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Post by 150FromFundy on Nov 24, 2010 18:11:30 GMT -5
Are there any RTH members using the Ameritool. I am considering buying one as an entry level machine for making cabs and polishing small slabs.
How long do the grinding and polishing pads last before needing replacement. Will this machine work for years, or does it have a limited life.
I would appreciate hearing your stories.
Darryl.
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Post by rockmanken on Nov 24, 2010 19:05:00 GMT -5
Darryl, I have had one for about 7 years and it is still works like new(just dirty). I have cut and polished approx. 200-300 cabs on a set of pads. Am on my 3rd set in 7 years. It would be nice if you could get a 100 grit hard wheel for your first wheel and then go to 180. Haven't been able to find one, only stick on pads. I still use mine every time I make a knife, to flatten the back sides and the ends where they touch the bolsters. Hope this helps, Ken
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 693
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Post by docharber on Nov 24, 2010 21:49:02 GMT -5
Hi Darryl- Ditto what Ken said. I would order an extra master lap (heavy plastic) and a 100 grit disk. The provided grinding disk is really slow. you will want to make sure that the wheels are balanced, as this is a lightweight machine and it'll vibrate excessivelty otherwise. The original stick on pads are still on mine. Kingsley North has then on sale now, by the way, for $25 if the sale is still on. The 325 is he most perishable, of course. SOmething else I wish I had was a lap with a cushioned surface on the 325 and mayvbe 600 pads. one thing about using hard wheels is that you have to work harder to remove wheel ridges. A cuashioned surface like on my large machine's expando drums is very helpful. This maching is not nearly as fast as my vertical wheel 8" machine, but I can sit in front of the TV and work with the Ameritool for fine sanding and polishing. Of course, it's good for doing flats. I made a slight modification to mine that helps smooth out the operation. i replaced the provided spindle nut with a 1/4-20 screw in steel caster with a 3/16 rubber washer on the side that touches the disk. The provided screw is graduated ati have a shallow rim sitting in the disk hole and that limits the thickness of the disk you can use - i found the disks from my faceter don't always keep in balance, especially witht he original screw. The Ameritool comes with 14K mesh diamond compound. You might want another polishing pad and master lap to use 50K mesh on if you aren't satisfied with the polish. I take the stone to the garage and use cerium oxide on leather in those instances. it provides a very slightle better polish on some stones, especially soft ones. John at JSGems had the best price when i bought mine. The customer serice people at Ameritool are nice to deal with, too. i had to have a warranty repair on mine- the motor is DC and while that makes for much more power and efficiency, and weight savings (it could benefit from being heavier) it requires a rectifier- in this case 4 of them. One of mine failed and I had o ship it back (i paid one way only) for $32 if I recall. As this is one of the few things that can go wrong with this machine, I will tell you that whenthe rectifier failed, I got a 60 ctycle hum and slight vibration in the motor spindle, but no rotation- like it was stalled. The Ameritool is direct drive, I believe, which elimuinates belts and other trouble spots. I don't think there is a better unit out there of this type except for the Covington horizontal lap machine that also has limited sawing capability. you can look at ti online at JSGems. Sears sold a similar machine years ago. The Covington is a little more expensive and bulky, though. - from all accounts it is far superior to the Inland machine. I would definitely get the 8" machine, not the 6" for the difference in price. It is a reasonably durable machine that you'll use for years to come, even if you upgrade tyo a larger vertical wheel unit. Mark H. Read more: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=41410#ixzz16G69lc77
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auntierocks
starting to shine!
Member since July 2009
Posts: 33
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Post by auntierocks on Nov 25, 2010 4:47:55 GMT -5
Just make sure you flush the drain very often using HOT water. Mine quickly plugged up and using a twisty-tie as a snake I punched through the plastic drain. I sent it back and they replaced the drain with a larger aluminum tube. Cost me $60 to ship. They paid for the return trip.
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Post by NatureNut on Nov 25, 2010 5:52:30 GMT -5
John at JSGems is the guy to buy from. He set me up with a couple extra pads. I love mine.
Store the pads in separate ziploc baggies so as not to contaminate.
I highly recommend. Jo
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Post by 150FromFundy on Nov 25, 2010 12:30:42 GMT -5
Thanks for all the input and positive reposnse on this machine. If I sell enough pendants at the Christmas craft sales this year, I will definately order the 8" machine. From what I can find, JSGems still has the best price on this machine. Thanks again.
Darryl.
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Nov 29, 2010 19:48:55 GMT -5
I also bought mine through John , great price and great service .. I LOVE mine !!!!! get a couple extra master disk and pads for the 300 + grits . thats the only changes/additions I have made. the drain hole does stink lol i'm working on an improvement ; its really needs to be larger
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 693
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Post by docharber on Dec 5, 2010 21:04:35 GMT -5
I have had the drain stop up a copuple of times, too- but only with coarse grinding fauirly soft material. It drains pretty well otherwise. The cautionary tale about using a twist tie i take to heart- I never would have expected it to puncture the drain line.
Mark H.
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goldfinger1
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 154
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Post by goldfinger1 on Dec 6, 2010 7:47:44 GMT -5
Just make sure you flush the drain very often using HOT water. Mine quickly plugged up and using a twisty-tie as a snake I punched through the plastic drain. I sent it back and they replaced the drain with a larger aluminum tube. Cost me $60 to ship. They paid for the return trip. Did anyone who had drain problems contact the manufacturer? If enough people complain about it, maybe they'll come up with a solution or modification for future buyers. Steve
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