It always shocks me when something that I have done multiple times with ease proves difficult.  That is why I enjoy making spheres.  Case in point.  I have made many Desert Storm Dolomite spheres in the last several years and have detailed notes on what I did.  This last one was crazy difficult.  

Out of the last boulder I cut, I have 3 cubes.    I finished 2 of them this week.  The first one was a charm.  Very straight forward.  The second one was the problem child.  It squeaked and squealed thru the various diamond steps.  It was so loud and annoying, I am surprised the neighbors did not call the police.  I was able to get it smooth before I went to polish.  I ran it the standard hour and the polish was stunning, but when you rubbed it, it was very rough.  

Back to 400 diamond it went.  It continued to make it's awful noises thru all the steps again.  Back on polish, I checked it at the thirty minute mark.  It was smooth but just needed a little more polish.  Fifteen minutes later, the polish was great but it was rough again.

Back we went again to 400.  It turns out the magic time for this particular sphere was 35 minutes.  

Today is packing day for the West Coast Gem and Mineral show in Santa Ana.  I hope I have chosen the correct inventory to take.  Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading.......