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[NewRockHounder]

Oh KAY - So I got SIO, tried it on a few specimens this past month - Not the greatest of results. Keep in mind, I've been doing it in the garage... I know... but it's really the only ventilated area I have. I had a limited amount of distilled water, so I did what I could. (I'll have pics later) The last batch, I didn't have any more D. water to rinse, so I used, (what I think) is the next best thing.... SNOW! It really seemed to work well. I've been soaking each batch for upwards of a week and a half - I'm sure the cold has something to do with it... but any help... is much appreciated. Anywho, this first one isn't so much a question - just need input as to what I'm doing wrong.

Hey, the first question - Would it be possible to use a tile saw (granted I can make something to hold said specimen without cutting my fingers off) to cut them? Or is Lapidary the only way to go? (Ooh, double question, zing!)

Related question: Is there anywhere, that's not a mining store, to get some type of powder/wax/something! to polish them? (Or again, Lapidary only?) (( Oh snap, another double question))

Eh - I think... that's it, I'm sure I'll think of something more as soon as I hit the 'post' button.

Colin