billyd
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2004
Posts: 157
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Post by billyd on Jan 8, 2005 14:57:31 GMT -5
hello to everyone does anyone have any plans or drawings of how to make a vibrating stone pollisher? billy.d
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Post by stoner on Jan 9, 2005 2:27:51 GMT -5
Hi billyd. I'm finishing up a rotary tumbler right now, but my next project is gonna be a vibrating flat lap, for polishing slabs. Are you looking for plans for a vibe tumlber? Actually, I think the difference between a tumbler and a flat lap is the bowl.
Ed
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Post by connrock on Jan 9, 2005 12:38:22 GMT -5
Hi Billy,,,,,,, Ed's right about the mechanics of the vibe units. I think the biggest problem is getting the correct "amplitude" (vibratiion) for optimum action in the barrel.Some of the more expensive units come with an amplitude adjustment but for most of us "tumblers" their cost is way over our heads. I have Covington vibe flat lap and there is no knob or dial for this adjustment but all I have to do is move a counter weight,on the motor,in or out to adjust it. The counter weight is nothing but a piece of flat stock that slides away or toward the shaft on the motor. The closer to the motor the faster and smoother the vibration.The farther from the motor the slower and rougher the vibration. Every company that makes these units has their own idea of how to transfer the vibration.Some use rubber balls of diferent sizes and some use spring steel rods,others use an electro magnet. My vibe "tumbler" uses 4 pieces of spring steel under the main frame and the amplitude is adjusted by moving a 3/8" dowel back and forth under the frame.The dowel design is terrible as the dowel wears out VERY fast and the whole unit goes crazy which in turn breaks one or more of the springs. I didn't see muce sence in being able to change the amplitude once it was set so I replaced the dowel with a piece of stainless steel round stock the same diameter.It's been running for quite a few years now with no problems at all. Another design problem with a lot of the units is the barrel material.Some are made of plastic and they tend to wear away after a while.The best "barrel material" is what's used on th rotary tumblers.It will take forever to wear away even if you put carpet tacks in it. If I were to build a unit,no matter what idea I used for vibe transfer, I would form my design around the barrel and not try to find a barrel to fit my design. Just my thoughts,,,,, Good luck,,,,,,, Tom
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billyd
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2004
Posts: 157
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Post by billyd on Jan 10, 2005 7:52:27 GMT -5
thanks stoner& connrock i think its the vibrating flat lap i am after to polish one side only, as i like the unpolished part just as much cheers once again.billy.d
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billyd
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2004
Posts: 157
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Post by billyd on Jan 30, 2005 8:30:33 GMT -5
I have started to build a saw to take 8" blade,and will try to copy stone clamp,but found out i am a faild welder so back at start again.is there anything i should try an avoid. Got second hand equipment x2 saw& grinding wheel combos 6&8" blades but blades&wheels finnished.Got 2 revolving laps 1 polish 1 grinding but not a clue what to do. billyd
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