Jim Bennett's Artifact Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on Taking Clear, No Shadow Photos

Jim Bennett — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:36:57 GMT

Thanks for the comment. Whether selling or just taking pics for pleasure, I can thank a whole list of people for showing how to work my camera, lighting, settings, etc. and I still dont feel I have it exactly where I want it yet, I dont think I would have made a good photographer as I find it all quite confusing - which is why I wanted to post this info here, for those others like myself who find photography somewhat frustrating. lol. But, I figured since other people took the time to pass on what worked for them to me to use, the least I could do was to pass it on again.

Good luck with your photos!

Jim b.

Comment on Taking Clear, No Shadow Photos

Rob Horne creekbedorg — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:33:03 GMT

Excellent article. I’ve been fooling around for the past couple of months trying to come up with a photographic system that gives consistent photos. Accurate color rendition has been an ongoing problem with at times, the photo looking way more colorful than the actual point.

Of course, just being a hobbyist with no intention of putting my points up for sale helps (I don’t have to worry about disappointed customers). But I am conflicted on the idea of presenting pretty pictures vs. accurate pictures. Of course, accuracy should always win out but it’s so tempting to play with the saturation settings in Photoshop.

The glass platform is an excellent idea. The background fibers have always been one of my problems. Thanks

Comment on Removing Glue

fred coleman — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:01:40 GMT

i find
'mr. clean" works well along with a tooth pick. fake pantina falls off also.

Comment on Removing Glue

Rob Dills — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:04:59 GMT

I have had good success with removing white glue just by soaking the points over night in water. Most of the glue will dissolve or loosen to the point it can be peeled off. Any remaining glue is easily removed with hot running water, & light brushing with an old tooth brush.
As far as non-water based glue goes, I have has varying degrees of success with solvents such as Goof Off, Goo Gone, and plain acetone (nail polish remover) I use several Q-Tips dipped in the solvent that seems to work the best. Dab it on, & pick away at the glue with a toothpick. Try to keep the solvent concentrated on the glue only & keep a bowl of warm water nearby to frequently rinse the piece off. This is a bit more tedious, & time consuming, but it can get the bulk of the glue off. If possible try solvents out on lower grade pieces to make sure it does not permanently discolor or etch the surface before you attempt this on a really nice piece. Do not soak any point overnight in solvent as it will damage the surface of the artifact. Proceed at your own risk here.
Cheers,
Rob D

Comment on Removing Glue

Tom Vaughn — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:34:58 GMT

Good idea Jim...it's those pesky super gorilla like glue that are impossible though. So, next time tell us how to get that stuff off. Good article. Tom

---------
Tom - hammer and a chisl my friend :-)

Jim

Comment on A Couple Slate Traits

Jim Bennett — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:02:58 GMT

I would be glad to take a look at the stone tool. I am sure if I am not familiar with it, I would be able to get you some information on it from someone who does. Yes, this is by far the most addicting hobby there is Thanks for the nice comments, and glad you are enjoying the blog - I have a lot of fun jotting down thoughts in here ..

Jim B

Comment on A Couple Slate Traits

Jill Connick — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:49:45 GMT

Dear Mr.Bennett ,I just wanted you to know that I get very excited when I see you have sent me an e-mail I love reading your knowledge on Indian artifact's!!! I hope you and your team the very best in your business and I feel honored that you have included me in your Internet e-mail's Thank you for teaching me details on these beautiful hand made historical treasures!! I am sending you a picture of one of the largest bowls I have every found on my Northern California property, I am very new at this "Indian artifact addiction" and have to confess I don't know how the Indian's used this stone tool but I am slowly learning from your great Wisdom.God bless Sincerely one of your biggest fan's,Jill Connick

Comment on Divoted Net Weights

Tom Vaughn — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:02:32 GMT

Jim, when I was a kid growing up along the CA. coast in the Bay Area these stones were fairly common and could be found at the mouth of creeks that emptied into the SF bay. The theory was that nets would be strung on a high tide and fish collected when the tide went out. Used to find these stones a lot. Wish now that I had kept them. Tom

Comment on "Backed" Knives

Tom Vaughn — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:34:55 GMT

Thanks for the infor Jim. I think over the years I've actually had one or two of these but wasn't sure what their purpose was other than just a knife. Now I know

Comment on Later Ancient Salvage

Tom Vaughn — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:11:56 GMT

Thought this was a great educational article with information useful to all.