Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 3:41 pm
Moderator: Lapidary Arts and Tools
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:41 pm Posts: 5534 Location: Massachusetts, USA
Quote:
Some of my generation won't be willing to read the book first, but if you have a "quick start" manual with the book, then you have a higher rate of capture
I think most people who have installed A/V and computer equipment appreciate those, and never actually get to the instructions, but those are tasks that are done once and promptly forgotten. Perhaps I am showing my advanced age here, but the thought of a quick start to faceting seems almost..Oh I don't know...unseemly? unwholesome? I suspect then the body of the book, and all this effort, would go to waste. The instant gratification would be satisfied, then the person would continue on to cut not-very-good stones, forever. A one-time setup does not have to be a learning experience, but faceting is an unending one for most people. Including me, since 1958.
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 5:59 pm
Gold Member
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:01 pm Posts: 1902 Location: Pine City, NY and Dothan, AL
On "quick start", I agree with Gearloose. Of course, he and I are both a generation (or two) away from Arya, but if you want a quick start version, the manual that comes with your machine will do. This book is something entirely different, and more valuable.
Arya, would you recommend a "quick start" book on neurosurgery?
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 6:52 pm
Gold Member
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2007 5:04 pm Posts: 1642 Location: Walnut Creek, CA
I've found the books at the front of my door 1 hour ago... Of course I cannot comment yet, but I'm guessing volume 2 will have a special place on my bookshelf...
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 7:10 pm
Moderator: Lapidary Arts and Tools
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:41 pm Posts: 5534 Location: Massachusetts, USA
Quote:
would you recommend a "quick start" book on neurosurgery?
Darn, I have tried so hard to stay on topic, and you had to suggest that. Anything that starts with "Equipment needed: Dissecting kit (Ebay), Black&Decker drill and Holesaw (Home Depot)..." is a bad idea.
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 7:38 pm
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Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 10:06 pm Posts: 2267 Location: Chapel Hill, NC / Toronto, ON
Yeah, I think it's a generational gap. People my age want to be able to test something out before they get involved fully - a quickstart is the preferred method. If people enjoy it or find it interesting, then they get more involved.
Think about it this way. If you have the current text, you attract X number of people, who have all expressed enough interest to get involved and read it. If you have the current text AND a quickstart, then not only do you attract X, but you also attract population Y, who are interested but want more information before committing. It's the Apple Store principle in action.
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 7:51 pm
Valued Contributor
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:42 pm Posts: 135
Hmm, the rave reviews and up-to-date information would make a very nice Christmas present (for myself of course).
I started faceting not too long ago and without a mentor, i guess this will need to be the next best thing, still so much to learn (ideally NOT by trial and error).
The preview pages mention encoders and arduinos...i can't remember the last time i got so excited about a book...no wait, im with you on this one ayra, I've never been excited for books!
But on the serious side, faceting is a technical art and i guess its for the better that we don't have quick start guides. Lots of things can go wrong and this forums would end up being the place where we would be answering the same beginner questions over and over again (Sorry im guilty of the same offense, in my defense this book wasn't out yet!). A certain amount of study and research is nessary to get started with faceting.
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:01 pm
Moderator: Lapidary Arts and Tools
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:41 pm Posts: 5534 Location: Massachusetts, USA
Quote:
A certain amount of study and research is necessary to get started with faceting.
The thrill of taking the stone off the dop is in part due to overcoming a challenge, whether it is working with individual rough, a peculiar species, or a challenging design. This book gives you the tools to EARN a reward.
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:20 pm
Valued Contributor
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:42 pm Posts: 135
Gearloose wrote:
Quote:
A certain amount of study and research is necessary to get started with faceting.
The thrill of taking the stone off the dop is in part due to overcoming a challenge, whether it is working with individual rough, a peculiar species, or a challenging design. This book gives you the tools to EARN a reward.
Very much agreed.
I do see part of ayra's point though. Our current generation is used to trying something out before they commit and faceting is too expensive to do that with (well, at least for me anyways). Some sort of introductory guide would be beneficial to attracting people to the art, at least enough to get them intrested enough to buy and read this book before deciding to commit. Not so much a quick start but rather a modern VIDEO introduction (in at least 720p please!).
Ayra was on the right track though. I scoured the web looking for information on just exactly what i was getting myself into and for the most part it was pretty disappointing (a lot of very old and conflicting information and a video of someone mumbling something about making money faceting but not actually cutting anything, sorry if this was any of you).
Ayra's video series was however instrumental in me starting. Someone who knew what he was doing and getting to the chase of actually doing something with modern equipment and not a jam peg machine (or on the extreme end, cnc controlled). Much appreciated ayra.
There is just something that you can gather from a video that you just can't from a book. Same goes with having someone actually show you.
Post subject: Re: “Amateur Gemstone Faceting” book by Tom Herbst
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:55 pm
Gold Member
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:01 pm Posts: 1902 Location: Pine City, NY and Dothan, AL
Gearloose wrote:
Quote:
would you recommend a "quick start" book on neurosurgery?
Darn, I have tried so hard to stay on topic, and you had to suggest that. Anything that starts with "Equipment needed: Dissecting kit (Ebay), Black&Decker drill and Holesaw (Home Depot)..." is a bad idea.
Actually, I would find such a book quite interesting. I'd promise not to try it, though.
I've had my books for over a week and been too busy devouring the contents to post a comment. This is a long overdue update and correction to the outdated information previously available. This is a must have for very faceter, beginner, advanced or anyone else thinking about beginning faceting.
Great Job Tom Herbst!
_________________ Tom Maxwell Carolina Custom Gems tmm5111@gmail.com No detail is too small. Think about it. Leave no stone uncut.
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