grizman
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since July 2011
Posts: 878
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Post by grizman on Oct 12, 2014 15:23:24 GMT -5
OK, I admit that although I have been playing with rocks since I was knee-high to a pigeon, I am also about as "green" at some of the steps I need to follow, as a true newbie.
I am not even sure I selected the right forum area for my question...
I am an old dog. I play with my tumblers strictly as a hobby. I have a very limited space for my hobby, as the garage is already full with the two cars. I am also in a community where they would REALLY frown on my moving out on the driveway with my hobby.
Enough background. Here's what I'd like to know.
What is the simplest and least expensive tool or set up that will allow me to "round off" some of the extremely rough rocks that I have paid too much for, to feed my tumblers? Some of the stuff I just shake my head at and put back in the FRB from the sender. The rocks have potential, but at my age, I will never be able to tumble them long enough to get them rounded off without the pits, deep angle breaks, and rough edges. Yes, I wish all my rocks were beach worn, but they are far from being that ideal.
I know I would like to grind the "issues" off or out of the rocks prior to going into my tumblers. What is a quick, easy (if possible) way for me to remove a lot of the useless material off of the broken rock pieces? Maybe I am asking a stupid question? Please keep in mind my limited space for equipment, and my retired butt, expense account.
Is there an angle grinder with the "right"? kind of diamond disk to do the job? I don't even know what kind of disk I might need! See how "green" I really am?
Thanks in advance to any of you folks that choose to give this ol' dog some ideas.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2014 17:44:01 GMT -5
Dear Grizman,good quality tile nippers can help with thin areas.I got a small 8 inch flatlap grinder to help in this area.Quiet and clean but expensive.Hammers and chisels seem to hurt more than help me but I still use them for large jobs.Plus you have to take them to the "driveway".I dont know if an angle grinder would work for tumbling rough because it is so small.How would you safely hold the rock and use the grinder?Hope this helps for now.Better ideas are coming from others soon......Steve
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kskid
Cave Dweller
Member since July 2014
Posts: 98
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Post by kskid on Oct 13, 2014 1:22:58 GMT -5
Grizman, I'm a long time lurker & slightly experienced tumbler, so others may be more help. I use a tile saw from home depot with a masonry blade (~$150 total, new) to shape rough before tumbling. It's not the right tool for the job, but it's doable and *way* cheaper. You can probably find a used saw much cheaper, but a new blade is around $20. Doesn't take up much space, but it can be messy - it's a wet saw. Watch your fingers, wear safety glasses & ear plugs, and don't stand or put your face in line with the blade/stone. For really large pieces, you can score the rock and finish the break with a hammer and chisel (same cautions apply). I would not use an angle grinder (not that it can't be done, there's just a limit to how much I'm willing to risk my fingers, face, windows, woodwork, bystanders, etc.) An angle grinder is also dry. Dust from many rocks can be very dangerous to breathe. The only cheaper alternative that I know of is a hammer and chisel, which comes with its own set of problems. Good luck!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2014 5:51:32 GMT -5
Well quit,clean and cheap.thats a tuff one.the. Cheapest fastest way I've found to grind unwanted spots away is with an angle grinder with a cupping wheel( definitely not clean or quit).i have a vice with wooden jaws that i clamp the rock in and use the grinder on it,similar to jamesp technique.other than that I'd say a flat lap,but then you've eliminated the cheap part.a five disc set for my 10" flatlap ran me $300. Dave
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Post by kap on Oct 13, 2014 18:44:59 GMT -5
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