randy
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 117
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Post by randy on Nov 8, 2008 15:22:56 GMT -5
I have been taking a lapidary class at a local senior citizen center in the evenings (thankfully they don't require senior status to attend). The g/f and I have really been having a great time learning the skills and using the equipment. So much so that I have been considering purchasing a cabbing machine. I am not made of money (darn the luck), but I make a good living with the local telephone company. I asked the instructor what machine he would recommend to a home cabber, and he said the Genie from Diamond Pacific. Of course the Pixie is like $500 dollars cheaper. the flat machines like the All-In-Wonder are like $1,000 dollars cheaper. I am willing to spend a bit more and save a bit longer to get a machine that really is worth the money and expense, but that is really the question. What is the best machine and the best investment? I would like to hear any and all opinions on the various equipment that is out there. The Titan is likely a great piece of equipment but way out of my price range . Thanks in advance for your input. Randy
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hkswrapsody
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 109
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Post by hkswrapsody on Nov 8, 2008 16:17:00 GMT -5
Hi Randy: I started cabbing on my faceting machine which works like a flat bed cabber. Unfortunately I kept throwing out my alignment and realigning my machine is a real pain. Several weeks ago I purchased a Genie and I cannot believe the difference. No longer do I have to stop to switch wheels between every step. Cutting and polishing is so much faster and cleaner. The Genie does not throw water all over the place like a flat bed cabber will. Look for a good used machine first to save money but if you are serious about cabbing and have the extra money a Genie or a similiar machine is a good investment. I have always loved cabbing but it is so much more enjoyable and cleaner now.
Hope this helps Helen
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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 Nov 8, 2008 18:15:00 GMT -5
Randy, The genie over the pixie unless you have room problems...it will last longer and is more flexible when it come to working larger stones...you may also talk to John at JS, who frequents the board and is a dealer...he may put you on the straight and narrow and is a great guy to deal with who will probably save you a few bucks. Yes buying used will save you a few bucks but you never know what you will be getting and there will be other folks bidding...if you can handle it buy new!! Larry
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 8, 2008 19:30:18 GMT -5
I bought a used grinder locally and got a much better deal than through ebay. Your local rock club may be able to provide you with leads.
My only advice on buying used is that if the grinder doesn't come with diamond wheels and/or the expanding drums are old, you'll probably want to upgrade, which is worth figuring into the total cost.
Hope that helps, Chuck
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Post by stardiamond on Nov 8, 2008 20:39:40 GMT -5
The Genie is a good place to start.
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WyckedWyre
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2007
Posts: 1,391
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Post by WyckedWyre on Nov 9, 2008 10:35:34 GMT -5
I'm rather fond of my Barranca GP6...less expensive than the Genie.
8-)S
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mirkaba
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 321
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Post by mirkaba on Nov 9, 2008 14:00:29 GMT -5
Joining and sticking with your local Rock club is probably the best bet. A good inexpensive machine WILL turn up. In the mean-time you get the benefit of of using various lapidary tools and the priceless expertise and advice of the other members. Several years ago I bought an old, used Crown bench machine. I have added diamond wheels played with various assorted pads and don't think I will ever part with it. On the other hand new is always good. Bob
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Post by Bikerrandy on Nov 9, 2008 16:34:07 GMT -5
I have a Genie, worth every penny!!
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randy
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 117
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Post by randy on Nov 11, 2008 19:14:44 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone that responded. It does seem to me that a consensus has been reached. The Genie does seem to be the overall favorite. Maybe with my tax return.
Bob, I will be attending my first meeting of the Marysville (WA) rock and gem club this evening. I am hoping that a good deal could surface there as well.
It is going to be a busy week with the club meeting tonight, the class tomorrow night, and on-call all week for work. Yawn. Thanks again everyone.
Randy
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