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Post by Cher on Dec 27, 2004 11:35:47 GMT -5
I have some Christmas cash ($200.00) and can't decided what to get ... how stupid is that? What I have right now is ... 3 tumblers, a 3lb CE, a Lortone 33B and a Lortone 1.5. A Dremel. A grinder, one side has a wheel, one side has a sanding belt. $200.00 isn't really a lot so I want to make it go as far as I can. But I don't really want to get anything that's too cheap either so there's also the option of waiting until I can save more $$. Since I value all of your opinions, I thought I'd ask to see what you all think is the next best purchase. Thanks, Cher
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Post by docone31 on Dec 27, 2004 11:42:33 GMT -5
Cher, I put down a slab saw. That will be a fundamental part of your lapidary experience. If I had my druthers, I would get a good slab saw. Good place to start.
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Post by connrock on Dec 27, 2004 12:11:11 GMT -5
I agree with Doc. A slab saw can open up a whole new world for you. Just look at what some of the others in our group have done since getting a slab saw!! Tom
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HarryB41
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2004
Posts: 605
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Post by HarryB41 on Dec 27, 2004 13:08:24 GMT -5
Hello Cher, This is a no brainer for sure.... Slab Saw hands down! Once you get the saw a whole new world will open up to you. Sell slabs for extra pocket change and buy tumblers as you need or want them. Windchimes Cher.... windchimes! Think Spring! Harry
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69beeper
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 377
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Post by 69beeper on Dec 27, 2004 14:09:54 GMT -5
...a slab saw!
Jimmy
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Dec 27, 2004 15:25:17 GMT -5
Hey Cher, after tumbling, the slab saw is pretty much where it all starts, just like Doc said. Those new Lake Superior Agates would have some truly spectacular color shows when cut open!
Ron
ps. Then go for the drill press!
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Post by krazydiamond on Dec 27, 2004 15:37:16 GMT -5
yeh, i have to agree, put that $200 in a jar and keep saving, or seriously haunt eBay for a used Lortone Trim/Slab saw. go as big as you can afford, you won't regret it.
barring that, Cher, my second choice is More Rocks!
KD
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WilliamC
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2003
Posts: 416
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Post by WilliamC on Dec 27, 2004 15:41:00 GMT -5
Greetings All,
Me too, me too! A slab saw for New Years, since Christmas is come and gone, would be the choice for me. Someday, someday...
WilliamC
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Dec 27, 2004 18:57:25 GMT -5
I had to go for the diamond grinding wheel since I am happy with the saws BE and I have, already have enough rocks to keep me busy for months, 4 tumblers, and a drill press attachment for the dremel. Two things you didn't list that I really, really want - an enclosed area for the saws so we can cut rocks come rain/shine/wind/cold and more hours in the day!
BE and I will eventually get a workshop built, but think I am outta luck on the extra hours of the day! Hurry up daylight savings time!!
llana
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Post by Cher on Dec 27, 2004 19:42:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions. Guess I'd best start watching for a used one cause I'll never be able to afford a new one ... unless I wait and save through about 3 more Christmases and birthdays too. I just worry about buying used. Maybe I should put an ad in our local paper and see, maybe someone might have something to sell.
Cher
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bwalters
has rocks in the head
Member since March 2004
Posts: 557
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Post by bwalters on Dec 27, 2004 19:55:20 GMT -5
Cher, I was really torn about what to suggest between two of the items you listed. I finally 'voted' on the slab saw. You have enough $ to get a 10" saw like the one that Llana and I have and we're really happy with it. Check it out at Homier.com. Current price is $169.99. Doesn't include the blade, but Llana got the blade at Home Depot, I think.
The item I really want right now is the drill press set up for my Dremel. I still can't find one! But I have some polished stones that are just begging to be drilled, and some of them never saw the saw. They went straight from the ground to the tumblers!
Good luck shopping!!!
BE
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Dec 27, 2004 23:36:29 GMT -5
most diamond wheels (U.S. made) run about 130 to 180 each it is hard for me to justify spending that kind of money, I did run across a company that sells diamond wheels on E-Bay. I ordered a 60 grit wheel and it cost 41.00 WITH shipping the only bad part is that it is coming from Hong Kong. I figure that if it lasts only 1/2 as long as a U.S. wheel I am still ahead money wise. as soon as it gets here and I start to use it I will post what I think. look up Richon Tools on E-Bay.
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Post by stoner on Dec 27, 2004 23:50:02 GMT -5
Hi Cher. A slab saw would be nice, but you couldn't do much with just $200, so float a loan for a new patio and get yourself a saw. Just kidding. Check out my post about Ebersole Lapidary. I bought an 8" Nova grinding wheel for $48, and an 8x3 diamond sanding belt for $37. Everything is 60% off on phone orders.
Ed
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Dec 28, 2004 0:31:36 GMT -5
stoner, the only 100 grit diamond wheels they had when I called were $100+. They had two kinds and both were more expensive than I could afford right now. BooHoo! May have to order on from that manufacturer in Hong Kong where Warren ordered his. Course, I'm gonna wait til he gets his and tries it out!
llana
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Dec 28, 2004 22:19:33 GMT -5
FYI: I got a tracking # today and it was mailed the 23rd and should take 5 - 10 days soooo any day I can hardly wait.
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Post by stoner on Dec 29, 2004 0:20:35 GMT -5
Hi Warren. That's pretty fast shipping. Let us know how the wheel performs. I still need another 8" for my grinder.
Ed
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Pdwight
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 619
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Post by Pdwight on Dec 29, 2004 1:12:10 GMT -5
Well you asked, If I could afford a new toy ;
A model 37 Remington Single shot target rifle in 22LR , they stopped making them in 1954.....well you asked.
Dwight P
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Post by creativeminded on Dec 29, 2004 21:25:34 GMT -5
Get the dremel drill press attachment before you can't get it anymore. Tami
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Post by sandsman1 on Dec 29, 2004 21:43:19 GMT -5
well i just did order a new toy yesterday and it was what i voted for hahaha,, a new 12ich lortone slab saw--now i just hafta wait 6 to 8 weeks for it to come they dont make them till they have an order and there backed up with xmas im sure
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Post by sandsman1 on Dec 29, 2004 21:59:43 GMT -5
warren those wheels look good the only dif i could find after two emails to him was there 1 inch wide i asked about the 8 inch ones and he said he dont have the 1-1/2 wide wheels yet but may in the future--im useing the same wheel right now its 8x1-1/2 wide with a 1 inch arbor and i dont have any complaints i think there a great wheel i have punished mine and it's still cuttin great and still has a strait face i think your gonna be happy with it --i just like the wider wheel because you can get a nice flat edge on a bigger cab with them i wish they had 2inch wide wheels id get one
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