buckwheat69
noticing nice landscape pebbles
How do we get out of here ??
Member since July 2008
Posts: 96
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Post by buckwheat69 on Jan 2, 2009 1:36:45 GMT -5
I couldn't stand it a moment longer, you guys have all the fun making these most beautiful creations. I am gonna order a machine tomorrow I am ordering the KABKING from Kingsley North (they have them on sale for $1,399.00. Of course I have no idea what I'm about to embark in but I would love some feed back from all of you on some of the machines you all us.( does anyone have a Kabking ) all advice welcome. This is a large purchase for me and i would like it to be half way educated. I did a little research as far as whats out there, what it comes with or features, and pricing. So any help would be grateful.
Also seeing how I'm just starting off other then the machine, a doping station, dope, and i will also order a set of replacement wheels for it and some extra diamond paste. Is there anything else i should consider??
Thanks in advance Steve
almost forgot they have free shipping on a lot of there large items
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Post by stoner on Jan 2, 2009 11:38:37 GMT -5
Hey Steve, are you ready to abandon your life as you know it now? ;D ;D The Kabking looks like a nice machine, but the sanding wheels they use aren't nearly as good as the diamond pacific nova wheels. The machine comes with their own brand soft wheels which are nothing more than a diamond sanding belt mounted on a foam backed wheel. I bought one of their flex wheels and it only lasted maybe 6 months, whereas the nova wheels usually last me about 1 1/2-2 years. So I would consider buying nova wheels as your replacement set and I think you'll do good by buying the Kabking. Here's a link you should take a look at, it will help you get started on the right foot in the learning process. If you follow the steps they describe, you should have no problem cutting your first cab. The only other thing I can think of is to ignore the dopping instructions and use a16 penny framing nail and use super glue with an accelerator to attach the stone. www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/oplc_cab.htmlWelcome to cabbing and good luck.
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Post by Condor on Jan 2, 2009 12:14:04 GMT -5
Hey Ed,
Can you explain a little more on how you dop? What do you mean (or how) by using the nail, super glue and accelerator? How do you take off the cab after it's done?
Condor
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Post by stoner on Jan 2, 2009 13:51:14 GMT -5
When I dop the stone, I just lay the pre form on a table, put a drop of glue on the stone, the drop being big enough so that when I put the head of the nail down the glue will ooze out around the nail. Then I spray a little accelerator and the glue dries instantly and I can take it to the grinder immediately. To remove it, I use a solvent made by the same company that makes the glue. I put the finished cab in a small container of solvent(acetone works too) and leave it sit for about an hour and the stone will usually pop off. If not, I use a razor blade to help it along. And actually, I use 3/8" plexi glass tubing rather than a nail. The wall of the tubing is about 1/16" so there isn't a large surface that has been glued to the stone and you can pour the solvent down the center of the tube as well as the outside of the tube. Sometimes with a nail or solid dowels, the solvent won't be able to penetrate to the center and will be difficult to remove if you're in a hurry. I buy the tubing locally for $.99 for a 6ft length and cut the pieces about 3-4" long. At that price, they are actually disposable. I also use 1/4" tubing for smaller cabs. The name of my local plastic place is Tap Plastics and I think they have a website. Here's the link. www.tapplastics.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=20090102104611241876313
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buckwheat69
noticing nice landscape pebbles
How do we get out of here ??
Member since July 2008
Posts: 96
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Post by buckwheat69 on Jan 2, 2009 21:06:49 GMT -5
Well it's done. I placed the order. I'm not sure i'll be able to contain myself during the wait for it to get here. i did take your advice STONER and went with the NOVA wheels. Now you guys can throw all the advice you want. Im gonna do some reading and learnin before it comes so i will be slightly ready. Time to clean the garage and make a new home for me and the machine.LOL.
Thanks
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 2, 2009 21:55:01 GMT -5
Get ready for a wild ride!!!!
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49er
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since February 2008
Posts: 753
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Post by 49er on Jan 3, 2009 15:09:46 GMT -5
Welcome to the fantastic world of lapidary. On doping. A. Wax type material that is applied to wooden dowel that holds the cut stone for making of cab. B. Supper Glue same idea but uses metal holder and can also be removed by applying heat to nail/spike, etc. I use a small butane torch to heat up nails when held by pliers. C. Pick up a magnifier head strap or 16.5X Jeweler's Clip-on eye loupe which both can be purchased at Harbor Freight at exceptional low prices. (link; www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=778&pricetype=D. Take your time in forming your first cab, and don't worry what it looks like either. Remember practice makes perfect and it will all come together. E. I can email you some templates if you wish to start your collection. Hope this helps rocknut (Jim)
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buckwheat69
noticing nice landscape pebbles
How do we get out of here ??
Member since July 2008
Posts: 96
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Post by buckwheat69 on Jan 3, 2009 21:40:51 GMT -5
Thanks Jim (49er) I'll send you my email in a PM. I did order a set when I ordered the machine, Just a basic set. I'm gathering you can never have enough of these. and thanks for advice. I have spent the last few hrs reading the lapidary tips sections. very interesting stuff in there.
Thank You and keep it comin.
Steve
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Jan 3, 2009 22:15:42 GMT -5
Hey now, the Cab King looks like a nice machine. You made the right choice going with the Nova wheels. I currently use a mini hot glue gun to dop my cabs. I buy the glue sticks in bulk on ebay. I got the glue gun on sale at a craft store for like $5. The glue sets up very fast and peels right off. I bought several pieces of dowel at Home Depot and cut up into 2-3" pieces. I prefer a short dop stick. I also occasionally use superglue for those stubborn pieces that fall off the stick.
Good luck and enjoy your new machine, HPD
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buckwheat69
noticing nice landscape pebbles
How do we get out of here ??
Member since July 2008
Posts: 96
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Post by buckwheat69 on Jan 8, 2009 23:51:40 GMT -5
Well my first box from kingsley came in today. extra wheels some diamond paste, dope staton ect. all the essientials to get start. but no machine yet. i checked the tracking # and it's in Jacksonville FL only about 4hrs away it will be here tomorrow. just in time to disappear into the garage for the weekend. lots of cleanin, It's amazing home much crap you can acumulate over the years. I have to build a nice work station in the garage now. just got all the new electricial boxes for some extra plugs wired. in just need to build a workbench and plumb in some H2o to finish it off. Steve
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jan 9, 2009 1:18:54 GMT -5
You really did jump off into the deep end. Your life is over now Sorry there is no turning back. How much rock do have to work on? Welcome to this insanity
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Post by sitnwrap on Jan 9, 2009 1:22:01 GMT -5
I just wanted to wish you the best with your new machine and hobby. I'm in the throw away mode of cleaning out a room in the basement to get it ready for my machine as well so if yours is like mine, I feel for you. lol. I picked up my machine from another member and can't wait to get started so, again, I wish you a ton of fun.
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Post by Bejewelme on Jan 9, 2009 13:23:12 GMT -5
I ordered one as well, I was going to order that Cabking, but found a little 90 year old man that makes his own. I know you made a good decision. I think they have a nice machine, and the nova wheels will be great. It is an especially fun, and addictive hobby, and the people on here never cease to amaze me with their ideas. You will learn a lot on this site, and make some wonderful friends.
Can't wait to see your first cabs. Don't be shy about posting, I do, that is how you learn!!! Lots of expereinced people!!!
Amber
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buckwheat69
noticing nice landscape pebbles
How do we get out of here ??
Member since July 2008
Posts: 96
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Post by buckwheat69 on Jan 10, 2009 22:18:25 GMT -5
The UPS man was here Fri. MAN IS THIS THING SWEEEEEET !!!!!!!! Unfortunately the garage is not ready for the mad scientist yet. Must build a work bench and some plumbing, the cleaning part is almost over. I think someone has been sneaking in my garage and dumping their junk. LOL I got around 50lbs of a good mix of stuff i have collected over the years. i figure this will get me started. Not much in the Agate area thou. And lookin at all you guys stuff i sure am liking it. I am hoping to have the garage ready by tomorrow maybe sit and grind one up before the night is over (I hope). Now I do have a or possible the first of a million LOL QUESTION?? The owners manual said NOT to use a recirculating water system. FRESH water at all times. Their suggestion was to fill up a large bucket and drop in a pump(they provide a pretty big one in the kit)for your fresh and a separate for waste ( easy). I can get water from my tap and plumb a line direct ( with shut off in between) to machine. Will the tap provide sufficient water pressure to ensure proper wheel wetting or should i go with the way they suggest. the buckets just seem a pain in the a--.
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jan 10, 2009 22:27:04 GMT -5
I would say if you plumb a line in there is going to be more than ample supply of water. if you have to much water you will need an apron.
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buckwheat69
noticing nice landscape pebbles
How do we get out of here ??
Member since July 2008
Posts: 96
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Post by buckwheat69 on Jan 10, 2009 22:44:32 GMT -5
I figured but wanted to ask the pros!! I will use some fridge water supply line and run from kitchen sink thru wall and into garage. this sould provide ample water. I can T off line and hook to the wet saw also. This just keeps gettin better and better. ( would i be called a wimp if i piped in a hot water side also) mmmmm warm stones lol.
Steve
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Jan 10, 2009 23:09:49 GMT -5
Even out here in sunny California, I like using warm water on my cab rig, your fingers just kind of move better when they aren't frigid.
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Jan 11, 2009 9:11:12 GMT -5
Congratulations! That looks like a great machiine!
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Post by sitnwrap on Jan 11, 2009 10:52:44 GMT -5
Your new maching looks sweet! Just wanted to say congrats. I know you will have many many hours of fun with this.
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