NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 10, 2009 12:36:21 GMT -5
I built an 8" lap this weekend. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=hmequip&action=display&thread=32359I got it finished late last night. This morning the paint was almost dry on the frame so I threw it together and did a quick and dirty cab on it to see how it works. I used a lavender iforgetite from a local pet store. This is a very soft material, so I knew it would work very easy. It's so soft, even the 1200 disc removed material. All in all I'm happy with how the machine works. The one question I have is how bad does everyone's machines soak you during use? This thing throws a mist cloud about 3' around. I don't mind getting wet now, but come winter it ain't gonna cut it... Anyhow, here's the crappy cab, turned out ok on the new diamond discs though... Again I apologize for my photography. Thanks for looking. Nate
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 10, 2009 12:50:26 GMT -5
Lookslike lepidolite. You can find old posts on shielding the hood to cut down spray. Minimize water to keep wheel damp and rock dust down. Excess water just flies. Rock dust from that one might help most rock hounds. It is lithium used for a variety of mental problems.
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Gem'n I
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 980
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Post by Gem'n I on Aug 10, 2009 13:06:56 GMT -5
Not bad in batteries either....too much water will definitely throw up a rooster tail...the stone looks fine!!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2009 13:54:42 GMT -5
Good first cab Nate. I would definitely check into a different shield for the top because as you've said......that much spray just isnt going to cut it come winter. You should be able to sit at a table indoors with your flat lap and cab......and be able to contain the water. We've got an Ameritool sitting right next to the dining room table and nothing gets wet at all. Its all about the little hood that fit on top that has a lip that curves inward towards the laps.
Shan
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Post by NatureNut on Aug 10, 2009 14:12:43 GMT -5
Yep, I have one too and the flap catches the water flinging off the pad and directs it down into the bottom below the pad and drains out. I'll bet you could rig something like that, Nate.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 10, 2009 16:24:01 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. My bad photography hides all the scratches and flat spots still on the rock. I don't remember what the pet store called this rock, but lepidolite sounds good to me lol. I'll have to look into fashioning a lid for this monster, or getting a different bowl with a lid.
Nate
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Aug 10, 2009 17:25:07 GMT -5
Find a large Frisbee and cut out the center and part of the edge enough to work unencumbered , and snap it over the bottom half. Use silicone to seal if it leaks. Dr Joe .
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Post by rockmanken on Aug 10, 2009 17:31:30 GMT -5
The cab looks great. Also, check the speed on your lap. Should not be 1725. Slower is better. May have to play with the pulleys to get the speed down, unless you have a speed control. Also, a steady drip is all that is needed on most laps with NONE on the polish pad. You dip the stone in water and use it that way.
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 10, 2009 21:53:40 GMT -5
What Ken said. I somehow missed the flat lap part and was thinking wheels. A drip is all you need. Damp enough you don't see a white powder form on lap. Any kind of guard around the lap should work.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 11, 2009 15:56:07 GMT -5
John, I looked up lepidolite, and it sure looks like this material. Thanks for the ID.
I do also have this driving right off the motor at 1725 rpm. I obviously need to rebuild it. What speed should it be turning at?
Thank you for the info everyone.
Nate
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 12, 2009 8:26:35 GMT -5
If you are using a diamond lap you should be ok. Ameritool units are variable speed to 3400 rpm. If you had a horizontal unit with S/C grit you would want 600 rpm or less. Try working closer to center for lowest speed , out near edge for fastest. If you do rebuild, pulley charts are in Covington and Diamond Pacific catalogs (both available on line). If you make it belt drive set up with a three step pulley on driven side to give you speed choices.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 12, 2009 16:08:45 GMT -5
Thanks John. Maybe I'll try a harder material before I tear it down for a rebuild. I'll check out those pulley charts for if I need to rebuild.
Nate
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Post by Tony W on Aug 12, 2009 16:24:50 GMT -5
Nice! YOu'll definately be having fun with the machine. T
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