Using the Workshop

Lapidary Workshop Check List - (Click here to View or Download)

Equipment: 
Saws
8" Trim Saw 
12" Slab Saw 
16" Slab Saw 
24" Slab Saw 
Grinders
Two 6" Genie Machines - 80, 220, 360, 600, 1200, 3000
8" Grinder - 100 and 600 mesh wheels
8" Grinder - 80 and 220 mesh wheels
Sander
8" Sander - Expando drum for 400, 600, and 800 silicon carbide belts. Members may bring other belts if they wish.
Pre-polisher
8" Pre-polisher - 1200 mesh and 3000 mesh wheels
Polishers
6" Variable speed polisher - With double-sided, leather/felt wheel
4" cloth polisher on the Genie
6" Diamond Polisher - 8000, 14000 and 50000 mesh wheels
Other
8" Faceting Machine
Grooving Machine - 100 mesh
Drill Press - Members must supply their own bits
Dop Pots, Sticks and Wax - Several
Templates - We have several sets 
Tables and Chairs

Arriving and Leaving
When you arrive, come to the counter to sign in,  check the room and make sure it has been cleaned properly.  Report any problems to the Naturalist on duty. 

When you are ready to leave:
- Turn off the water at the main valve
- Turn off the Dop Pot and pull the plug 
- Empty the water buckets, wipe down the counter
- Put templates and dop sticks in their proper place
- Report any problems to the naturalist on duty. 

Hours
Monday - Saturday 9:00 -
4:30
Sunday 11:30 - 3:30       
Closed on Holidays and when
schools are closed due to snow

Reserving the  Workshop
To reserve the room call the Nature Center at
 (301) 297-4575
You will need to call at least one day prior to your visit.  No walk-ins will be  allowed.

Under normal circumstances the room will be scheduled for no  more than two people a day.  In other words, two separate people can call and request the room for the same day.  This will assure each person has full access to the grinders. 

However, if a person wants to reserve the room for more than two people they will be able to do so with the  understanding that it will be up to them to determine how to share the equipment.

What You Need to Bring
There are certain items that the Center does not supply and you will need to bring with you. This  
includes:
 - Rocks, slabs, and other cutting material. The material  we have on hand is reserved for our classes.
 - Protective eye wear or eyeglasses
 - Aprons to protect from oil and water spray.
- Sharpie Markers (Ultra Fine) for marking stones.
- An alcohol lamp, candle or other device to improve the dop fit. You will also need a lighter or  matches.
- Knife to remove excess dop wax from your stone

            Always check-in at the counter when you arrive and leave.