http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3D http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=54196&th=10886#msg_54196

Here is the ring before polishing and setting of the amethyst:


Here is the ring after polishing and setting:


Overall, I am pleased with the silver printing. Polishing does seem pretty important, though. The silver glossy didn't have the mirror shine that the final product has. I may have to look into hand polishing to save money next time.

EDIT: I did actually order silver glossy (how could I forget?)]]> TurtlesAreCool 2012-09-18T02:54:34-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=54216&th=10886#msg_54216 Youknowwho4eva 2012-09-18T13:00:53-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=54218&th=10886#msg_54218 TurtlesAreCool 2012-09-18T14:10:10-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=54219&th=10886#msg_54219 Youknowwho4eva 2012-09-18T14:17:29-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=54222&th=10886#msg_54222 cedricms 2012-09-18T16:13:16-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=55039&th=10886#msg_55039 TurtlesAreCool wrote on Tue, 18 September 2012 14:10
What sort of tools are necessary to do the polish yourself? I attempted lapidary at one point, and it was terribly boring and slow. I'd like to think I have a reasonable amount of patience, but I guess that doesn't extend to cabbing by hand.


I use a rock tumbler... with stainless steel shot, water and a drop of detergent... Brings up a wonderful shine.

Glenn
]]> lensman 2012-10-08T17:52:32-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=55046&th=10886#msg_55046
For polishing, right now im using a dremel tool, with some polishing wheels and when the red rouge polishing compound ran out I purchased a bar of DIALUX NOIR - BLACK LABEL for my final polish. Its a black rouge and very pleased with the results.]]> SGDesigns 2012-10-08T21:29:30-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=55057&th=10886#msg_55057
I've read about vibratory tumblers and simply figure their cost can't be justified for my own limited use.

Glenn]]> lensman 2012-10-09T01:29:56-00:00