ldhuff/Hiram Abif
having dreams about rocks
May it forever wave!!!!
Member since May 2009
Posts: 52
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Post by ldhuff/Hiram Abif on May 15, 2009 13:58:54 GMT -5
I just got a used Genie without polishing pads. In looking at whats available, I find all kinds of pads to put a charge on, Canvas, Smoth Leather, Rough Leather, Felt, Ect. What is the best for Cabs of Picture Jasper, Pissaco, Mookaite, ect? Also Diamond paste 50,000 or something else?
Thanks from a Newbi!!!!
Larry/Hiram Abif
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Post by stardiamond on May 15, 2009 14:10:03 GMT -5
I use two genie canvas pads; 50,000 and 100,000. The pad is not very expensive.
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10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
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Post by 10thumbs on May 15, 2009 15:02:36 GMT -5
Larry, You are now entering a hobby with a significant number of variables. You won't find a single solution that works for every type of stone. You're better off posting specifics about what you're going to try to polish. Most likely the folks that post here will have tried and true recipes for working that particular type of stone. In fact, you may inspire some debate amongst the rock hounds here when they start to compare notes.
The short answer is to go with what you can afford and don't be shocked when your results vary. Just post photos and questions when the inevitable time comes. Good luck, Scott
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Post by johnjsgems on May 15, 2009 20:33:21 GMT -5
Felt will work best with most polish compounds on most rocks. Much less expensive is either the smooth or rough leather. Most people use smooth diamond, rough with polish. I have the canvas that came with my Genie and it never works as well with polish as the old felt wheel I learned on. The most bang for your buck is smooth leather. You'll need a separate one for each diamond mesh. With polish you can slightly rough it up or leave smooth.
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on May 15, 2009 20:43:07 GMT -5
I use leather and diamond. My Genie polish wheel is a 3000 then I go 14,000 and then 50,000. I am going to get another pad at a show tomorrow for 100,000 for the soft stuff.
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ldhuff/Hiram Abif
having dreams about rocks
May it forever wave!!!!
Member since May 2009
Posts: 52
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Post by ldhuff/Hiram Abif on May 15, 2009 21:06:34 GMT -5
Thanks for the info!!! I think I will order 3 leather and 8,000- 14,000 - 50,000 diamond polish to start.
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,278
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Post by mossyrockhound on May 18, 2009 20:11:00 GMT -5
Larry,
Here's my two cents worth. For cabs, I prefer rough leather with cerium oxide paste for silica materials (agate, petrified wood, chalcedony, etc.) For jade I use smooth leather with chromium oxide paste. I also use tin oxide when I run out of cerium oxide and it seems to work as well - don't need a different wheel either. For slabs, I use the felt buff with CO or TO. Like Scott said, everybody has their preferences. This is just what I have used and liked. I find diamond is a little too pricey to use on most things, although I do use it for faceting.
Garry
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