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Post by tntmom on Nov 12, 2010 23:02:10 GMT -5
I picked up a diamond cutting wheel tonight for my Dremel. Has anyone ever used these before for cutting small slabs? I started playing around with it the same as I have been doing with grinding bits. I have a bowl of water and put the wheel in and started cutting the stone under water. It seems to be working great for just doing little bits off the edges (except it's messy...lots of splashing versus the burs that don't splash at all). I would like to take chunks off this slab to shape it but I'm nervous about trying to cut through it. I am running the Dremel at 15,000 rpm with a flex shaft. The instructions say to not go over 20,000. Here's a picture of the slab and the diamond cutting wheel. Thanks for looking! ~Kristine
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Post by superioragates on Nov 12, 2010 23:12:21 GMT -5
When I first started in this hobby I used my dremel for cutting, shaping, grinding...everything...it CAN be done. Your hand and wrist will very pretty sore after awhile of cutting, but it does work. The wheels will wear out pretty fast, so have a stock on hand. I did a lot of "playing" when I first started!!! But it's fun. The mess in unavoidable, try to find a large enclosed container, I had an old plastic cookie display case, and it worked pretty good, without something like that you will have a mess, no matter what I used a variable speed dremel, and had it set on about 2-2 1/2....if that helps Enjoy!!
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Post by tntmom on Nov 12, 2010 23:41:04 GMT -5
When I first started in this hobby I used my dremel for cutting, shaping, grinding...everything...it CAN be done. Thank you for responding so quickly! How long do you cut before removing the wheel from the stone? I thought 3 seconds, stop 3 seconds, but that seems like it wouldn't work if you are in the middle of a cut. Also, do you use any pressure or do you just let the wheel do it's thing no matter how long it takes? I got a couple of little sparks earlier and I don't know if I was putting pressure on it, or whether it just was out of the water for a second.
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Post by bgast1 on Nov 12, 2010 23:43:36 GMT -5
I used that diamond wheel or one like it. Instead of cutting I used it to grind. It worked pretty well that way for me. Now I use my dremel mostly for carving. After a while trying to make cabs with it, I broke down and bought an Ameritool for making cabochons. Much easier, but like Marie said, it can be done. I used to go through so many diamond and silicon carbide burs that I finally broke down and bought sintered diamond burs. I set my dremel on about 2 - 2-1/2 also. You need to experiment for what works best for you.
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Post by tntmom on Nov 13, 2010 0:00:05 GMT -5
My Dremel is a Multi-Pro 285, older and only has two speeds. Low 15,000 and Hi 30,000. Is 2 1/2 comparable to 15,000? Buried in my garage somewhere is a 2-wheel bench grinder that when I find eventually, I can buy some 8" diamond wheels for it. There is also a table saw out there too and several other pieces of equipment that used to be used in window and door manufacturing. Unfortunately, none of it is accessible at the moment nor do I know how to use them, so my first attempts will all be with my little Dremel.
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Post by rockmanken on Nov 13, 2010 7:30:02 GMT -5
DO NOT use the grinder if it was made for steel grinding and the table saw for wood WILL NOT work, either. The wheels on the grinder have to use water and those wheels are not made for water. Must say vitrified on them. Table saws are not equipt for water use either. If you could make a pan for water under the blade, the motor is open frame and moisture could get in it and you know water and electricity don't work together. You can get diamond blades and bits at Habor Freight fairly cheap. Ken
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 13, 2010 8:15:25 GMT -5
A good rule with any diamond tool is don't push. Let the diamonds do the work. You don't need to stop/start with the disc. When drilling you need to "peck" to allow water to replace the material removed. Unless you can find "sintered" or "brazed" all the burs/discs will be "bonded". Fancy name for "glued". Running under water and light pressure will give you the longest use.
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Post by tntmom on Nov 13, 2010 18:51:49 GMT -5
You guys are great! I would be so lost without your knowledge! I took the plunge after reading everyone's comments and started cutting. I just love this little diamond wheel! I drew out a shape, cut, grinded and shaped all with the same bit. It's my very first time cutting so don't laugh, but.... here are two pictures. The first is during the cutting process, second is after I completed the shaping and grinding. Now I get to learn how to sand and polish with my Dremel!
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Post by tntmom on Nov 13, 2010 18:58:49 GMT -5
I just noticed that I made Humpty Dumpty LOL! Right eye open, left eye squinted, nose and straight line for mouth.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Nov 13, 2010 20:25:14 GMT -5
So...what was it you were worried about again? ;D I keep my disc stationary and move the rock, works better for me. And be careful with Humpty...we all know what happened to HIM! Keep up the good work. Dr Joe .
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Nov 13, 2010 21:09:19 GMT -5
I use a diamond cutting wheel on my dremel to cut small preforms in expensive material, and to groove the side of the cabs to wire (groove) wrap. It works well for the pricey stuff, because it doesn't make a wide kerf, thus removing minimal material.
Looks like you have it figured out. Nice work so far!
Nate
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Post by llana2go on Nov 14, 2010 10:36:05 GMT -5
You did a great job cutting out that cab with your Dremel!
And, reminded me that I have diamond cutting wheels and a dremel I played around with before I got a saw. I have a number of slabs I need to preform and was trying to convince myself to get outside, set up and saw and get with it, but kept thinking about how cold my hand would get and kept putting it off.
You solved my problem for me! Thanks!
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