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Post by jasoninsd on Nov 21, 2024 14:39:40 GMT -5
That is a very nice cabber and most likely the one I would get. Do you have a problem with the sharper angled wrist rest than say the Highland Park CB6? I figure I would just get some pipe insulation and soften the edge or something with memory foam. I'm still holding out for a potential used item at the gem show this weekend. You never know what's going to turn up and since I'm volunteering, I'll be able to really ask around without being too much of a pest.  - RobI haven't had any issues with the wrist rest on my KN cabber either. However, I do sit down when I am cabbing so that might make a difference. My arms are typically angled up to the wheels a little and just lightly resting on the wrist rest. I sit too. I tried standing once...and it felt WAY too uncomfortable! LOL |
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lapidary1234
spending too much on rocks
"If you like rocks you can't be all bad!!" ~ old timer quote
Member since October 2021
Posts: 325
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Post by lapidary1234 on Nov 23, 2024 22:21:22 GMT -5
whalecottagedesigns (and everyone else) I feel obligated to come to the defense of expandable drums! I use them at my remote workshop and I really love them. I guess I could see them taking a longer time if you're using worn old style silicon carbide belts. I've been using the new "agglomerate" belts and I haven't noticed much of an increase in time it takes to work on stuff. A person could always get all diamond belts for them and I'm sure they would cut as fast as a grinding wheel. I had to buy a 3000 grit belt in diamond bc I couldn't find silicon carbide in that grit. The thing I like best about them is the 8" wheels come in a 3" width. Its important to note that I'd still opt to do initial shaping on a grinding wheel. You should double check that the cabling doesn't take an auxiliary arbor adaptor shaft. I've been told by someone that they can. I've also never used a cabling so take that with a grain of salt. Finally, I have to agree with whoever mentioned they like the raytech arbors. I have two dual expandable drum machines that were designed and sold as "glass restoration" units. The only difference i can tell is that they didn't come from the factory with water hookups. I just use geysers in a bread pan and it works great. And I *believe the bearings can be mounted using bolts (not pressed). I have seen raytech carvers similar to a star diamond gp8 with the adjustable speeds and they look nice as well. This has been a great thread! best of luck Rob!
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Post by whalecottagedesigns on Nov 23, 2024 23:07:51 GMT -5
whalecottagedesigns (and everyone else) I feel obligated to come to the defense of expandable drums! I use them at my remote workshop and I really love them. I guess I could see them taking a longer time if you're using worn old style silicon carbide belts. I've been using the new "agglomerate" belts and I haven't noticed much of an increase in time it takes to work on stuff. A person could always get all diamond belts for them and I'm sure they would cut as fast as a grinding wheel. I had to buy a 3000 grit belt in diamond bc I couldn't find silicon carbide in that grit. The thing I like best about them is the 8" wheels come in a 3" width. Its important to note that I'd still opt to do initial shaping on a grinding wheel. You should double check that the cabling doesn't take an auxiliary arbor adaptor shaft. I've been told by someone that they can. I've also never used a cabling so take that with a grain of salt. Finally, I have to agree with whoever mentioned they like the raytech arbors. I have two dual expandable drum machines that were designed and sold as "glass restoration" units. The only difference i can tell is that they didn't come from the factory with water hookups. I just use geysers in a bread pan and it works great. And I *believe the bearings can be mounted using bolts (not pressed). I have seen raytech carvers similar to a star diamond gp8 with the adjustable speeds and they look nice as well. This has been a great thread! best of luck Rob! Nooo! I can definitely see the benefits of those expandable drums! The bigger width, and the fact that the belts are better for the pocket are my main pro's for them! And if you can have a setup as one of the gents before had talked about to have two machines, and do not have to swop out belts, then you are cooking with gas! :-) In my own case, I just do not have the access that you guys have on the other side of the pond to be able to source second hand machines, and that includes big oil lapidary saws etc. That is a massive benefit on your side! Some of those older machines are so awesome, and should last the next 100 years easy-peasy! edit... 6 exclamation marks :-) sheesh... I may have a problem!!! |
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lapidary1234
spending too much on rocks
"If you like rocks you can't be all bad!!" ~ old timer quote
Member since October 2021
Posts: 325
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Post by lapidary1234 on Nov 24, 2024 15:40:43 GMT -5
whalecottagedesigns i was just reading a post on Facebook and the person was saying that they use a cabking with an additional spindle. So assuming thats true I recommend looking into it. Even if you have to piece it together one part at a time its then something you could work toward. However, in full disclosure I don't actually spin on the addition spindle as you might think. Often times I'm satisfied with the finish that I get from a 3,000 grit wheel, and if I'm looking for more shine I've started throwing them in the vibe tumbler to finish. Just goes to show, there's more than one way to skin a cat!
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Post by whalecottagedesigns on Nov 24, 2024 19:37:49 GMT -5
whalecottagedesigns i was just reading a post on Facebook and the person was saying that they use a cabking with an additional spindle. So assuming thats true I recommend looking into it. Even if you have to piece it together one part at a time its then something you could work toward. However, in full disclosure I don't actually spin on the addition spindle as you might think. Often times I'm satisfied with the finish that I get from a 3,000 grit wheel, and if I'm looking for more shine I've started throwing them in the vibe tumbler to finish. Just goes to show, there's more than one way to skin a cat! That may have been an older style of Cabking, not sure, because our one only has a single shaft going all the way through. Ours is a 2022 version of the 8 inch Cabking. I have also noted that some of the Aussies also go straight from the 1200 to Cerium polish with their Opals, and their shine is superb! Also, I got the impression that Lapidary Dave also goes to Zam from the 1200 with Turquoise as well. So 3000 is more for the quartzes and such, which is 80% of what I work on really. And it does work well for my purpose too. |
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lapidary1234
spending too much on rocks
"If you like rocks you can't be all bad!!" ~ old timer quote
Member since October 2021
Posts: 325
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Post by lapidary1234 on Nov 24, 2024 22:59:35 GMT -5
whalecottagedesigns i was just reading a post on Facebook and the person was saying that they use a cabking with an additional spindle. So assuming thats true I recommend looking into it. Even if you have to piece it together one part at a time its then something you could work toward. However, in full disclosure I don't actually spin on the addition spindle as you might think. Often times I'm satisfied with the finish that I get from a 3,000 grit wheel, and if I'm looking for more shine I've started throwing them in the vibe tumbler to finish. Just goes to show, there's more than one way to skin a cat! That may have been an older style of Cabking, not sure, because our one only has a single shaft going all the way through. Ours is a 2022 version of the 8 inch Cabking. I have also noted that some of the Aussies also go straight from the 1200 to Cerium polish with their Opals, and their shine is superb! Also, I got the impression that Lapidary Dave also goes to Zam from the 1200 with Turquoise as well. So 3000 is more for the quartzes and such, which is 80% of what I work on really. And it does work well for my purpose too. Absolutely understand what you're saying! Everyone has their own methods. I know I've heard folks used to go from 600 to cerium as well. Probably depends on the stone and a person's patience:) I just wish I knew for certain whether or not cabkings can take an additional spindle because I try my best to be helpful with giving advice. So your 8" 2022 model has only one long shaft and an auxiliary motor then? I could have sworn I've seen them with a central motor design. But maybe that's just the 6". Or maybe they've redesigned it. I'll stick with the "can possibly take an additional spindle" advice I've been giving. For me I was just trying to be a completionist I guess when I got the additional spindle. Although I don't use it every time those extra wheels really do help with a great shine! |
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Post by Rockoonz on Nov 24, 2024 23:18:23 GMT -5
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 659
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Post by rocknrob on Nov 25, 2024 0:02:41 GMT -5
Well it turned out that the one lapidary supply store that went to the Gem Show didn't bring a single arbor with them. Just flat laps and tumblers and well, they lost out on selling an arbor unit because I was ready to buy right then and there. I'm leaning towards getting a used arbor if I can, apparently used equipment is like buying a used car nowadays. You're paying way more than you think they're worth, especially if some restoration needs to happen. I had a gentleman next to my flat lap demonstration table with a dual wheel arbor (80 and an expando drum) and he was rocking it much faster than I could. I will be the first to tell you though that my "aggressive" 80 grit plate is more like a 200 grit plate now. Thunder eggs are a bit rough on a flat lap. I'll be checking the classifieds tonight to see if there are any arbors/cabbing machines up.
On a more humorous note. I had an elderly gentleman talk to me about how "he's too old for this crap" and needs to unload his whole lapidary shop. If I had the room and the cash handy, I would have taken him up on the offer.
1) 24" slab saw with 3 blades, 2) 14" slab saw with one spare blade, 3) Lortone 10" trim saw, 4) 28" vibrating flat lap machine, 5) 25 gallons of mineral oil, 6) 4 tons of rock, about half of it pet wood and obsidian and 7) a genie that he would be hesitant to get rid of because he still likes to cab.
All the above for $8500 which is an absolute STEAL for that much working equipment. He used to make petrified wood clocks (He said he would toss in all the clock making stuff as well). I would need to get a new garage to fit all that.
- Rob
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realrockhound
Cave Dweller 
Chucking leaverite at tweekers
Member since June 2020
Posts: 4,538
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Post by realrockhound on Nov 25, 2024 1:33:14 GMT -5
I haven’t been following this thread. However, my personal belief. Be patient, save your money, and buy a new unit when the time comes. Just get a six wheel set and be done with it.
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Post by whalecottagedesigns on Nov 25, 2024 10:46:47 GMT -5
Thank you for clearing that up! It was rather puzzling, so lapidary1234 obviously must have then been told about the 6 inch version! |
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