On The Rocks

[Dick Wilson]

I am trying to find a source for stones, quartz, etc. that I can use for "finials" on turnings. All I can find on Google are shops on the east side of Michigan. I am looking for something on the west side. A $10 rock would cost me $50 by the time I paid for gas. Any Michigan Creekers out there that can help???????

[Jim Underwood]

See if you can find a Rock and Gem club nearby. The members will know where to hook you up.

[Dick Wilson]

See if you can find a Rock and Gem club nearby. The members will know where to hook you up.

Good idea Jim, never thought of that route. Thanks

[Jim Burr]

Dick, if you are looking for Cabochons or inserts, here is a link to CSUSA...
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Decorative_Materials___Inserts?Args (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Decorative_Materials___Inserts?Args)=

If you are looking for a finial material other than wood...soapstone for example, although far to soft IMHO, is available on-line.

[John Hart]

Michaels Craft Store carries natural semi-precious stone beads as a regular inventory. I have some very nice jade, tiger's eye and turquoise beads in a drawer just for the purpose you speak of. Nice thing is that they are a nice size (little larger than 1/4" diameter) and they have a hole drilled through them. They have other sizes too, but I get the bigger ones.

Anyway...thought I'd suggest that. There are 3 locations that I can see in the Grand Rapids area.

[Dick Wilson]

Michaels Craft Store carries natural semi-precious stone beads as a regular inventory. I have some very nice jade, tiger's eye and turquoise beads in a drawer just for the purpose you speak of. Nice thing is that they are a nice size (little larger than 1/4" diameter) and they have a hole drilled through them. They have other sizes too, but I get the bigger ones.

Anyway...thought I'd suggest that. There are 3 locations that I can see in the Grand Rapids area.

Thanks John, The size stone you mention sound like they would work for inlaying a band around a turning or a bowl rim. I will check them out. A friend gave me a block of walnut. He had sitting in his shop for 10 years and ???? how long someone else had it. I turned a HF out of it. WOW. It is old growth with at least 9 different hues. I see a stone the size of a small egg for the "finial".

[John Hart]

Ah...gotcha. I was thinking you were after a finial embellishment stone. What you describe is much different. I'll keep an eye out. Sorry.

[Cathy Schaewe]

I've never been displeased with anything I've ordered from here:
http://www.riogrande.com/default.aspx