Paleoworld-101 Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 (edited) Hey guys, I'm thinking about purchasing an air scribe for fossil preparation, which I will mostly be using to prepare brachiopods and gastropods out of sandstone matrix and tidy them up a bit (will it be able to remove the rock covering the shell but leave the shell intact?). Problem is I know next to nothing about what to buy, where to buy from, or what kind of air scribe or psi pressure will work best to blast away solid sandstone off my marine invertebrate fossils. Anyone got any tips? Could someone recommend a good air scribe for this kind of thing that is affordable (around $100)? Thanks! EDIT- I had a look on ebay, and there are some affordable ones on there, but I have no idea if they are dodgy or not? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pneumatic-Air-Scribe-With-Industrial-Diamond-Tip-/350828283742?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51aefec75e Edited July 10, 2013 by Paleoworld-101 1 "In Africa, one can't help becoming caught up in the spine-chilling excitement of the hunt. Perhaps, it has something to do with a memory of a time gone by, when we were the prey, and our nights were filled with darkness..." -Eternal Enemies: Lions And Hyenas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolmt Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 (edited) First off none of the general purpose airscribes will take off matrix and leave the fossil undamaged if you come too close to the fossil with the exception of the small micro jacks from Paleotools. At the $100 price range you should have a look at a used Chicago Air Products CP 9361. It is a good all round first airscribe. AN ARO is also a good first unit. I personally prefer the ARO but they are a little harder to come by used. I would not use the diamond tip type styluses, I use carbide styluses pretty much exclusively. You can sharpen them a couple of times but the carbide tip wears really well and should last years if you do not abuse it.. I have 7 air scribes each of which has different strengths and weaknesses. My scribe for detail work is a Pferd MST with the fine point stylus but these are over $400 new and I have never seen one used on eBay. I am always on the look out to buy a used paletools micro jack if anyone has one they no longer want(PM me if you do), but those are generally not a good choice for a first or second airscribe as they take off too little material and really are for use under a scope. Edited July 10, 2013 by Malcolmt 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crinus Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 (edited) An ARO is the best and most cost effective tool you can use for what you described. Do not use a Chicago Pneumatic. That is for bulk removal of rock. You can purchase a clone of the ARO at this web site: http://www.allairproducts.com/air_tools/specialty-air-tools/ This clone cost about $90-$100. This has been discussed on this forum and a number of individuals have made this purchase. I have used this clone for years (30+) and have had minimal problems. It is a great deal. Even the product code (8315B) is the same as the ARO. The micro jacks from Paleo tools are also good but very pricey. I have one but rarely use it. The ARO clone is my main tool. Also, with the micro jacks you have to be very careful not to drop the tool. The tips are very brittle and replacements are about $40. If you want to see some of the work I have done using the ARO clone go to http://www.crinus.info/before%20and%20after.html crinus PS Here is the link for the previous discussion on this topic http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/24662-best-air-scribe-for-fossils-in-limestone/?hl=8315b#entry269293 Edited July 10, 2013 by crinus 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolmt Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 As I said I use the ARO the most. I think for most people the CP is a good starting choice because it will remove a fair bit of matrix quickly and can get reasonably close to the fossil itself. For most people I believe it is the removal of the bulk matrix that is the hardest to do by hand. My CP (that I actually rarely use any more ) is about 30 years old and other than some plastic electrical tape around the front to stop a seal leak still works like a charm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitch1979 Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 German quality tops Aro/micro jacks if you ask us Europeans http://www.hw10.de/werkzeugmenue.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolmt Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 The Pferd I have is German...... very good quality, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paleoworld-101 Posted July 11, 2013 Author Share Posted July 11, 2013 Thanks for the recommendations guys! I will look into getting an ARO clone. I have been collecting fossils for over 7 years but have never been big on prep work in all that time, lots to go to work on! Of course I will practice on poor quality and disposable specimens to get the hang of it before I try it on the good stuff. Cheers. "In Africa, one can't help becoming caught up in the spine-chilling excitement of the hunt. Perhaps, it has something to do with a memory of a time gone by, when we were the prey, and our nights were filled with darkness..." -Eternal Enemies: Lions And Hyenas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhead9 Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 The Stone Company sells handmade German scribes. VERY expensive, but absolutely without compare. In 4 years of heavy use, I have never had a single stall and air pressure requirement is much lower than other brands. Vibration is minimal, so one tool can do a wide range of jobs. Worth the money (around $700). Still Life Fossils Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosmoceras Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 High cost but good value for the money, Ken Mannion. http://www.kenmannion.co.uk/fossilpreparationtools.htm Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rejd Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 An ARO is the best and most cost effective tool you can use for what you described. Do not use a Chicago Pneumatic. That is for bulk removal of rock. You can purchase a clone of the ARO at this web site: http://www.allairproducts.com/air_tools/specialty-air-tools/ This clone cost about $90-$100. This has been discussed on this forum and a number of individuals have made this purchase. I have used this clone for years (30+) and have had minimal problems. It is a great deal. Even the product code (8315B) is the same as the ARO. The micro jacks from Paleo tools are also good but very pricey. I have one but rarely use it. The ARO clone is my main tool. Also, with the micro jacks you have to be very careful not to drop the tool. The tips are very brittle and replacements are about $40. If you want to see some of the work I have done using the ARO clone go to http://www.crinus.info/before%20and%20after.html crinus PS Here is the link for the previous discussion on this topic http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/24662-best-air-scribe-for-fossils-in-limestone/?hl=8315b#entry269293 I just got off the phone with All air products and ordered the 8315B. Price was $100 plus $20 shipping to Canada. When I first asked him about it he said they are a wholesaler and don't sell to the public. When I mentioned that I heard about it on the forum he said "ah, you are a fossil guy!" and said that he will sell directly to anyone on the forum. Very nice guy to deal with. I should have it in about a week. Looking forward to trying it. A fossil hunter needs sharp eyes and a keen search image, a mental template that subconsciously evaluates everything he sees in his search for telltale clues. -Richard E. Leakey http://prehistoricalberta.lefora.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 ... When I first asked him about it he said they are a wholesaler and don't sell to the public. When I mentioned that I heard about it on the forum he said "ah, you are a fossil guy!" and said that he will sell directly to anyone on the forum... Seriously? That's pretty cool! Give 'em a big, fat shout-out, and post their website url on our Links board. "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rejd Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Ok I will do that. Like I said, the guy I talked to was really nice and quite helpful. I would recommend them for sure. A fossil hunter needs sharp eyes and a keen search image, a mental template that subconsciously evaluates everything he sees in his search for telltale clues. -Richard E. Leakey http://prehistoricalberta.lefora.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koss1959 Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 I emailed All Air Tools and was told the same. I will be ordering one next week. Etsy shop for Dinosaur Art: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/IzzyBeeCreates?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rejd Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 I also ordered a longer tip as well. It was $27. I was debating getting it but because I live in Canada shipping one later would have cost me another $20. This way there was no additional shipping costs. A fossil hunter needs sharp eyes and a keen search image, a mental template that subconsciously evaluates everything he sees in his search for telltale clues. -Richard E. Leakey http://prehistoricalberta.lefora.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanNREMTP Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Pretty smart thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncoat Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Whatever you do end up going with, keep magnification in mind. I saved up and bought an ARO and had nothing but trouble with it.. It would stall constantly, leak oil on my fossils and other annoying problems.. It was not until i broke down and bought a microscope that all of those problems seemed to disappear. Im not saying that you are gonna need a microscope like me but I find any scribe works a lot better with some decent magnification. Not sure how small the brachiopods and gastropods your working with are but in my experience, any added magnification really helps in eliminating errors and helps me slow down and not rush a project. I just realized this is an older topic but all this still holds true.. Best of luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6ix Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I have been trying to get one of those off him for a couple of months now - doesnt seem that keen on setting up for international public sales.. Can anyone give advice on either of these three? http://www.trademe.co.nz/building-renovation/tools/airtools-compressors/other-airtools/auction-793360903.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/building-renovation/tools/airtools-compressors/other-airtools/auction-793525638.htm http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Chicago-Pneumatic-Air-Engraver-Aircraft-Tools-/201182998762?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed770f0ea I just got off the phone with All air products and ordered the 8315B. Price was $100 plus $20 shipping to Canada. When I first asked him about it he said they are a wholesaler and don't sell to the public. When I mentioned that I heard about it on the forum he said "ah, you are a fossil guy!" and said that he will sell directly to anyone on the forum. Very nice guy to deal with. I should have it in about a week. Looking forward to trying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiggieCie Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I bought a used CP on Ebay for $200. The price is high for a used one but it came with 30 carbide tips, I think that makes it a great buy. It works very well on the Ord/Miss marine fossils I collect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike from North Queensland Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 Do not forget you will still need a compressor and the larger the less times it needs to build up pressure again. I would recommend a long hose so as to place it in another room. Mike D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6ix Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 I hit buy now on a CP off ebay... I have a hobby 2.5HP compressor and a garage with a pit.. Hopefully it all just works. and if it uses that much air I am thinking of retrofiting an LPG tank and putting the compressor in the pit - should dampen the noise it a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Mud Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Good luck with the new scribe 6ix. You certainly have plenty of practice material. I just bought a couple of scribes and a compressor too. Looking forward to the upgrade from the engraver. They arrive this week.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seaworm1982 Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 is the Aro more for fine details? Thinking about cp9361, Aro or me9100 I what something that can take off rok yet do fine details so which one would be best and is paleo tools the best place to buy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now