rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Dec 5, 2007 21:13:51 GMT -5
Thought I would share some pics of where I hang out and some of my rock toys: Here is my 36 lb tumbler. I can't take credit for building it. I traded a guy for it. He got it when he bought out a rock shop inventory. It was probably made by the rock shop owner Here is my vibratory tumblers, 6 inch HP trim saw, and 10 inch Lortone. To the right is my 8 inch Star Diamond grinder. I need to figure out why it's not draining and figure out how I can rig a water supply that won't freeze. Here is where I store my slabs and small rough. There are milk crates on the bottom shelf with larger rough. As you can see I keep my slab saws busy. Here's a shot of my flat lap, ultrasound, and where I store my findings and heavy tools (mandrills etc.). I also put my finished jewelry there before it's priced or snatched by my wife for her collection. Here's my new baby. 18 inch HP J2. I have a 16" blade on it now because I got such a deal on the blade at my local rock shop. This is the saw of the "How not to move a rock saw thread". Here's yours truly at my bench. I should be there now and not fooling around on the web.
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Post by sandsman1 on Dec 5, 2007 21:24:52 GMT -5
you have a great setup man i wish i could have a 18 inch saw but you have all the makins to make what ever you decide
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Dec 5, 2007 21:55:30 GMT -5
Well, I've been messing around with silver since the 70's. About 2002 I started to do it as a business. Got into lapidary along the way. I put all the profit and then some into tools, silver, equipment, and of course rocks. It's my plan for early retirement or when corporate America gives me the boot. Whatever happens first...
You'll notice most of my equipment is used. There are deals out there. You just have to keep your eyes and ears open. And be able to fix things up helps...
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Post by stoner on Dec 5, 2007 23:11:30 GMT -5
Great looking shop. That's the same grinder I use. When you say it won't drain, do you mean some water always stays in the bottom? Mine does the same thing and it's because the drain is about 1/8" up from the bottom. Poor design.
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,787
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Post by adrian65 on Dec 6, 2007 0:08:07 GMT -5
Now that's a complete shop! Do you also facet stones?
Adrian
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Post by rocklicker on Dec 6, 2007 1:57:31 GMT -5
Nice looking shop. It looks like you can do it all. I particularly like your tumbler setup. Seeing and reading all that makes me want to go into the garage and get to it. I also hope to one day end up doing rocks as a business, maybe when I get older. It's a nice thought. Nice big saw too! It's good to get things used. I have gotten my equipment that way. It's true what you say, you have just got to keep your eyes and ears open. Steve
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Post by connrock on Dec 6, 2007 7:04:29 GMT -5
Man that's a beautiful setup you have there! You have me a bit confused about the drain "freezing".Do you mean freezing as in cold or freezing as in plugged up? The drain is probably up from the bottom of the tank so that the "solids" will settle and only the water will drain. You can easily make the drain bigger and put it at the bottom using whats called a thru-hull flush drain: These can be found in sizes ranging from 1/2"-1-1/2" at: www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomePageView?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&ref=busLook under "Plumbing" Plastic Fittings". You can use either a hole saw or an electricians knock out" cutter to make the hole. connrock
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Post by Tweetiepy on Dec 6, 2007 8:52:18 GMT -5
I love your workspace! so organized & tidy (did you clean before you posted a picture?) I like how you set up your pliers area - I'm still using a laptray!
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bouldergal
freely admits to licking rocks
Glacier Meadow
Member since July 2007
Posts: 783
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Post by bouldergal on Dec 6, 2007 9:48:25 GMT -5
Wow! Your setup AND organization are an inspiration. Like you I've gotten everything except a 6lb. Thumbler's tumbler used. I wish I lived in a different part of the country where I might find things at garage sales and flea markets, too! Show us some of your work!!!!
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raqy
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2007
Posts: 799
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Post by raqy on Dec 6, 2007 9:50:45 GMT -5
Thats a great workshop! Can we come over to play?? Raquel
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Dec 6, 2007 10:04:57 GMT -5
Well the reason my 8" Start Diamond grinder is not draining is of my own doing. I had the bright idea of draining it into a settling tank before draining out of my garage on the side of my house. I bought a used acrylic aquarium at Petsmart for $5. It had a 3/4" and 1 1/2" bulkhead fittings drilled in the back. I use the 3/4" to drain from my grinder to the tank. Then the 1 1/2" as a drain out. It worked pretty good for a year or so but something is clogged. I used to use it to dump tumbler sludge and probably mucked up the whole thing. I think I will just forgo the settling tank and drain it directly outside and not dump tumbler sludge anymore in it.
It's the water supply I need to re-engineer. I used to have a hole near the garden hose faucet and fed a garden hose through it and up and over the rafters. It worked well until mice started chewing through the hose as it entered the garage. Two problems. A flood when I turned the water on and then I had mice in my garage. So I sealed the hole and am still trapping mice.
The flat lap is for cabs and flats and my inlay work. I've never tried faceting. There are members of our local rock club who do it. A couple are quite good and teach at the local Senior Center. Someday...
Rick
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Post by Tonyterner on Dec 6, 2007 10:37:46 GMT -5
Rick that is a really nice set up. So neat, clean and organized. My shop is always a mess but it is primarily a woodturning shop, the rock stuff is new. I won that same grinder in a raffle here and am just waiting for delivery. Thanks for the pics.
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Post by joe on Dec 7, 2007 2:03:56 GMT -5
Oh yeah! I love shop pics!! Yours looks cozy.
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