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Post by Tweetiepy on Nov 6, 2007 9:38:45 GMT -5
I'm working extra hard to try to earn money to get myself a Diamond Pacific Genie cabbing machine - the Titan is too big/expensive for what I need it for and the Pixie a little too small for what I'm used to using and I like the idea of the 6" wheels. Since the Cdn dollar is doing well now  - I'd save well over $100 on it if I bought it today  … but by the time I get the money collected, our dollar will probably be at an all-time low  Anywho... I noticed on the description that the Genie comes with a diamond compound and polishing pad - what is this used for? Doesn't the 3000 grit wheel give it a super dazzling polish? Where does this polishing pad go and is it really needed? |
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Post by stardiamond on Nov 6, 2007 12:01:17 GMT -5
The polishing pad screws into the end of the right set of wheels. It is used with the cover off. I have two pads; one with 50,000 paste and another with 100,000. I also use a 14,000 grit genie wheel after the 3,000. Every step provides a better shine.
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Post by stardiamond on Nov 6, 2007 12:14:11 GMT -5
If you can get your hands on an old Star diamond cabbing machine ( I paid $250 for mine with two worn galaxy wheels) you can make a cheaper version of the Titan. Mine has room for five wheels; two jade carver (80 and 220 grit) and three 8" Nova (220,600,1200). I cut a hole in the front so that I can slide in a genie tray and use two sprayers instead of hooking it up to a water supply. The disadvantage is that I have to remove the top and take out the axle to remove the wheels. I use my Genie for 280, 3000, 14000 and the canvas pad. If I only had one machine, I would batch my work up to 1200 grit and then replace the 1200 grit with a 3000 and attach a polishing pad. If I ever get around to it I'll post a picture. The Star Diamond cuts a lot faster than a Genie and the wider Nova wheels are much easier to work with on larger cabs.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 7, 2007 23:55:29 GMT -5
Tweetiepy, some agates look pretty good at 3000. Some stones need more. The polish pad and 14000 diamond replaced the 14000 wheel the machine used to have before they switched to 3000. The pad spins on the right side. They also have leather and felt pads and no hole laps and magnetic laps...
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Post by krazydiamond on Nov 8, 2007 16:24:08 GMT -5
i use the canvas with the 14000 paste on most of the stones i cab as a final step. they sell the flats in all the grades of grit, so you could effectively cab or flat lap with just those, although it would be a pain in the rear to screw and unscrew it after every grit change. the water squishers will work at that angle to, it's illustrated in the manual.
fingers crossed that Santa smiles upon you this holiday season, Tweet and you get your genie sooner rather than later.
KD
KD
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Post by stardiamond on Nov 8, 2007 16:45:09 GMT -5
I have used some flat labs on the Genie and the sprayers aren't too swift keeping them wet. A spray bottle of water works ok. On the canvas pad, I use silicone spray before polishing.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 8, 2007 20:57:27 GMT -5
If you are having trouble keeping the laps wet here is a tip one of my customers figured out. Use both sprayers and turn the pan the opposite direction. You also have to use the angle block holders to angle the sprayer properly. He had to buy a second one. He was trying to flat lap a rock the size of the lap and was getting swirl marks in the center. I told him it was obvious to me it wasn't getting enough water. He came back later with his fix. They work just fine for cab sized pieces but don't get enough water near the center of the lap. I really like the magnetic novas.
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Post by Tweetiepy on Nov 9, 2007 11:48:54 GMT -5
Thanks guys - I never used the side pad on the Titan at the shop and didn't realize that it was needed - I had great results from just the 3000 grit (hey anything is better than the SC wheels huh?!)
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- I'd save well over $100 on it if I bought it today 
… but by the time I get the money collected, our dollar will probably be at an all-time low 
Anywho...
