icewlf
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by icewlf on Feb 26, 2023 17:21:16 GMT -5
Cut some small slices 2 weeks ago with my trim saw and started trying to do a few freeform cabs to practice and experiment. Today, I worked a bit more. This is my first stab. I need a lot more practice, and need to work this a little more, but I'm happy with my first attempt. I've learned a lot working this (not the least is that my grinding wheel needs to be replaced). My old machine has a silicon carbide wheel, that I only just noticed has worn a bad groove in the center (previous owner didn't use the whole wheel I don't think). I'm going to replace it with a diamond wheel, just not sure on the grit yet. I also definitely need to replace the rubber on my first 2 split drums. I'm going to go that at the moment due to cost, but in the future I'm contemplating replacing both of them with regular polishing wheels. The one I've worked the most is some sort of Jasper I think, but I'm honestly not sure. Bought several pieces at a show about 10 years ago cause I liked the colorations and patterns. The polished cab in the first s done just up to 14K (to finish it right I know I'd need to drop back down and grind out one or two spots on it, but I'm happy with it as a first). the rose quartz was done to 1200, but quickly. I need to drop it back down for a bit. The jadeite was just roughed in on the silicon carbide wheel.    |
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Post by Pat on Feb 26, 2023 17:40:07 GMT -5
I see you are hooked!! Cabbing is fun. Just cutting it on the trim saw is fun. Good job! Welcome from California.
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icewlf
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by icewlf on Feb 26, 2023 17:44:29 GMT -5
Thanks. Absolutely hooked. I've always loved stones and have wanted to get into working them for years. I've had a flat lap for quiet a while, but found its very slow for a lot of things. I now understand why people buy cabbing machines =P. I also didn't realize how relaxing it would be, or how draining. I sleep well the nights I play around. I'm looking forward to working more stones and starting to use up some of the rough i've collected over the last few decades =P.
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
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Post by khara on Feb 26, 2023 18:15:45 GMT -5
Very cool. That first piece has a nice polish. I wouldn’t mind seeing your equipment too. I ended up just buying myself a new cabbing machine but definitely appreciate knowing how to use old school or other equipment. And my new machine doesn’t go to 14k so I’ve wondered about adding an additional single wheel maybe… Anyway, I’m also just learning cabbing. You could join the monthly cabbing contest here! It’s a good way to learn and practice.
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icewlf
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by icewlf on Feb 26, 2023 18:21:09 GMT -5
Very cool. That first piece has a nice polish. I wouldn’t mind seeing your equipment too. I ended up just buying myself a new cabbing machine but definitely appreciate knowing how to use old school or other equipment. And my new machine doesn’t go to 14k so I’ve wondered about adding an additional single wheel maybe… Anyway, I’m also just learning cabbing. You could join the monthly cabbing contest here! It’s a good way to learn and practice. Here's my machine. Its VERY limited on grit (the split drums use a sand paper that only goes up to 1200) so I use the polishing head and pads to do all my higher grits for now. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/100987/texas-rocks-compact-cabmaker |
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Post by rockjunquie on Feb 26, 2023 19:23:01 GMT -5
Great job, but more importantly, it sounds like you are being challenged and having a good time.  |
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Post by jasoninsd on Feb 26, 2023 19:52:15 GMT -5
First, I think it's BS you're able to do any cabbing in bare feet! LOL It's awesome you've found an enjoyment with cabbing...and you're right...it can be relaxing...or VERY stressful! LOL Way to go! I can't wait to see you get better and better!! |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Feb 26, 2023 20:15:43 GMT -5
You did a great job on your first cab! Pretty soon you'll be cranking out cabs like nobody's business. Congrats!
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Feb 27, 2023 11:04:29 GMT -5
Looking good!! Welcome to cabbing from a fellow newb cabber It's amazing how quickly the hours pass when you are focused on those darn little scratches lol... |
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Post by Rockoonz on Feb 27, 2023 12:01:51 GMT -5
Looks like you're progressing along nicely. In case it hasn't already come up, a couple things about SiC wheels. First, they can be dressed flat with a dressing wheel or stick, but replacing with diamond is better. 2nd, and more important, is the safety considerations. Since they run wet they need to spin dry before being shut down, about 30 seconds with no water. Also never start one while standing in front of it, just in case it's out of balance and comes apart, rare but bad when it happens. I have a scar from a AO wheel that I was using at work that came apart, hit me in the jaw, could have been a lot worse.
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icewlf
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by icewlf on Feb 27, 2023 18:57:49 GMT -5
Looks like you're progressing along nicely. In case it hasn't already come up, a couple things about SiC wheels. First, they can be dressed flat with a dressing wheel or stick, but replacing with diamond is better. 2nd, and more important, is the safety considerations. Since they run wet they need to spin dry before being shut down, about 30 seconds with no water. Also never start one while standing in front of it, just in case it's out of balance and comes apart, rare but bad when it happens. I have a scar from a AO wheel that I was using at work that came apart, hit me in the jaw, could have been a lot worse. I've got a high quality full face shield that I wear while doing any work just to be safe, but thanks for the tip! |
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