RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Feb 2, 2005 0:52:41 GMT -5
I would guess that getting electocuted would be very hazardous, so please help me from doing something stupid.
Here is my grinder setup -a grinder from Home Depot, a diamond wheel from Ebay, a router control guide to control the speed, an old waterpik thingy for the water supply, and a tray to catch the water.
I have installed a GFCI outlet. Will the GFCI outlet help protect me from getting electocuted if water gets into the grinder motor?
Any other safety considerations before I start? Or, other hints.
Thanks, Cal
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Post by sandsman1 on Feb 2, 2005 1:36:13 GMT -5
hi cal im not gonna be too much help i have a reg lapidary grinder and dont know too much about elect, but if it was me if the switch is on the front of the grinder id tape some saran wrap over it so water dont get into the switch i dont think water will get in by the bearings because the shaft is spinning and it should throw any water off that might get on it,, i would think that outlet would cut out before it can do anything but make your hair stand up ---see i told ya i aint no help hahaha
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 2, 2005 8:36:01 GMT -5
It should help- as long as the tinfoil hat is shiny side in! ;D
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Post by krazydiamond on Feb 2, 2005 8:49:43 GMT -5
rubber soled shoes? (kidding)
if it's 110v low amps all you'll do is give yourself a good jolt and you'll find yourself on the other side of the room.
but i think you should be fine, keep the spray away from the motor and on the wheel.
KD
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Post by Tweetiepy on Feb 2, 2005 9:21:26 GMT -5
It all depends on how you get electrocuted I guess. My 4 year old has gotten many shocks from putting his fingers on the prongs of his nightlight as he is inserting it back into the wall - so much for childproofing everything. He kept doing it (until I found out and told him what he was doing wrong - that kid has death wish : - so I guess it depends on where you get the jolt from.
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Post by docone31 on Feb 2, 2005 9:27:47 GMT -5
Your GFCI socket will, if it is installed according to directions, blow before any electricity will short to you. With using water on the wheels, If you center the drip on the wheel, and watch for spray into the shaft, you should have no difficulties. The shaft is sealed to prevent dirt, dust, contaminants, liquids from entering the motor under standard useage. You should be ok, if, you watch for water getting into the switch on the motor, flowing into the casing, or puddling into the hookup under the motor casing. Because it is homemade, you will have to be the safety feature. You should get years of use if you use it to get years from it.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 2, 2005 9:45:05 GMT -5
Oh and don't fill the bathtub and try it in there ;D Sorry but electricity and I do not get along (I kinda got struck by lighting once and that feeling is the worst in the world!)
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GPSman
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2005
Posts: 8
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Post by GPSman on Feb 2, 2005 10:05:54 GMT -5
Cal, So long as the GFCI is installed properly, it will protect you. Make sure the grinder has a three prong plug, a GFCI "measures" the current to ground and if the set current is exceeded (6mA if I remember correctly) it will interrupt the circuit. Joe B.
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RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Feb 2, 2005 20:51:03 GMT -5
thanks all for the advice. I didn't think about water seeping in the bottom, I'll have to look at check the set up on the bottom.
When I installed the GFCI outlet, I had the incoming wires and outgoing wires backwards and the test did not work. I switched the wires and the test and reset buttons work.
If you using water, should I still wear a dust mask? Or, will the water keep the dust down? The real questions, is the my wife is refinishing the doors in the basement. and if I operate the grinder (with water), will it still kick up rock dust?
Thanks again, Cal
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Post by sandsman1 on Feb 3, 2005 0:04:32 GMT -5
it keeps alot of the dust down but to be safe id cover the doors hahaha --i find that most of the mess is from the polish it clouds up when im finishing stones
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Feb 3, 2005 21:33:56 GMT -5
Hello RedwoodRocks,
I would recommend using a dust mask if you are cutting the following:
Malachite (Toxic in a dry dust form)
Azurite/Malachite (Toxic in a dry dust form)
Larimar (Highly fiberous material - Lung Hazard)
Any fozzil based material - ie; Petoskey Stone, Fosssilized Corals, Fossilized Algae. (These can have adverse effects on the lungs in the dry dust form.
Actually, any dry rock dust is not good for your lungs ... but, I always wear a dust mask when cutting any of the materials listed above.
Hope this helps,
John
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Blue Tigereye
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2005
Posts: 118
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Post by Blue Tigereye on Feb 4, 2005 22:48:03 GMT -5
No getting electrocuted doesn't hurt.
I was 8 and helping put in a driveway. I had just washed my hands in the barrel of water when my Dad asked me to move the cord for the cement mixer. I was smart enough not to grab it, and tried kicking it out of the way until my Dad yelled at me. Then I picked it up.
Didn't feel anything, couldn't move, couldn't speak, I just started crying. Luckily my Dad noticed and he pushed me free from the cord. So I am here to tell you it doesn't hurt, but you can't let go or move either.
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Feb 7, 2005 16:42:24 GMT -5
Try not to get electrocuted. It isn't much fun and can kill you. Having your heart stop will really cut into your rockhounding.
Read the manual on your grinder very carefully. See what it says about water. If it isn't clear, talk to somebody at the store that knows what they are doing.
Please take this seriously, combining water with electricity is really asking for it.
Call me paranoid, but electricity is one thing I do not fool around with.
Nobody that has replied has mentioned that they are a certified electrician, and neither am I, so consult an expert.
SirRoxalot
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Blue Tigereye
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2005
Posts: 118
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Post by Blue Tigereye on Feb 7, 2005 20:50:38 GMT -5
It doesn't hurt, but it isn't something I would want to experiance again myself. If my Dad wasn't there then I wouldn't be here now.
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Post by charles sroczynski on Feb 8, 2005 13:03:24 GMT -5
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