ryan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2016
Posts: 185
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Post by ryan on Apr 24, 2017 12:50:58 GMT -5
Hello all I am new to this and am looking for information on a flat lap bout 6". I will be cabbing stuff like granite, quartz, chert hard stuff so really my question is who is madly in love with their flat lap?
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 24, 2017 13:06:12 GMT -5
I learned on wheels so have difficulty with flat laps and domes. Stick to either Ameritool or HI Tech. Save up for 8" (usually about $100 more). Unless you are cutting small cabs you will regret not buying the 8". Draw a 6" and 8" circle and cover about an inch or 1 1/2" or so of center. The remainder is the working area.
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ryan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2016
Posts: 185
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Post by ryan on Apr 24, 2017 20:39:21 GMT -5
I learned on wheels so have difficulty with flat laps and domes. Stick to either Ameritool or HI Tech. Save up for 8" (usually about $100 more). Unless you are cutting small cabs you will regret not buying the 8". Draw a 6" and 8" circle and cover about an inch or 1 1/2" or so of center. The remainder is the working area. Awesome! Thank you for the information/help, I'm really liking the hi tech 8" slant cabber. Can't wait to post the results!
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wyliechief
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2017
Posts: 2
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Post by wyliechief on Sept 14, 2017 14:03:18 GMT -5
I picked up an Inland 8" Flat Lap Swap Top with grinder adapter for $400. Really like it so far and like that it can be turned into 3 different lapidary tools (saw, grinder, flat lap).
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Post by fernwood on Sept 14, 2017 18:18:05 GMT -5
Thanks for asking the question. I was going to post the same. I am specifically looking for a 6" due to space requirements.
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 15, 2017 21:53:45 GMT -5
The space argument does not work. Both HiTech and Ameritool use same base for both 6" and 8". Only difference is splash guard center hole and lap diameter. Footprint is same.
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Post by 1dave on Sept 16, 2017 8:32:13 GMT -5
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Sept 30, 2017 10:19:07 GMT -5
JOhn's right about the 8". Even with the Ameritool 8", since a big circle at the center is unavailable for using due to the mounting spindle, you are kind of cramped for space, and you need lots of space with a flat lap to swirl your cab around in arcs or circles. I like my Ameritool just fine, and the motor is a champ. Having learned on that though and switching to wheels later, I'd advise people to go to wheels right away. Mortgage your car/house/spouse if necessary. ;-)
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tropidale
starting to shine!
Member since October 2016
Posts: 46
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Post by tropidale on Dec 7, 2017 23:08:19 GMT -5
Because of cost and space, I also went with the 8 inch Ameritool and am very pleased with it. I learned on wheels but didn't have enough experience to mind going to the flat lap. I would love to have both but don't have a permanent work shop space to keep all set up. So I can't do inside curves but not such a big deal. I can recommend the Ameritool. Good luck! Dale
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Post by roy on Dec 8, 2017 12:21:21 GMT -5
Hello all I am new to this and am looking for information on a flat lap bout 6". I will be cabbing stuff like granite, quartz, chert hard stuff so really my question is who is madly in love with their flat lap? i started out with the high tech 8" machine
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