classicrocker
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2007
Posts: 3
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Post by classicrocker on Oct 21, 2009 0:58:06 GMT -5
Do any of you RTH members have an opinion on the Inland Lapidary 8" swap top all in wonder cabbing system? I want to try cabbing etc. but see all of the equipment can be very costly. This tool appears to be a good buy for someone new like myself. I was also considering the wf from Home Depot, but noticed this. I see a great deal of hope in expanding my hobby with this tool. Is it worth the cost or would I be better served buying separate pieces of equipment?
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Post by deb193redux on Oct 21, 2009 7:41:21 GMT -5
several folks just gave theirs away. too flimsy too slow blades too expensive (6.5" only sold by Inland). I heard the drain on the lap clogs easily. I never got a good cut from my saw. Grinder bit is all I use now days, but there are cheaper glass grinders out there.
The WF is now the QEP model Lowes sells. Different company, likely different blade. Plastic body now. Sump will need to be changed more often. The advantage of a tile saw is the fast RPM. Get any sturdy tile saw with a good table with narrow opening, buy a good stiff blade of .032 or .040 thick. Make sure the arbor is standard 1/2 or 5/8 inch. Stay away from 1" or metric sized arbors. Hard to find blades.
you can look for a used flat lap system. They do have the advantage of built in motor.
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pebblepup
has rocks in the head
Succor Creek Thunder Egg
Member since July 2008
Posts: 515
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Post by pebblepup on Oct 21, 2009 9:54:21 GMT -5
I had the smaller Inland saw and absolutely hated it. I spent around $150.00 for it then traded it for a bucket of rocks. Shortly after purchasing that saw I found a 10" Highland park saw and a Raytech Expando drum cabbing unit for the same amount of money on Craigslist. I was much happier with the used equipment.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 10:03:52 GMT -5
There are so many negative comments on the internet about this machine, Ive lost count. Although, a few people make them work or get lucky and not have issues.
I speak from experience..........it was my first machine. Within 8 weeks, the motor was dead. Inland refused money back, would only exchange machines. I went round and round with them. Why would I want another underpowered machine?
For glasswork and maybe some flat lapping of materials its probably fine. But you start using the trim saw and the motor bogs down when working hard materials. I went out and bought a Graves Cabmate for $600 and absolutely love it. Ive had it a couple of years now with no issues.
If you want a flat lap system, go with an Ameritool......you just cant beat it for the price and quality. We have one.......its the only thing our cabs are polished on currently and the results are excellent.
Shannon
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Post by frane on Oct 21, 2009 19:15:19 GMT -5
I have the inland swap top that I use. I will not use the trim saw any more. Blades are around $27 each and they wore out after a few hours of use and when I did finally find a write up about how long it should take to cut, it said it should take 7 minutes per inch...that you are standing there trying to slowly feed rock through. I can't go THAT slow so I ended up buying about 7 blades before getting a tile saw, that I absolutely love! The grinder works pretty good but I am on my 5th grinding drum at $20 each and it is getting to the point that I need to order a new one. The flat lap is a very slow process but at least it is better than nothing. I have never been happy with any shine I have gotten on it. The original laps that came with the set went from 170, 325, 600, 1200 and felt pads to use with polish. I have added a 60, 100, 3000 to the laps and now have put together 3 additional laps of 8000, 12000 and 14000. I hope to finally be happy with the shine now. Oh, forgot to say, I am on my 3rd motor. There is a problem that if you do not tighten the fitting on the flat lap securely enough, it will slip down the arbor (?) and rest on the lip of the tray. Before you know it, it wears the lip down and water leaks down into the motor and ruins it. Found that out the hard way! With the money I have put into this lap, I could have gotten a 4 wheeled grinding unit with a polishing drum. It is good for flat surfaces that you need to polish. I started with the 6 inch laps and am slowly changing to the 8 inch. Much easier to use. I also like to shape the domes on my cabs and just throw them in the vibe for polish if all else fails. Good luck! Fran
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zip
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2009
Posts: 65
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Post by zip on Oct 21, 2009 21:20:21 GMT -5
I asked the same questions that you are asking. After reading the posts and listening to the advice given to me on this forum, I bought the Home Deopt Work Force tile saw and saved up and bought an 8" Ameritool from John at JSGems. I am haveing a ball with this equipment! Give John a call. He will give you good advice on what to buy and he is an honest, trustworth businessman. Oh, I also bought an Inland Dop Station from him that I really like.....Zip
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Oct 21, 2009 21:33:36 GMT -5
Classicrocker, if you're handy (most likely you are if you are looking into grinding rocks lol) and like building stuff, there's tons of ideas in the homemade equipment section. I've built all my equipment except my tumbler, and am very happy with the results. And the cost has been pennies on the dollar compared to new.
I'm not trying to take sales away from anyone, I just like to point out there's other more cost effective ways into this hobby.
Nate
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classicrocker
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2007
Posts: 3
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Post by classicrocker on Oct 23, 2009 1:58:24 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the valuable information you have shared. I believe you have saved me a ton of money. What appeared to be a cheap cost for multiple tools doesn't seem to be such a good deal now. Still trying to polish the world one stone at a time.
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