djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 28, 2015 12:01:11 GMT -5
Yes, 4" velcro backed disks.
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 27, 2015 17:42:15 GMT -5
The motor speed is listed at 1725 or 1750 rpm and I have no speed controller. I do have a couple of old speed controllers that came with a Unimat Small mill but haven't thought to use them. Should I ?
The disks work fine, although keeping them centered is sometimes a problem. They are relatively cheap and they hold up well. I get the Stadea brand from Amazon - have asked around for suggestions on other brands but reviewers are not easy to find. Damo - is another one I have tried.
My only regret is that the surface area (work area) is so small - but that hasn't been a major problem - Yet!
thanks for the input : all suggestions for improvements (or just opinions) are welcome.
Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 27, 2015 16:16:55 GMT -5
The question came up in a recent message "what do you use to shape the stones (in a photo)" Here is a way too long answer. I started with a used dishwasher motor. Mounted on a table with the shaft up through the table top. Attached a 4” lexan plate to the end of the shaft. Used contact cement (pliobond) to attach 4” diameter velcro to the plate. I use Stadea 4”, velcro backed, diamond impregnated marble polishing pads. A 2 gal. water container with spigot connected with tubing to a drip line and a small needle valve to control water flow. Water drains from the work pan to a trash can which I empty occasionally - if I forget, my feet get wet ! I usually get a general shape on the 100grit wheel of the FranTom Combo then move to the machine and start there with 200g. Then 400, 800, 1500, 3000, and 6000 then buff. Have just started using a polishing wheel with ZAM - but am learning as I go so will be into rouge, polish, paste etc… and wheel speed. A lot of fun learning this stuff and the results are good so far. Wife has learned to imitate the gulls on Finding Nemo, “Mine, mine, mine mine “ lol
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 27, 2015 12:05:58 GMT -5
very impressive ! great !
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 26, 2015 19:32:32 GMT -5
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 26, 2015 11:31:12 GMT -5
Jealous ! I am !
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 21, 2015 14:03:07 GMT -5
I do not have a picture of the slab - wish I had taken one. My first guess was onyx, but I think the calcite is also a good bet. This forum has been the best source of information I have for all things 'Rock" - thanks captbob!!
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 21, 2015 12:54:15 GMT -5
Last year (I think) I cut and polished several pieces from a slab that I purchased on-line. I have photos so thank goodness my memory going is not as final as it used to be. Can anyone id this (the banded pale yellow stones on the right)? thanks much. Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 20, 2015 16:23:40 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure that you are right. Defective wheel. It was replaced free of charge > GO RIO !
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 20, 2015 12:40:59 GMT -5
I have been using Stadea 4" wet diamond polishing pads that I get from Amazon. I get the "premium" pads and have discovered that Stadea sells "Series Standard," "Series Super," and "Series Ultra" pads.
Does anyone have experience with this brand/series of polishing pads? Amazon list most all of their Stadea pads as "Premium" grade and I have had no response from Stadea.
Just curious.
thanks, Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 19, 2015 18:21:08 GMT -5
I think you are correct. Maybe Donnie's Rocky Treasures can tell us for sure.
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 18, 2015 17:47:24 GMT -5
Agreed - the second one is a stunner!
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 18, 2015 17:38:12 GMT -5
very pretty > thanks for sharing!
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 16, 2015 18:53:02 GMT -5
Finally got around to calculating the speed of the FranTom 10" Combo. The belt was on the center pulleys when I got it and I haven't changed it (except to test). Am cutting and grinding at 1150 rpm. Any suggestions on saw blade speed for this unit? All (most) advice is welcome and appreciated. Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 16, 2015 18:45:30 GMT -5
Thank you for this information. I have been working with a trim saw (6") and a slab saw (10") for several months and should have read this sooner. Very good. Thank you again. Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 14, 2015 17:15:48 GMT -5
My 6" home made trim saw finally bit the dust (Ha!). I purchased it off ebay and have gotten my $ worth. Time for a saw that I can depend on and in searching I came upon this: The motor left over from the original ebay saw is good so all I need is the saw. Anyone have recommendations on the Covington saw or other options? Does this price seem right? thanks again, Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 14, 2015 17:02:17 GMT -5
Last week I pulled out a box that has been stored for 20+ years. Box was labeled "tumbler stuff" and it was my old Lortone 3# tumbler and several boxes of grit and pellets (never used). In a small plastic container labeled "Sapphire "A" is a very fine white powder and I have no clue what it is. I remember that this was in a small plastic bag and I put it into the container thinking that the bag might not hold up. I have searched "Sapphire A" on-line but can find no results that match a polish/powder for a tumbler. If you have any idea what this powder is please pass it along. thanks much, Don
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 12, 2015 10:37:53 GMT -5
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 8, 2015 17:39:23 GMT -5
Better than good - its great!
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djaxon
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2015
Posts: 159
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Post by djaxon on Nov 8, 2015 17:18:11 GMT -5
I have several Rios slabbed that look like these. It is amazing what varieties and colors are found inside the rocks. Thanks again Mel.
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