For November Shop Friend of the Month, we were looking for self made lapidary equipment or helpful lapidary tips.  James Brown of WY sent in a photo of his economy ring jigs he designed for the agate rings he likes to make.  Thank you Jim!  Jim wrote the following: "I am including the "jig" (do not know what to name it) that I use for shaping and polishing rings.   In the photo is a drum sander that I started with and three "jigs" that I re-sized so that they would hold the rings.  The 1/4" drill extension acts like a dop stick that I can either use by hand or chuck up in a drill for fast and even grinding.  Once I get to the polish stage, I prefer working by hand, so I am not having to hold and move the drill around which gets pretty tiresome."  Economical ways of working with stones, with something already on hand or adapted takes talent and ingenuity.  We appreciate the info Jim!  Best Wishes!

See Jim's Gemstone Rings, as last month's Shop Friend.