Thread: Newbie rockhound in Ohio looking for advice

Rezdog, should I be using a 8k and then up to a 12k, after the 6k? I also use after the 12k , 5 micron c/o about 30 laps and then leather strop. Maybe I should be using diamond paste instead of the c/o, I have heard a lot of good success with diamond paste or spray

I'm not a user of pastes or sprays. I think an 8K in there will make it easier to step up from 6K. I use the 4K and then 8K and then a finisher in a regular progression. It's and easy transition. It is not completely required, I just find it easier.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...lynn-glen.html

A more powerful loupe would help you and (shooting from the hip) I would say you need more time at the 1k level. You should be able to shave off an 8k with no problems. 12k is polishing. The King is a good stone, I learned on one. It's been said that that is where it all happens.


or not !

Oh man! I was reading a little bit about rocks here a while back, and there seems that Ohio might actually have some decent rocks after all! Though if I recall correctly, a bit higher grit than otherwise expected for a bevel setter. Someplace in the 3 to 4K range.

As you probably surmised, I forgot where I was reading that, BUT... you might have better luck rock hounding in Ohio than say... KS after all!!

I would do what thebigspender said and stop by some quarries on your free time - good luck!!

Your best best if you want to go rockhounding is to find some information about the rocks in your region.

Geological surveys are the best bet for getting an idea about where different rocks are found.

This is one for Ohio.

https://gis.ohiodnr.gov/website/dgs/industrialminerals/

There appears to be Shale in the Ohio region. You then have to firther research those sites to work out if the rock is at surface level, And if it is on private property.

Then it's all a gamble. You have to go pick up rocks, Take them home, Dress and lap them, Then test.

Even when you know a fairly localized source of good hone material you cannot guarantee the rocks you pull out!

Really, if I were you I'd first go to your local University and hang out with the Geology Majors. They will have everything you need and give you tips on where to look and thereby save you a lot of time trying to figure it out by yourself.

Also see if you have local rockhounding clubs.

I went in my back yard and found a rock that looked like shale with different colored layers and was gray. I lapped it on a belt sander and tried it out and low and behold I sharpened my dovo straight with it and it provided me with the sharpest razor yet. I wish I knew more about rocks but this is great. My king 1k/6k doesn't hold a candle to this natural stone. I must have gotten lucky with finding a good stone first trip out in my back yard.

The first time I had been rockhounding in a very long time, I found an incredible hone, I have looked a lot in that same spot and everything else I have found there is packed with inclusions. The other areas haven't netted anywhere near as nice of a hone but some good ones that keep me looking for that glorious vein.