spicer m
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 337
|
Post by spicer m on Dec 27, 2009 0:40:50 GMT -5
This is a machine I built a few weeks ago. I took pictures and wrote a 5 page article on how to build it. I wanted to build something to help people get into the hobby with out spending alot of $$$ on a machine. Hope this helps someone. Here is a link to where you can down load a PDF file of it. It is 3.5mb www.scribd.com/doc/24530851/Lapidary-Machine Click down load button to the right. It was reported below that You have to sign up To Scribe to down load the PDF. If You have a problem You can also get it at Needles, CA Blue Agate News Letter. needlesgemmineralclub.blogspot.com/ If You look on the left side of page and click on (January 2010 News Letter part 2) it will come up as a PDF. (No sign in needed) Thanks for lookin Mike Here is a pic.  |
|
|
|
Post by superioragates on Dec 27, 2009 1:11:57 GMT -5
This is awesome Mike! I saved it, and will look in to building it. What do diamond pads cost on average?
|
|
brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
|
Post by brent on Dec 27, 2009 10:57:15 GMT -5
Good job. That gives me an idea for mine too. I made one very similar to yours. I found that running direct drive was too fast for the fine(1200) flat lap and leather polishing pad. But I like the ability to put wheels on it like you did. I could run my 100, 320 laps and then swich to wheels or drums for the fine and polishing.
|
|
NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
|
Post by NDK on Dec 27, 2009 22:04:51 GMT -5
Wow, that's a great idea... I never thought of laying my lap on it's side.  Marie, I bought 5 diamond disks from the rock lady at rocklady1.com/Specials.htmlIf you want to spend less, you can get Silicone Carbide disks from other suppliers ( I got some from www.kingsleynorth.com ) for a few dollars each. Nate |
|
|
|
Post by Woodyrock on Dec 28, 2009 2:41:32 GMT -5
Nice simple low cost design. You could add a reostat to the circuit to control the motor speed, for polishing, and your finer discs. I do not think a reostat would be very expensive.
Woody
|
|
|
|
Post by scared0o0rabbit on Jan 1, 2010 20:43:20 GMT -5
Any chance you, or someone else who's downloaded it, would be willing to post it to some place that isn't going to require me to sign up to download it like rapidshare or something?
|
|
jimrbto
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since April 2007
Posts: 94
|
Post by jimrbto on Jan 1, 2010 21:11:27 GMT -5
Woody
You can't add a reostat to this unit, it would cause the motor to burn up. Wrong type of motor for speed control by reostat.
Jim
|
|
spicer m
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 337
|
Post by spicer m on Jan 1, 2010 23:07:36 GMT -5
Thank You all for the comments. Woody what Jim said. Brent thank for the info I bet Your right about the flat lap and buffing. I have only used up to 600 grit flat lap and do not do much polishing with buffs. Mostly I use Novas to 50,000 I may be missing something on the buffing or doing it wrong. I do use a 3400rpm grinder with 6" final buff with ZAM on most rocks just for a final sheen. ScaredOoOrabbit I did not think you had to sign up on scribe to down load the pdf, (button to right when PDF comes up. Here is a link to Needles, CA Blue Agate News Letter. needlesgemmineralclub.blogspot.com/ If You look on the left side of page and click on (January 2010 News Letter part 2) it will come up as a PDF. (No sign in needed) Mike |
|
chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
|
Post by chromenut on Jan 2, 2010 12:08:03 GMT -5
Great stuff, lots of good ideas. How about your wetting system? Also if you want I can host your pdf file on my server, no biggie. I have it at the following link for anyone here if Mike's okay with that: Mike's Lap Machine |
|
|
|
Post by scared0o0rabbit on Jan 2, 2010 20:45:19 GMT -5
Thanks!
|
|
bentiron
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2011
Posts: 85
|
Post by bentiron on Nov 20, 2011 18:16:24 GMT -5
Having a serious lack of funds to purchase a factory built machine I spent around $15 at Goodwill and bought most all the components needed to build this machine. It works fine with an expando drum and interchangeable belts, I'm finally able to do lapidary work at home. Thanks for the plans!!!
|
|
spicer m
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 337
|
Post by spicer m on Nov 24, 2011 22:51:40 GMT -5
Your welcome
I still use it all the time.
Mike
|
|
bentiron
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2011
Posts: 85
|
Post by bentiron on Nov 26, 2011 20:23:51 GMT -5
I'm also on another forum and there seemed to be a lack of advice for belts above 600 grit, do you have any advice to offer for a source for them?
This is a great little machine and wonderful for my budget, thanks again! ;D
|
|
NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
|
Post by NDK on Nov 26, 2011 20:43:03 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by rockmanken on Nov 26, 2011 21:11:27 GMT -5
I use belts of 280,325,600,1200,3000,8000,14000,25000,50000,100000 all from Kingsley North and jsgems (John on here) Also order belts direct from China.
Ken
|
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Nov 27, 2011 16:03:30 GMT -5
If you're using SiC belts 1200 grit is the finest grit available, past that you have to buy diamond belts.
Lee
|
|
