rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Mar 13, 2006 2:22:03 GMT -5
The old Star Diamond GP-6 I bought last week is going to need some upgrades, seeing so many options available, I'm looking for suggestions on what to get-
Right now, it has 2 hard diamond wheels, both near the end of their service life, the 80 grit one being definetly on its last leg, so I'm pretty sure that replacing it straight across with another 80 diamond wheel is gonna happen soon.
The 220 diamond wheel will probably last a few more months, so changing that is low priority.
The 3rd wheel is a big felt wheel, that I'm thinking might be worth trading for an expando drum and some belts.
On the opposite end is a disc attachment, that looks like it's threaded for 1/4-20 or so.
The disc end does not have irrigation, so I expect its a bit limited in what I can do down there, but I figured a rubber disc and simple hardware store SC paper could come in handy with a sprayer for smoothing out things off the 220.
But when it comes to polishing, I'm wondering whether to save the felt wheel or get some leather belts for the expando drum? (that I am thinking of buying...)
Any advise or experiences based on these, or competing technologies are greatly appreciated
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Post by stoner on Mar 13, 2006 13:25:55 GMT -5
Get rid of the felt wheel and get an expanding drum(around $50). Then you can use diamond belts and a leather belt for polish. As for the disc, glue a rubber backing on it and then glue a leather disc on it too. Discs come in handy for some polishing jobs. If you use diamond paste on it, you don't need any water.
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 13, 2006 14:49:08 GMT -5
WoW ED just what I was gonna say- Also you can build a water gyser (aquarium pump and airstone) to splash the end disc- it will be handy for working larger flats (although I'm getting pretty good at flats up to 2 inches accross on the wheels) But the Expandable drum is a no brainer- you can use diamond belts that are a lot cheaper than the Nova wheels- and work just as well!- Oh also the leather polish belt can be replaced with a resin belt and diamond paste (I'm gonna try mine tonight!)
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Mar 16, 2006 10:57:12 GMT -5
So - replace the felt wheel with an expando drum.
And get belts for that, I presume since I have a hard wheel at 200, I should get belts from say about 400 up- should I go all the way up to the super fine belts or should I just get a couple leather belts and diamond paste?
I suppose if I do a leather disc on the end I'll need some diamond paste anyway, so maybe just go up to 5000 or so on the belts and use the disc for final polish...
I appreciate the tips guys!
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 16, 2006 11:10:41 GMT -5
there you go! If you can swing it I would go Diamond belts in 400, 600, 1200, and 3000- then get diamond paste for the leather (14000 and 50000 is what ed uses- and me too now that he has shown me the light!)
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Mar 16, 2006 13:43:24 GMT -5
Well tomorrow is payday... so which of our esteemed online suppliers should I hit up for these goodies?
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Post by stoner on Mar 16, 2006 15:16:27 GMT -5
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 16, 2006 15:19:54 GMT -5
I really love Santa Fe Jewlery Suppply! They beat everyones prices by a couple of bucks! www.sfjssantafe.com/ |
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Post by stoner on Mar 16, 2006 15:32:12 GMT -5
Okay, they are cheaper. Use their "search our site" and type in diamond belts. I had a hard time finding them before I searched for them.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 17, 2006 11:00:14 GMT -5
yea I have complained to them about there site- I have also asked time and time again for a print catalog- They keep promising me that the are gonna improve the site (not that it is bad- just awkward to get around) and they are gonna do a print run soon on the catalog- but hey their prices are real cheap- Also they usually send me some candy (I like That) Last time it was Jolly Ranchers- Grape, Cherry and SOUR APPLE (my all time Fav!) Hade to hid them from my daughter (my bad- told her they didn't send candy- that was the other place she was thinking of) Also If you go with SiC belts- they are cheaper on those also- Way Cheaper (I get the 5 packs)
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Mar 17, 2006 19:12:54 GMT -5
Well I spread it around, Arrowhead, Kingsley and SF all got some of my money-
and my $100 grinder is quickly approaching $700 in total cost, but it will be set up better than new.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 18, 2006 11:56:48 GMT -5
Yea I hear ya- My $250 grinder is is closing in on $600!!!! It adds up quick-
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Post by sandsman1 on Mar 18, 2006 21:49:31 GMT -5
hey guys dont feel bad i just ordered a set of genie wheels and allmost fainted when i clicked the send button hahaha im gonna be broke for awile now hahahaha hey its all in a days work for rockheads right
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Mar 19, 2006 18:31:10 GMT -5
Sands- New wheels all ready?  ? You got that thing less than a year ago!!!! heck it is almost cheaper to buy a new Genie! |
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? You got that thing less than a year ago!!!! heck it is almost cheaper to buy a new Genie!
