The Bitterroot Conglomerate
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society
Vol. XXX issue 11
Presidents Column for Nov.
None at this time.
Editors Notes
I will attempt to send the newsletter to all those that have provided me with an email address. Your copy of the email newsletter may be a little different than the snail mail copy since we are limited to 10 pages, double sided with 1oz. postage per item.
Who would like their Newsletter sent to them by e-mail instead of snail mail? If you would like the E-newsletter make sure I have your e-mail address. The pictures will be in color in the e-mail. It is being contemplated that those that want to receive their newsletter by snail mail will be charged an extra $5.00 dues per year to help cover the postage.
I will need reports from the Chairperson of the various Committees during the last week of each month so they can be included in the newsletter.
The Editor is not responsible for the accuracy of articles accepted, items for sale, nor are the opinions expressed therein necessarily those of the Club Officers, members and/or the Club Editor.
Ralph
BGMS Minutes of Nov. 8, 2011
The meeting was called to order by President, Mike McConnell. In a scheduling change Nola Edgar made a presentation on some of the stones and minerals she has located in the slag piles and tailings piles of the copper mines. She had some beautiful pieces and the presentation was fascinating. We really appreciate and enjoyed her efforts.
After a short break during which we scarfed up snacks and beverages prepared by Sharlene, Mike turned to the business portion of the meeting. Dianne was asked to read the minutes from the last meeting. The minutes were then approved by membership.
Steve then requested a motion that the price charged to dealers for the annual show remain unchanged from that charged in the 2011 show. The motion was made, seconded and passed. The price per foot will remain at $14.00 per foot. Steve also asked membership to consider renting the arts building at the fairgrounds for use as a workshop and for meetings. The price will be $600.00 per year. He said that the facility has ample space, electrical, ventilation and A/C. We can store all equipment in the facility and there would be minor restrictions on usage dates and time. It was agreed to consider and put the idea for further discussion and possible vote at the next meeting.
Wayne gave the treasures report which was then approved. He also reported that the insurance policy that had been previously approved had been purchased. A question on the status of the repair on equipment purchased from Reuel Jensen was posed. Steve has volunteered to look into it. It was also reported that the banquet tables purchased to replace those rented for the show had been delivered and were awaiting permanent marks identifying them as club property. When they're marked they'll be moved to the fairgrounds for storage and use.
Mike then announced the candidates for next year's officers: President - Steve Vieth; Vice President - Harvey Sharp; Secretary - Pam Myers; Treasurer - Wayne Farley. Elections will be held at the next meeting. We were also reminded that two positions on the board would be available next year.
It was also mentioned that shortwave black lites were available online from UV Tools out of Texas. Please contact Wayne with any questions.
We were reminded that the next meeting will be largely devoted to making critters and will begin at 6:30 pm a half hour earlier than usual. The drawings were then held: 50/50 was won by Mike who took home $24.50, the door prize, a druzy amethyst was won by Pete Myers, and Mike's drawing was not claimed as the winner wasn't in attendance. At this time a motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting.
These minutes are respectfully submitted for approval.
Pam Myers
Secretary
BGMS Minutes Nov. 22, 2011
The meeting was called to order by President, Mike McConnell. As this meeting was to be dedicated to the making of critters a short business meeting was undertaken. There were 22 members and one guest in attendance. Mike then asked for discussion or approval of the amended By-Laws. There being no discussion a motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the By-Laws as amended.
As this was the second to last meeting of the year it was necessary to elect candidates for Officer positions for the year 2012. Nominations from the nominating committee are: President - Steve Vieth; Vice President - Harvey Sharp; Secretary - Pam Myers; Treasurer - Wayne Farley. In compliance with standard practice Mike asked three times for nominations from the floor for each position. With no other nominations forthcoming a motion to close nominations and accept those individuals nominated was seconded and passed by the membership. The induction of the 2012 officers will held during the Dec. 3 meeting and potluck. Due to term expirations two positions on the Board of Directors; we are losing both Steve Vieth and Harvey Sharp. Nominations from the floor for these two positions were Don Tibbs and Jenet McConnell. As no other nominations were made a motion to close nominations and hold a vote was made seconded and approved. These two candidates were duly elected for two year terms. The Northwest Federation Director was also open for nomination. Wayne Farley was the only nomination from the floor. A motion to close the nominations and elect Wayne was made, seconded and passed. Two positions for the Montana Council were also open. Daniel Farley and Mary Scanland were the only nominations from the floor. A motion to close nominations and elect these two candidates was made, seconded and passed We would like to thank our incoming officers, directors and council delegates for their willingness to serve. We also offer a special thank you to the outgoing members for their excellent performance and representation during their terms.
Treasurer Wayne Farley then made a Treasurer's report. A motion to accept the report was made, seconded and passed. The drawing for the 50/50 was held; as the holder of the winning ticket Mike McConnell will split the $40.00 collected with the club. The Door Prize was won by new member Taylor Patten and the winner of Mike's member drawing was not in attendance so the prize will carry forward to the next meeting. Congratulations to all of our winners.
With no other discussion or business a motion to adjourn was seconded and approved by the members with wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all members.
These minutes are respectfully submitted by Pam Myers, BGMS Secretary.
Program Committee
No report.
Mining Committee Report
No new report.
Scholarship Committee
No report.
Sunshine Committee
Need a report on Ron Livsey.
Field Trip Report
None
MT Council Report
None.
N.W. Federation Report
None.
Show Report
No new report.
Gemstone cabochon sanding guide and tips for beginning lapidary shop learning
I felt the need to share from Gemstones and Minerals, A Guide for the Amateur Collector and Cutter by Paul Villiard. Credit for the following goes to the author.
When reading through the chapter about sanding, I found myself very, very interested. For myself I still have difficulties with the sanding and polishing. So for anyone reading and finding themselves in a similar situationon the best methods for getting the scratches out in a proper order via the correct abrasives, then this may help to you too.
The best work is done on the drums, while using the belts covered with diamond powder. I myself have not yet switched from silicon carbide to diamond yet, but it will be the very next paper I purchase as of this post.
Two talked about in this part of the book are the grades. 220-mesh, and 15 micron . Then the silicon carbide that come in a variety of grades, from the 100 mesh to the 600 for the final sanding.
The author recommends the diamond tools all the way through the gem cutting. His reason is that diamond abrasives do cut smoother, faster, cleaner and they last from 50 up to 100 times as long as other abrasives. The rather high initial cost far out weighs the life of the tool, and the ease and accuracy of cutting far exceed all other methods.
The author suggests two grades of diamond belts are all you really need to sand to the point of polished. If you don't use diamond, then silicon carbide grades of 220 and 400 for the second polish, and on to the 600 for final. It is also suggested to have a machine for the belts with a minimum of two drums.
I have found this to be all so true as I struggle through the sanding process. This will be my very next piece of equipment purchase. Another arbor unit for the two additional belts readily available. I located one, and will be picking it up soon. Be sure to try for the expanding rubber drums for use with either the diamond or silicon carbide belts.
The stone is held against the belt with just enough pressure so as to cause the belt to cut. You immediately will feel a very slight pull of the belt while it is cutting. No more pressure should be applied, because the belt will not cut faster. This was a big tip for myself ! This particularly applies to the diamond belts, since they cut so readily that much less pressure is required. Besides, you do not want to chance the belt getting dry and throwing the diamond abrasive off your 50 dollar belt. At no time should the stone stop moving against the belt. Keep it rotating in a smooth even curve, covering every point on the face. Over and over, touching each point, making sure as to sand down along the edges as well as on the face. He then goes on to say that it is the sanding of the stone that is the most important part of gem cutting. It may take an hour or even two to sand the stone to a point of polish, but unless every single scratch is removed from the gem, then that scratch will stand out like the Grand Canyon the instant you put the final polish on it.
The 220 belt is used first, so as to remove all the scratches put in by the grinding wheel. While the stone is wet you cannot really see the scratches. After sanding for a while, dry the stone and carefully examine it, preferably with a magnifying glass. You will easily see any scratches, and will be able to tell the difference between those caused by the grinding wheel and those caused by the belt. Continue to sand on the 220 until all the scratches on the surface of the stone are those made by the belt, and all the scratches on the stone made by the grinding wheel have been removed.
The book also goes on to explain how to continue on considering the reader is working on a domed stone. 99% of my work is on flat cabs, so the process is different. With that in mind, I am going to concentrate here on the methods and processes for starting and moving through the various grades of abrasives, and not the shape of the gem.
After sanding to completion on the 220, repeat the very same operation on the 400 mesh belt in silicon carbide, or the 15 micron in diamond. When you examine the stone under the glass after sanding on the 220, you will see it looks even and smooth.
The moment you apply the stone to the next lower grit belt, the surface which looked even and smooth to you before will now be simply covered with what look like gouge marks. The scratches put on the 220 belt now appear enormous and deep by comparison with the scratches put in on the finer belt. You now will be required to remove every scratch put in by the course belt, until the surface once more is covered with nothing buy the scratches of the finer belt. In the case of the diamond belts, the surface will now be extremely smooth and have what is called a "pre-polish" finish. It is ready to go to the polisher. In the case of silicon carbide belts, the surface will now be covered with much finer scratches than those obtained with the 220 mesh. When the surface is once again smooth and even, the stone is sanded on the 600 mesh belt, exactly as before. Exactly as before also, the stone will look gouged and dug up when you have applied it to the 600 belt for a time, and these old scratches must be taken off the surface to the last one. When the sanding is finished, the surface of the stone, when dry, should have a slightly gray look, evenly dull in appearance, with perhaps just the suggestion of a shine to it. It will have a very slight shine if done on the 15 micron diamond blt. All of your long and tedious labor has now been completed, and you have only a few steps more to go before you can hold a glowing gemstone in your hands and feel the wonderful thrill of having produced it yourself.
The next step is polishing the surface. Perhaps this will be something to add down the road, but for now the author has provided the information regarding our sanding
For Sale. An ore car from the Betty O’Neil Mine near Battle Mountain, Nevada. In good shape. $500.00. Contact Posey at 961-4116
End.
SAVE USED POSTAGE STAMPS FOR CANCER RESEARCH!
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