Something fun for the rock garden... (I'll bet your CNC can't do this)

[James Burke]

I've worked with CNC as a toolmaker since the mid 80s, and there's no way it could duplicate something like this.

16" River stone, reverse etched - approx. 3/32" to 1/8" depth. Sign vinyl stencil. Approx. 20 minutes blast time. I'm assuming roughly 90% of the stone's original surface was etched away.

It's a hard, dense stone with extremely small grain structure...the perfect combination for obtaining fine detail. It also permits the abrasive to flow across the surface like water...producing those awesome looking corner radii and blends.

I especially like how the mooring (anchor) threads seem to "hug" the stone inward in various places.

JB

 

[ikarasu]

Looks awesome, definately not doable (at least not as nice) on a CNC.... Especially in 20 minutes.

How hard is sandblasting to take.up? We have a few by the hour shops here that rent out their chambers... I've been wanting to go, but could never think of a project... I like your idea and some decorative rocks would be awesome.

Might be time to learn!

 

[James Burke]

Looks awesome, definately not doable (at least not as nice) on a CNC.... Especially in 20 minutes.

How hard is sandblasting to take.up? We have a few by the hour shops here that rent out their chambers... I've been wanting to go, but could never think of a project... I like your idea and some decorative rocks would be awesome.

Might be time to learn!

I've been at it 18 years. Like anything else, a lot depends on your teacher. Unfortunately, I had to learn on my own, so my learning curve was a lot more challenging and prolonged.

Judging by the others I've assisted over the years, you could see tremendous progress after a year or two.

A lot also depends on the equipment, but again...the right guidance will help you buy the right stuff the first time around.

JB

 

[garyroy]

Wow, that is sweet looking.
How big is the rock? 12" at it's longest point.

 

[James Burke]

Wow, that is sweet looking.
How big is the rock? 12" at it's longest point.

It's noted above....16".


JB

 

[netsol]

very impressive
no, my cnc can't do that
but, i bet my stratasys 3d printer can


you know what REALLY IMPRESSED ME with stratasys?
they can 3d print SPRINGS

 

[Michelle Adams]

I've worked with CNC as a toolmaker since the mid 80s, and there's no way it could duplicate something like this.

16" River stone, reverse etched - approx. 3/32" to 1/8" depth. Sign vinyl stencil. Approx. 20 minutes blast time. I'm assuming roughly 90% of the stone's original surface was etched away.

It's a hard, dense stone with extremely small grain structure...the perfect combination for obtaining fine detail. It also permits the abrasive to flow across the surface like water...producing those awesome looking corner radii and blends.

I especially like how the mooring (anchor) threads seem to "hug" the stone inward in various places.

JB

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That is just way too cool! Makes me want to get into sandblasting! Wow.

 

[GAC05]

Looks really good.
Why do people have rock gardens? Every Sunday my dad would make me and my brother collect the rocks in the yard to keep the crank on the mower from getting bent. No matter how hard we worked the rocks would always grow back by the next Sunday.