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Post by pwoolf on Oct 15, 2010 9:03:49 GMT -5
I'm new to rock hounding and currently working on polishing my very first batch of rocks - so far so good ! Most of this batch I collected during my recent trip to Maine - so many gorgeous rocks up there ! I have read about the upcoming MAGMA field trip Thanksgiving weekend and would love to participate in that dig. (sending off my MAGMA registration this weekend). Being new to this I don't have a lot of tools yet and wondered if some of you could tell me about this dig site and what tools will be needed here. I'll probably make Friday and maybe Saturday, but won't be staying overnight as I only live a few miles from Iron Station. Thanks ! And I look forward to meeting you all at Iron Station over Thanksgiving ! Patricia  |
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Post by stevebarr on Oct 15, 2010 10:23:47 GMT -5
As you become more experienced as a collector, you'll slowly build up a good arsenal of tools. Here's a basic list of some of what you will need:
- A shovel
- A garden trowel
- A rockpick or hammer
- A long screwdriver
- A good prybar
- Garden gloves (crystal tips can be sharp!)
- Old newspapers (to wrap your finds in and protect them from dinging each other)
- A five gallon plastic bucket with a handle (to carry tools and finds in)
- A small or large sledgehammer (or both)
When you expose crystals that are hidden in the ground (especially clusters) it is very helpful to have some homemade digging tools made out of cut bamboo or PVC plastic for the close-up work. They won't damage the crystals as you remove them from the earth. People will have those sorts of things with them at the Reel, so you can check out what they're using and make or acquire your own later. I'm sure someone in the club will lend you some to try out.
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Post by pwoolf on Oct 15, 2010 12:30:40 GMT -5
Awesome ! I actually have all of the things listed, except the newspaper. Thanks, Steve !
I'm sure I can find something in my stash to use in place of newspaper. I'll check into those bamboo/PVC digging tools, I bet I have enough stuff to make a couple of these too. Can hardly wait until Thanksgiving now, I'm really looking forward to this dig.
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Post by Doug on Oct 15, 2010 15:00:20 GMT -5
Hi Neighbor,
Glad to have you on here with us!! Give me a call and you can come look at some of my treasures-many have come from MAGMA trips. I do not think any others from Belmont are active here. I will send a p.m. with my phone.
Doug
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