South Fork Diggins
South Fork Diggins
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A Long Walk in Some Rocks by a River
#rockhounding #hiking #thefinders #crystals #lapidary #rockcutting
Outfitted with a newer phone (better camera) and a gimbal I headed down the trail at Greenwood Creek in search of Jasper, Amygdaloidal Basalt or Rhyolite, any other interesting stones, and river rafters, while enjoying the beauty of the American River in El Dorado County. This time around, I found the site of a gold rush era mine, indicated by numerous old tailings piles.
Back home the next day, we look at the rocks I've collected from this spot, and I cut one of them on the tile saw.
Переглядів: 411

Відео

Unboxing the Fall Haul #rockhounding #lapidary #crystals
Переглядів 3510 місяців тому
Showing some of the highlights of the haul from my trip to Paradise Gem and Mineral Club's Rock Swap and the Nevada County Gem and Mineral Show. Both were held on the same day in October, so I got to stretch my legs and have fun. Rocks, crystals, and/or minerals within include Purpurite, Hematite coated Quartz, some tiny Celestites, Labradorite, and Hanksite. Things have been very busy (as usua...
Introducing My Crazy Brother, JD
Переглядів 43Рік тому
In attempt to add comic relief to the channel, JD will be appearing in the videos from time to time. The content will continue to be rock and mineral based. This video is a sort of test, as are many of my projects at this point. we'll see if it floats or if it sinks like a umm... rock. I know it's corny af, just hopefully not cringey.
Passion Or Obsession? A Rock and Jewelry Slide Show
Переглядів 286Рік тому
I was in between phones for a while, which meant I couldn't film, so I decided to make a slide show with pictures that are on the laptop. Some of my rock and jewelry work is showcased here, but not all of it. Making this caused me to reflect back on the two-and-a-half-year journey that this has been. I could not be more grateful for everything the passion for lapidary work has brought into my l...
Black Tourmaline and Peril in El Dorado County
Переглядів 462Рік тому
Thanks to my good friend Jai, I got the opportunity to get further out in the sticks and collect some local rocks and minerals. I didn't realize we'd be on such steep terrain, but it comes with the territory. Back at home, I cut a few on the saw. Not all of them are great for making jewelry, but we did find some good material and we found some interesting specimens. Allow me to apologize once m...
I Superglued My Finger to My Glove
Переглядів 524Рік тому
This is the first time I've ever glued my fingers so bad I had to use a chemical to break it down. Fortunately, I had some Acetone in the shop from a concrete project years before.
Mineral Bar Trip 2022 - Collect and Cut
Переглядів 347Рік тому
We returned to Mineral Bar on the North Fork American River in 2022 - then we switched computers and editing software, bla bla, etc etc, so this one is more than a little late getting out. We found some really nice rocks our first time out to this site. Not so much this time around, but it was such a beautiful day on a beautiful river that the rocks were secondary. Some of Lynette's shots of th...
Rock Tumblers Are Nerds
Переглядів 1942 роки тому
Years before this, Lynette had been gifted a rock tumbler. Neither of us had tumbled rocks before, but since we started this rock adventure, we wanted to see if we were any good at it. We got some new belts for it, made some minor modifications to the barrels to get them to spin better, and ran it for about two months straight before we finished a batch. The results were at least as good as we’...
Making a Tiger’s Eye Ring the Hard Way
Переглядів 3482 роки тому
A woman told us she used to have a ring made of solid Tiger’s Eye but it had broken. At first I didn’t think I could help her but the challenge of making my first ring out of stone was enticing. We had already got picked up the rock from a local shoppe for no more than $4. Of course I had to see if I could make it buying the least amount of tools. I found some things out the hard way, but that’...
The Biggest Poison Oak I've Ever Seen
Переглядів 592 роки тому
After an exhausting Sunday cutting and burning trees on the hillside, we take a minute to show shortcomings in my chainsaw skills and the biggest poison oak I've ever seen.
We Cut Geodes
Переглядів 1182 роки тому
We cut up some small and large geodes that we bought, and share some saw safety tips while demonstrating proper PPE practices 😎
Cutting American River Rocks with a Tile Saw
Переглядів 23 тис.2 роки тому
We spent an afternoon in 2021 cutting the rocks we picked up in the North Fork of the American River, and were pleasantly surprised with a couple of them, including Lynette’s Thunder Egg find and Jim’s as-yet-unidentified round rock. We’re planning a trip back to this spot this year.
Wrap-n-Scrap 2/Assorted Clips
Переглядів 362 роки тому
This is a follow-up to the Wire Wrap-n-scrap video, along with some other clips.
First Argentium Silver Wire Wrap and Scrap
Переглядів 1172 роки тому
First Argentium Silver Wire Wrap and Scrap
Fringe Benefits
Переглядів 813 роки тому
Fringe Benefits
Cuarzo Romantico
Переглядів 403 роки тому
Cuarzo Romantico
Lapidary Adventures Update - April 2021
Переглядів 703 роки тому
Lapidary Adventures Update - April 2021
Affordable Rock and Mineral Polishing
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 роки тому
Affordable Rock and Mineral Polishing
The Poly D14 Rides Again!
Переглядів 4293 роки тому
The Poly D14 Rides Again!

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @ronbarnhardt5201
    @ronbarnhardt5201 Місяць тому

    Looks like Ice House area.

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Місяць тому

      @@ronbarnhardt5201 Not far, as the crow flies. This is near the Rubicon River.

    • @ronbarnhardt5201
      @ronbarnhardt5201 Місяць тому

      @@southforkdiggins Thanks for sharing the Peril!😂 Show me the nuggets! I love the history as well as the mining ⛏️

    • @ronbarnhardt5201
      @ronbarnhardt5201 Місяць тому

      Have you ever been to Poker Flat out of Georgetown?

  • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
    @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 9 місяців тому

    I love your MK saw! Funny I just bought a MK 100 used tile saw this morning and happen too come upon your video. Lol...what kind is your MK? Do u love it?

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins 9 місяців тому

      MK-101. I do love it. It's well built and cuts straight. The last saw I had was from Home Despot and you had to hold tiles on an angle to get square cuts. There is one design issue with the stand and mount, but MK Diamond has been one of the best saw manufacturers since I was a greenhorn.

    • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
      @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 9 місяців тому

      @southforkdiggins I also believe they are great saws and well built. I hope to have many years with this saw.

  • @markothwriter
    @markothwriter 9 місяців тому

    A tile saw spins faster (higher RPM) and has a much thicker blade vs a rock saw. Tile saws cut much faster and leave a much rougher surface than a rock saw. Tile saws waste more material. But rock saws cost a lot more.

    • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
      @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 9 місяців тому

      I have a 10 inch high-powered tile saw & love it! I just bought a $1,500 used tile saw for $400. Compared to a lapidary 10" saw that will cost you tons of money, brand new, And takes forever cutting a rock. You decide... Cutting slabs or making big rocks small enough to put in the tumbler is all I need it for. I am not paying those ridiculous prices for lapidary saws! No way!😜

  • @mria621
    @mria621 10 місяців тому

    Wow, you’re really handsome. Distracted me for a second.😂 beautiful rocks! I find them all over middle Tennessee and up through Kentucky. I plan to take a few days to drive up further north when I can!

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins 10 місяців тому

      Aw, shucks ☺️ Thanks! Seems like a great place to rockhound. Is there a better way to spend time? Lol

  • @thegatesofdawn...1386
    @thegatesofdawn...1386 10 місяців тому

    I would have left the high grade serpentine as is. Great finds! 😊

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins 10 місяців тому

      ...but I just had to know! Lol. The ‘high grade serpentine’ thing was sort of a running joke, when I was newer to the rock game. There is a serpentine quarry in our town so you can literally find it almost anywhere, at least the below-jewelry-grade flaky material. I’ve since acquired some much nicer serpentine, maybe gem quality even, so I’m a lot more knowledgeable now (yeah, right. insert eye roll here).

  • @MrChubbyHubby.
    @MrChubbyHubby. 11 місяців тому

    Cool ideas South Fork Diggins, and the corded drill is a smart upgrade, better duty cycle and longevity. Mr. Goldberg and I are old friends and are well acquainted, LOL.

  • @MrChubbyHubby.
    @MrChubbyHubby. 11 місяців тому

    Sweet vintage Poly, South Fork Diggins, thank you for bringing it back to life. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins 11 місяців тому

      It’s still going, and now has some other vintage equipment to keep it company. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well, MrChubbyHubby!

  • @BuzzChernoff
    @BuzzChernoff Рік тому

    Nice T-shirt JD.

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      Buzz, please call or text sometime. I got a new phone and lost contacts.

    • @BuzzChernoff
      @BuzzChernoff Рік тому

      just did🤠@@southforkdiggins

  • @aung3627
    @aung3627 Рік тому

    ‌တွင်ထွက်ကျောက်မြက်ဒဇိုင်အမျိုးမျိုးဗဟုသုမျဝေလိုက်သည်

  • @patriciabock4299
    @patriciabock4299 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing loved the rocks and thanks for the heads up on raising the blade!

  • @dseymour1955
    @dseymour1955 Рік тому

    Turn the damn saw off when you are trying to speak! Very distracting.

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      You’re absolutely right. The saw has been off in videos after this one. I was in the habit of leaving it running as the switch is often the first thing to go out but soon realized it’s no good for audio! 😂 Thank you

  • @mattmunton8613
    @mattmunton8613 Рік тому

    It has the face of a wolf

  • @Alipotamus
    @Alipotamus Рік тому

    Where is the rock shed?

  • @Alipotamus
    @Alipotamus Рік тому

    I’m quite deaf and I could hear just fine. Thanks

  • @Alipotamus
    @Alipotamus Рік тому

    I can’t believe that “saw man” has all his fingers! A matter of time 😉

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      I’ve seen many years and many tools, and I have a few scars from them. Lucky to have all my fingers and toes, indeed. The importance of safety while working cannot be overstated. Since the introduction of OSHA, jobsite deaths and serious injuries have declined significantly.

    • @randomgrinn
      @randomgrinn Рік тому

      More relevant than OSHA....this is not a wood cutting blade that will take your fingers off. You can touch these briefly and they won't hurt you.

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      @@randomgrinn You are correct. A continuous rim diamond blade will not typically cut the skin when it's held lightly against the blade, even for a few seconds. I imagine water makes a cut less likely as well. A friend demonstrated this for me a long time ago, and I've touched a blade or two on purpose to show people. I do not advise it though. A builder I worked for once told me that a machine's only mission in life is to *injure you*. Also, it's said that a segmented diamond blade will cut the skin. I wouldn't know, I'm not trying to find out, lol. I have noticed that with this kind of saw, with the blade spinning downward toward the operator, there is a "pinch point" where the blade meets the rolling table. I would not like to see a finger that got caught in that spot. In general, think safety, everyone!

  • @aminelahnin837
    @aminelahnin837 Рік тому

    Bro that was close, glad to hear this went out fine

  • @sallycarroll6329
    @sallycarroll6329 Рік тому

    Fantastic job. You put some work into that but it paid off. Beautiful. Good luck with your stones and your craft and your videos. I'm shocked that no one commented in a year. Onwards and upwards. If you can make a beautiful ring like that from your makeshift tools I can't wait to see what you will make when you get the proper tools. GOD Bless and stay safe with that water and electricity.

  • @joharrison7851
    @joharrison7851 Рік тому

    Why are they called Thundereggs

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      “Native American legend reportedly considers the rocks to be the eggs of the thunderbirds which occupied Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson. Thunder Spirits on the mountains hurled the "eggs" at each other.” - Wikipedia

  • @mary-de5kw
    @mary-de5kw Рік тому

    It would be nice to actually hear you

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      Duly noted! We are a small outfit operating with limited resources. I'll make the effort to improve audio in the future. Thanks for letting me know!

  • @BlindOwl-Outdoors
    @BlindOwl-Outdoors Рік тому

    wow that is mazing i have over two tons of quartzite and petrified wood that i use for stone and steel fires , i need to find a saw to rent, new subscriber, take care

  • @ErnestGregory-o4c
    @ErnestGregory-o4c Рік тому

    NICE SAW. NICE SAW.

  • @CANNAROCKHOUNDING
    @CANNAROCKHOUNDING Рік тому

    NICE SAW

  • @shastahaldane
    @shastahaldane Рік тому

    First cut, the patter inside looks like a straight on view of a wolf head ant the other half looks like a profile view of said wolf

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      I totally see what you mean. I always thought of a wolf too, but now I see the profile as well.

  • @Debbie4729
    @Debbie4729 Рік тому

    Thunderegg on the American?Amazing!!!I have found an agate I think,in Glenn County,in someone's field that looks like the last round rock that you sliced.Not a typical habit for agate,but it looked similar to yours.Very cool!I live not far from where you found these,so I will be following!

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins Рік тому

      I’ve heard tell of agate around here, but very few. We’ve found one small jasper/agate on South Fork. The search continues!

  • @annepickering4234
    @annepickering4234 Рік тому

    Looks like the ryalight found in rivers in queensland,Australia. Polishes beautifully. Good luck and thanks for sharing

  • @offyarocka
    @offyarocka 2 роки тому

    love the diy approach!!!

  • @AussieRockhoundingandAdventure
    @AussieRockhoundingandAdventure 2 роки тому

    They come out really nice the crazy lace agate is my favourite thank you for sharing👍

  • @pambifoss948
    @pambifoss948 2 роки тому

    Thank you! I am right where you are. I am New at this and I have fallen in love with the rocks, but I can't afford the expensive equipment. I have an electric drill, the same diamond sanding pads, wet/dry tile cutter, and desperately need clever ideas to do this stuff. Again, thank you. I invent things for other uses all of the time. If I figure out something else for my stone work, I will gladly share with you.

    • @southforkdiggins
      @southforkdiggins 2 роки тому

      You’re so welcome! Please do share! We’re always open to ideas. Sometimes we just have to find a way. If you have any questions or suggestions, please ask. Thank you so much for watching 😁😁

  • @nazzakashieern
    @nazzakashieern 2 роки тому

    Good trial

  • @vanessafleck7444
    @vanessafleck7444 2 роки тому

    Love your work area, and that stone is incredible!!!

  • @vanessafleck7444
    @vanessafleck7444 2 роки тому

    Wow!!! So amazing!!

  • @odalaigh
    @odalaigh 3 роки тому

    Dave sent me

  • @lapidarydave
    @lapidarydave 3 роки тому

    Awesomeness!

  • @lapidarydave
    @lapidarydave 3 роки тому

    These videos are gold to many folks around the world :) thanks for the video my friend