Benham
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 1.
Genie Gem-Maker Lapidary Grinding Machine.
We happen to own this machine but any comparable grinding machine could be used.
The Genie's six wheels (80, 220 and 280 grit grinding wheels and 600, 1200 and
14000 sanding and polishing wheels) are arranged for quick and efficient grinding
and polishing of lapidary material. The sponge rubber backing on the polishing
wheels conform to the stone's shape eliminating flat spots and scratches. Its
coolant system supplying a water spray to the underside of the wheels is designed
to be clog free. We have attached a soft leather disc to right end of the machine
to do our final polishing. Perhaps our favorite feature is the ease of cleanup
and maintenance. A clean work area is paramount for quality lapidary work.
The Genie Gem-Maker is available from: DIAMOND PACIFIC Tool Corporation,
2620 W. Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311, 800.253.2954, www.diamondpacific.com.
 2.
Ameritool Universal Heavy-Duty Grinder and Polishing Machine.
We happen to own this flat lap but any comparable machine could be used. This
machine allows for grinding and polishing flat surfaces plus clean up is extremely
easy. We used 325, 600, 1200 and 3000 laps for our project. We polished with a
white polishing pad and Holy Cow.
Available from: Ameritool, Inc., 915 Merchant Street, Suite 3, Redding,
CA, 96002, 530.223.2031, www.ameritool-inc.com.
 3.
Polishing Compound.
We are particularly enamored with the results we achieve with this polishing compound
but any of the common polishing compounds could be used. We mix the Holy Cow with
water to form a paste which we apply to a soft leather disc to bring the turquoise
to a high polish very quickly.
Available from: Guy Clark, 24195 US Hwy. 19 North, #123, Clearwater, FL,
33763, 727.796.0330 after 6 PM, clarksrock@aol.com,
727.796.0330.
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