Great vid- so I have made what you would consider an Opal carving except I didn't use a Dremel! It's one of my favorites- and yes it's because there were 3 bars in the stone and I thought it would be cool just to expose it all on the one piece. Had no idea people actually did that professionally
Absolutely - opal carving encompasses basically everything that *isn’t* a standard cut. There are multiple methods and equipment used and multiple outcomes, too. It’s great to see as much variety coming out of opal production and treatment as there is in opal itself! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your comments. 😁👍
Great video, Russell! Would Andrew be willing to share his secrets for polishing? I also carve, and I've found some of the rubber(?)-based polishing heads tend to heat up the opal more than I'm comfortable with. Or perhaps there is another video that already covers this? Thanks so much!!!
The difficulty that most carvers indure is in the polishing process it would be very beneficial for an involved process using differing compounds and the burrs involved just a thought.
I agree entirely. I firmly believe that freeform and/or carving is how opal is supposed to be shaped. It's an organic formation and it deserves to be preserved in its purest form, it's so much more beautiful that way.
Thank you very much. Opal carving is the way to go. Can you do a little vid on the best carving tools, bits etc how to get best polish. As i could do with so expert advice. Cheers Dick'o. Luved the vid.
Some people start with a sand blaster to remove the clay or ash. I start with Starbond to make sure there are no surprises down in the limb casts as I like to work stuff i consider too fragile to hand to others to consider buying. Thin films cracks from drying porous wood what ever. Its more like fossil prep than gemstone cutting and size alone does impress people once they get over there are some cracks in it. Not like i have it out for display or sale or whatever, much. Someday...
*Pulitzer Opel* does the most beautiful skillful *Arrow Head Opel* on earth !!! Put a Gold Wire Wrap attached to a Chain or Leather and you have the most Beautiful Neckless you will ever see !!! All these other round and pebble shapes are boring !!! 👍👍
Hi Bill! Thanks for stopping by! Noodling is a term for looking for opal on the surface of the ground, also called “specking” or “fossicking” at Lightning Ridge. You can see more about noodling in this video: ruclips.net/video/IL2_WK7s2yM/видео.html 😁
I always come back to this video for carving inspiration.Andrew is a true opal carver master
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for watching (and watching again!) 😁
10:50 Beautifully said, I'm of the same opinion 👍
Another highly informative upload, keep up the great work 👌
Thank you sir! 😁👍
Great vid- so I have made what you would consider an Opal carving except I didn't use a Dremel! It's one of my favorites- and yes it's because there were 3 bars in the stone and I thought it would be cool just to expose it all on the one piece. Had no idea people actually did that professionally
Absolutely - opal carving encompasses basically everything that *isn’t* a standard cut. There are multiple methods and equipment used and multiple outcomes, too. It’s great to see as much variety coming out of opal production and treatment as there is in opal itself! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your comments. 😁👍
Keep up the great videos i wish I did more carving back in the day
Thanks Brett! I’ll do what I can. 😁 Really appreciate the comment. 😁👍
Great video, Russell! Would Andrew be willing to share his secrets for polishing? I also carve, and I've found some of the rubber(?)-based polishing heads tend to heat up the opal more than I'm comfortable with. Or perhaps there is another video that already covers this? Thanks so much!!!
The difficulty that most carvers indure is in the polishing process it would be very beneficial for an involved process using differing compounds and the burrs involved just a thought.
Great vid! Hopefully in the future we will be seeing more geology content of the grawin/lighting ridge area!
Thanks so much! And I’m working on it. 😁
Absolutly tremendous video like always!
Thanks so much! Really appreciate it. 😁👍
Fantastic Russell love all your videos x
Thanks so much Leisa! 😁
you learn so much from the pros, thank you!
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching. 😁
Wow really like carved opal and freeform much more than the cabs.
It’s definitely a style that’s more appropriate to the organic formation of opal. 😁
From showing the opals I carved and ones I got in oval shapes,
Most preferred the free form shapes and said the oval cuts looked like granny jewellery
I agree entirely. I firmly believe that freeform and/or carving is how opal is supposed to be shaped. It's an organic formation and it deserves to be preserved in its purest form, it's so much more beautiful that way.
❤
Thank you very much.
Opal carving is the way to go.
Can you do a little vid on the best carving tools, bits etc how to get best polish.
As i could do with so expert advice.
Cheers Dick'o.
Luved the vid.
I carve and much prefer a freeform over a fully calibrated cab...
Really enjoyed this video
Thanks Stephen! Freeform and carving definitely seem to bring out the best in a stone. Thanks for watching! 😁
Some people start with a sand blaster to remove the clay or ash. I start with Starbond to make sure there are no surprises down in the limb casts as I like to work stuff i consider too fragile to hand to others to consider buying. Thin films cracks from drying porous wood what ever. Its more like fossil prep than gemstone cutting and size alone does impress people once they get over there are some cracks in it. Not like i have it out for display or sale or whatever, much. Someday...
I love carving more than I love cabbing
Carving certainly opens up a lot more creative opportunities! Thanks for watching. 😁👍
*Pulitzer Opel* does the most beautiful skillful *Arrow Head Opel* on earth !!! Put a Gold Wire Wrap attached to a Chain or Leather and you have the most Beautiful Neckless you will ever see !!! All these other round and pebble shapes are boring !!! 👍👍
New to this web site what is the term Noodling ? this is the first time to see your show love all of the info........Be well and be safe...
Hi Bill! Thanks for stopping by! Noodling is a term for looking for opal on the surface of the ground, also called “specking” or “fossicking” at Lightning Ridge. You can see more about noodling in this video: ruclips.net/video/IL2_WK7s2yM/видео.html 😁
@@CuriosityMine is their a sight that you know of that sells it in the rought? Iwould like to play with some!............thank you for the reply......